Palo santo
Bursera graveolens · Burseraceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around palo santo and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Holy wood, Incense tree
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer
- Adult size
- 6 to 9 m in height
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Tropical and subtropical (12–18 °C minimum)
- Origin
- South America (Ecuador, Peru)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light to sandy
Care
Light exposure
Place your Bursera graveolens in bright direct light, receiving at least 6 hours per day. In tropical or subtropical climates, light afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch during extreme heat. Indoors, choose a very bright location near a south or west-facing window.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged. In winter or during dry periods, reduce watering and let the soil dry out slightly between applications. Adjust frequency to your climate: in dry regions, water more often; in humid areas, space waterings further apart.
Soil and drainage
Use well-drained substrate made of equal parts horticultural soil, sand, and organic matter. Drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. A mix enriched with organic matter promotes growth while maintaining good permeability.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer once or twice a month during the active growing season. Reduce applications in winter or during dormancy. An annual application of well-decomposed compost naturally enriches the soil.
Pruning and shaping
Prune after flowering or in late winter to remove dead, poorly oriented, or misshapen branches. Light pruning encourages balanced form and better branching. Avoid excessive pruning; this species tolerates formative pruning well when young.
Pests and diseases
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites in warm, dry environments. Excess stagnant moisture can promote root rot or fungal disease. Ensure good air circulation and avoid foliar watering to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
Bursera graveolens, known as 'Palo Santo' in Latin America, produces a highly aromatic resin that has been used for centuries in rituals and traditional medicine. The wood is so fragrant that living trees naturally release volatile compounds detectable from a distance, which is why its scientific name graveolens literally means 'heavy-scented'. Today, this wood remains precious for its recognized aromatic properties.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.