Agarwood Plant Care

Agarwood (Aquilaria sinensis) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Aquilaria genus. Agarwood is also known as Aloeswood, Eaglewood, Gaharu.

Agarwood displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Agarwood produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Agarwood 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.

Agarwood thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Aquilaria sinensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Agarwood prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Agarwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Agarwood every 8 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 well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Agarwood is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Agarwood can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Agarwood 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.

Agarwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Agarwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to agarwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Agarwood 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.

Agarwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Agarwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.