African sandalwood Plant Care

African sandalwood (Annickia polycarpa) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Annickia genus. African sandalwood is native to evergreen forests of West and Central Africa. African sandalwood is also known as False Iroko, Muskwood.

African sandalwood displays a tall tree, upright habit growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. African sandalwood produces small, fragrant yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African sandalwood every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African sandalwood thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Annickia polycarpa tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. African sandalwood prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for African sandalwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African sandalwood every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African sandalwood is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African sandalwood can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune African sandalwood while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

African sandalwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African sandalwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to annickia affinis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African sandalwood is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

African sandalwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. African sandalwood is native to evergreen forests of West and Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow African sandalwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.