The frankincense tree is really exotic in German gardens. And that's how he wants to be treated. We will show you which care measures are required.
Incense trees (Boswellia) are practically impossible to get small in their natural habitat. They grow under extreme conditions, on barren mountain slopes and in drafty corners where hardly any other plant can be found. Although frankincense trees are now occasionally spotted on our balconies and terraces, many botanists are firmly convinced that the frankincense tree cannot be cultivated far from its natural distribution area, the dry zones of Africa and Arabia.
Indeed, the balsam trees don't make it easy for us. They grow very slowly and want to be handled with kid gloves. You can now find out how frankincense trees can still grow into stately trees in our latitudes through species-appropriate care.
❀ Water the frankincense tree properly
When you pick up the watering can, always consider the natural growing conditions of the plant. The plants do well on dry, sandy soil. For "bad times" the plants are able to store water.
Wetness is not tolerated and quickly causes the sensitive roots to rot, which inevitably means the end for your exotic plant. During the growth phase, watering is moderate but regular. Cultivated as a container plant, the frankincense automatically has less substrate available, so it can also supply less nutrients, which requires a regular water supply.
» Tip: The incense tree is not watered between October and April.
The trees like it dry, but prefer to grow near the sea in their homeland. Therefore, the plants are happy about an occasional shower from the plant sprayer.
You can cast in two different ways. Flood the planter with water or place the planter in a bucket of water until there are no more air bubbles. A renewed watering takes place only when the substratehas dried on the surface.
» Tip: You can also water in small quantities, this happens more frequently and requires more sensitivity, so that no waterlogging occurs.
Good news at the end - the irrigation water can come directly from the tap. Because the frankincense tree tolerates calcareous or hard water without any problems.
In brief:
• do not water between April and October
• flood or immerse plant pots
• substrate should be up to dry before next watering
• Avoid waterlogging at all costs
• Increase humidity by spraying
• Tap water is tolerated
❀ Fertilize the frankincense tree properly
The nutrient requirement of the frankincense tree is rather low. In order to stimulate growth, sparing fertilizer is advisable. Only fertilize between April and September. You should preferably use cactus fertilizer. This liquid fertilizer can be added directly to the irrigation water. A rather economical dosage is to be assumed, so that there is no over-fertilization, which damages the sensitive roots.
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» Tip: Administer small doses of cactus fertilizer monthly during the growth phase. Use about a quarter of the manufacturer's recommended dosage.
In brief:
• fertilize between April and September
• preferably use cactus fertilizer
• fertilize several times and in small doses
• Add fertilizer directly to the irrigation water
❀ Does the frankincense tree have to be cut?
As we have already learned, the frankincense tree is not necessarily easy to cultivate. If there is talk of circumcision, you may have your doubts - admittedly, not entirely unjustified. However, if the necessary precautions are taken, it is quite possible to prune the plants. This is also necessary, because the plants eventually grow up to eight meters high, which of course seems rather out of the question for a container plant.
You don't have to use scissors every year, though, because the plants are in no hurry to grow. If trimming is necessary, trim the branches by about a quarter. It is important that you do not leave the frankincense tree to itself. Resin escapes at the interfaces. Radical pruning can cause the plant to bleed out.
Provide the cut surfaces with onespecial wax that seals the interfaces. Thin branches can be treated with warm water.
» Tip: Protect the surrounding ground from escaping resin with a film or tarpaulin.
The best time to prune the frankincense tree is spring.
In short:
• prune in spring
• use sharp and clean pruning tool
• branches about a quarter to a quarter Shorten thirds
• Supply interfaces
• Protect floor from escaping resin
❀ Overwintering the frankincense tree properly
If the potted plant spends the summer on the balcony or terrace, moving to the winter quarters should not be delayed too long. The plants do not tolerate any cold, not even for a short time. If the thermometer falls below 15 degrees at night, it's time to move into the house. Depending on the weather, this can be as early as September.
Requires warm winter quarters. The temperatures should not drop below 15 degrees here either. Room temperature is well tolerated. The frankincense tree should also be very bright in winter. If you cannot ensure this, provide an additional light source, for example in the form of plant lamps.
Stop watering and fertilizing your frankincense tree from October. Irrigation does not start again until April and the first application of fertilizer takes place. You should keep an eye on the plants in the winter quarters. An infestation with spider mites is particularly common there.
In short:
• warm
• light
• airy
• do not water or fertilize
❀ For quick readers: overview of care tips
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Casting | • The frankincense tree is watered between April and September. • The plant can be washed in or submerged, but also tolerates smaller and more frequent waterings. • Tap water can be used.• Before watering again, the surface of the substrate should be dry. • Avoid waterlogging. |
| Fertilize | • Smaller amounts of fertilizer can be applied during the growth phase. • Use cactus fertiliser. • A quarter of the manufacturer's information per fertilizer application is sufficient. • There is no fertilization between September and April. |
| Cut | • Due to its slow growth, the frankincense tree does not have to be planted every yearbe pruned. • Resin will come out after pruning. • To prevent the tree from bleeding out, treat the wounds with a special sealant or with warm water. |
| Wintering | • If the values fall below 15 degrees at night, the plant has to move to the winter quarters. • The hibernation has to be bright and warm. • You may have to provide an additional light source . • The plant is neither watered nor fertilized in winter quarters. |
❀ Avoid care mistakes - recognize diseases on the frankincense tree
Diseases are quite rare in the frankincense tree. If the tree starts to get sick, this is usually due to mistakes in care. To spot any damage or signs of disease early, keep an eye on the plant. The danger of an infestation with spider mites is particularly high in the winter quarters. These spread particularly well in dry heating air. Too dry or too humid location is the greatest danger for the plant.
➪ Spider mites on the frankincense tree
Spider mites first colonize the underside of the leaves, so they usually cannot be identified at first glance. But you will soon notice a change in your plant, because the characteristic webs form on the shoot tips. If the infestation is noticed in time, it can help to treat the plant with a hard jet of water.
» Tip: If the incense tree is to be showered, you should cover the bottom with foil so that not too much Moisture penetrates the soil.
If the infestation is more severe, a chemical control agent will probably be necessary. To reliably eliminate the eggs and larvae, use the product for at least six weeks in a row.
➪ The frankincense tree is too damp
The general problem with potted plants is that many hobby gardeners miscalculate when watering the plants and the irrigation water cannot drain off and builds up in the planter. Most ornamental plants are allergic to waterlogging. The frankincense tree is no exception. The plants come from arid regions and cannot handle wet conditions.
Your plant is too moist if:
• the substrate feels damp
• watering water builds up in the cachepot
• moldy deposits forming on the substrate
• a foul smell emanating from the planter
• the leaves discolour and fall off
Now you should react quickly to yourplant to save. The incense tree must be removed from the planter. Be careful not to damage the roots. Free the roots from the substrate and dry them if necessary. The plant is then placed in fresh substrate.
» Tip: Young plants in particular are sensitive to care errors.
➪ Why is my frankincense tree losing its leaves?
The simplest answer to this question is: Because it's autumn. Frankincense trees are not evergreen and consequently shed their leaves in the fall, only to sprout again in the spring.
Leaf fall over the year can have various causes:
• Plant is too wet
• Plant was not watered enough
• Plant needs nutrients
• Plant has been over-fertilized
• Plant has been infested with pests