Sandalwood (Santalum album) - Seedling - LIVE PLANT

Plant Insights and Care

Sandalwood (Santalum album), also known as Indian Sandalwood, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree famed for its aromatic heartwood and essential oil. Native to southern India and Southeast Asia, it has been cultivated for centuries for use in perfumes, incense, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.

The tree grows 8–12 meters tall and features smooth greyish bark and oval, glossy green leaves. Sandalwood is a semi-parasitic species, meaning it forms root connections with nearby host plants (such as legumes or acacias) to draw nutrients and water while still performing photosynthesis on its own. For this reason, it should be planted near suitable companion trees that grow fast and have deep root systems.

In hot and dry climates such as the UAE, Sandalwood performs well once established but requires care during its first few years. It thrives in full sun and well-draining, sandy or loamy soils, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5–8.0). It tolerates heat and moderate drought but prefers occasional deep watering during dry periods, especially when young. Avoid heavy clay soils or poor drainage, as these conditions can cause root rot.

Fertilization is minimal—Sandalwood naturally performs well in nutrient-poor soils—but light organic feeding during its early growth can accelerate establishment. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches.

Key Points:

• Origin: Southern India and Southeast Asia.

• Climate: Warm tropical to semi-arid; highly tolerant of heat and moderate drought.

• Sun Exposure: Full sun.

• Watering: Occasional deep watering; drought-tolerant once established.

• Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil; pH 6.5–8.0.

• Fertilization: Light organic feeding in early years; avoid excess nitrogen.

• Pruning: Minimal; remove dead or weak branches.

• Growth Rate: Moderate; trees mature in 15–20 years for heartwood harvest.

• Special Note: Plant near host species like Acacia, Casuarina, or Pigeon Pea for proper root symbiosis.

Wood and Fragrance Profile

Sandalwood is valued for its dense, aromatic heartwood, which develops after 10–15 years of growth. The heartwood yields sandalwood oil, one of the most expensive and enduring essential oils in the world. The scent is warm, woody, creamy, and slightly sweet, with excellent fixative properties used in luxury perfumes, incense, and Ayurvedic preparations.

Dive into the facts:

• Fragrance: Deep, woody, sweet aroma that intensifies with age.

• Wood Appearance: Pale brown to dark golden heartwood surrounded by lighter sapwood.

• Fun Fact: High-quality sandalwood trees can fetch significant value — up to several thousand dollars per mature tree — due to the global demand for its essential oil and timber.