Indian sandalwood (Santalum album)
Care, watering, light and tips for Indian sandalwood on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Santalaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Indian sandalwood
Santalum album, commonly known as Indian Sandalwood or White Sandalwood, is a medium-sized evergreen tree renowned for its aromatic wood and essential oils. It features bright green, oval leaves and small, pinkish or purplish flowers. This tree is ideal for tropical or subtropical gardens, or as a prominent specimen in large yards, valued for its fragrance and its medicinal and spiritual properties.
Native range
India and parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia
Care tips
It requires full sun to light partial shade and well-drained, sandy, slightly acidic soil. Watering should be regular during the first few years, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged; once established, it is quite drought-tolerant. It is crucial to understand that it is a hemiparasitic plant, needing other host plants for optimal development, so planting compatible species nearby is essential. Avoid heavy, clayey soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Indian sandalwood
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing, or dropping leaves. Slow or no growth. Presence of pests like scale insects.
- First aid
- Ensure a compatible host plant is nearby. Reduce watering if soil is wet. Check drainage.
- What kills it
- Lack of a host plant (it's hemiparasitic). Constant waterlogging. Exposure to frost or extreme cold.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if host issue is fixed and watering adjusted. Prompt action is key for survival.