Aquilaria secundaria Plant Care
Aquilaria secundaria DC.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its unique heart-shaped leaves and fragrant resin, originating from Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Aquilaria secundaria for its rarity and the highly sought-after agarwood that forms within the tree, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Partial shade to full sun
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Aquilaria secundaria?
Plant Aquilaria secundaria in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Aquilaria secundaria Native To?
What Is the Aquilaria secundaria?
Aquilaria secundaria (Aquilaria secundaria) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Aquilaria genus. Aquilaria secundaria is native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, also Thailand.
Aquilaria secundaria displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Aquilaria secundaria produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aquilaria secundaria?
Water a young or newly planted Aquilaria secundaria 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Aquilaria secundaria Need?
Aquilaria secundaria thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aquilaria secundaria Prefer?
Aquilaria secundaria tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Aquilaria secundaria prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aquilaria secundaria?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Aquilaria secundaria to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aquilaria secundaria?
Feed Aquilaria secundaria 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.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Aquilaria secundaria?
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.
Aquilaria secundaria is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Aquilaria secundaria?
Aquilaria secundaria 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.
How Do You Prune a Aquilaria secundaria?
Prune Aquilaria secundaria 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.
How Do You Care for a Aquilaria secundaria in Winter?
Aquilaria secundaria is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Aquilaria secundaria?
Aquilaria secundaria can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to agarwood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Aquilaria secundaria Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Aquilaria secundaria, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Aquilaria secundaria?
Aquilaria secundaria 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Aquilaria secundaria Need?
Aquilaria secundaria grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Aquilaria secundaria is native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, also Thailand. In cooler regions, grow Aquilaria secundaria as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Aquilaria secundaria is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aquilaria genus — compare its care with other Aquilaria species on PlantoScan.
Aquilaria is part of the Thymelaeaceae plant family — browse all Thymelaeaceae genera and species.
Aquilaria secundaria thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aquilaria Species
Other Aquilaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aquilaria secundaria DC., family Thymelaeaceae (first published in Prodr. 2: 5 (1825)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aquilaria secundaria, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
