Frankincense Tree

Frankincense Tree key facts

Growing Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

Long-lived tree (resin production begins at about 8-10 years)

Size

1.5-8 m in habitat; can be kept small in a pot

Watering

A little during the growing season

Light & Placement

Grow in a sunny spot. As a dryland tree, move it out of the rain during long wet spells.

Watering

Water once the soil dries while in leaf. Most losses come from overwatering in winter; the soft wood rots easily if kept wet in the dry season.

Temperature & Overwintering

It is somewhat frost-sensitive; bring it indoors away from frost in winter and let it rest leafless with little water.

Soil & Repotting

Use a free-draining mix. Rather than a deep taproot it forms fine roots, so shallow pots work well.

Pruning & Shaping

It recovers quickly from heavy pruning and is easy to shape like a bonsai. Prune in the growing season.

About Frankincense Tree

Boswellia sacra, the Frankincense Tree: a caudex plant with peeling bark and a swollen base. A guide to care, watering, and placement for this intermediate-level succulent.

7 things to know before growing Frankincense Tree

1. 1Light and Placement

   Boswellia sacra thrives in full sun with good air circulation. Since it is native to arid regions, give it as much direct light as possible outdoors, and move it to a bright indoor spot once temperatures drop, as it is sensitive to cold.

2. 2Watering Basics

   As a drought-tolerant caudex plant, let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Water generously during the growing season, then taper off as the plant approaches dormancy, and never let water sit in the saucer, since overwatering leads to root rot.

3. 3Well-Draining Soil

   Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot. A commercial succulent or caudex mix with added pumice or perlite improves drainage, and a pot with a drainage hole helps keep excess water from pooling around the roots.

4. 4When to Repot

   Repot during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing. Move it to a slightly larger pot once the roots fill the current one, gently loosening the old soil before settling it into fresh mix, and hold off on heavy watering for a few days while the roots settle.

5. 5Winter Care

   Because Boswellia sacra is sensitive to cold, keep it in a warm spot indoors once temperatures drop. It may drop its leaves during dormancy, but a healthy plant will leaf out again when warmth returns, so cut back on watering and keep it on the dry side through winter.

6. 6Choosing a Plant

   The papery, peeling bark and the swollen, rounded base vary quite a bit from plant to plant, and that individuality is part of the appeal. When choosing one, look for healthy bark without wounds or overly soft spots, and check the overall shape of the trunk rather than just the leaves.

7. 7Grow Slowly, Patiently

   Boswellia sacra grows slowly in cultivation, so changes in its form happen gradually, over years rather than months. It is a plant best enjoyed with patience, watching its trunk and bark develop over time.

Frequently asked questions about Frankincense Tree

Q.Is this a good plant for beginners?

A.Boswellia sacra is generally considered suitable for intermediate growers. It is drought-tolerant but sensitive to cold, and getting the placement and watering right takes some experience with caudex or succulent plants.

Q.Can it stay outdoors in winter?

A.Since it is sensitive to cold, it is best not to leave it outdoors once temperatures start dropping. Moving it to a warm, sunny spot indoors is recommended for the colder months.

Q.The leaves dropped, is it dying?

A.Leaf drop during dormancy is a natural part of its cycle and does not necessarily mean the plant is dying. As long as the trunk feels firm and healthy, it will typically leaf out again once warmer weather returns.

Q.How big does it get?

A.In its native habitat it can grow 1.5 to 8 meters tall, but grown in a pot it stays much smaller. Because growth is slow, it is easy to keep it at a tabletop size for a long time.

Q.How is frankincense actually harvested from it?

A.Frankincense is the dried resin of this tree. When grown ornamentally, you don't need to harvest resin at all to enjoy its distinctive trunk and papery, peeling bark.

Handy Growing Tools for Frankincense Tree

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