Palo Santo

Palo Santo Care

Bursera graveolens

What is the plant

Bursera graveolens is a famous wild tree native to South America. It grows in tropical conditions and is prized for its aromatic resin and oil. The species belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is used in ritual processes, massages, and traditional medicine; in particular, it helps with rheumatism, atherosclerosis, arthritis, and stomach pains. It is interesting that Palo Santo wood is used to create beer barrels in European countries.

Bursera graveolens are easily identified by their aroma, reminiscent of burnt sugar or roasted fruit. The tree is branchy and leafless for most of the year, but green-blue leaves with sharp edges appear during the rainy season.

Flowers are formed in inflorescences in the spring, with a green color that varies with the illumination level. The yellow and red fruits appear mid-summer, have a bitter-sweet taste and black seeds and are not edible for humans.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

15°C - 23°C

Hardiness zone

12a - 13b

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The tree needs an average watering level in spring and autumn; in the summer, the watering frequency should be increased. Don’t forget to reduce watering during winter.
Pruning
Remove damaged branches and dead leaves with secateurs.
Fertilizer
Use an all-purpose liquid tree fertilizer monthly during the active growth period.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Provide full or partial sun for the tree, as insufficient sunlight can adversely affect its development.
Soil
The soil should be well-drained, with a combination of sand and clay, and with the ability to hold nutrients.
Propagation
The tree is effectively propagated with the help of seedlings, which can be bought at a garden store. Palo Santo is also multiplied by seeds, but this process is not as efficient as the previous one.

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Temperature
The best temperature for the tree is 59-86˚F (15-30°C) and USDA Hardiness Zones 12a-13b.
Container
Bursera graveolens grows to 66 feet (20 meters), so we do not recommend growing it indoors. It will outgrow any pots eventually. However, if you decide to take care of the plant inside your home, choose big pots with drainage holes.
Fun fact
The name Palo Santo means "sacred forest" and was formed by Spanish monks who discovered the healing and spiritual properties of the tree.