Boswellia dioscoridis Plant Care

Boswellia dioscoridis (Boswellia dioscoridis) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Boswellia genus. Boswellia dioscoridis is native to the island Socotra in Yemen.

Boswellia dioscoridis displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Boswellia dioscoridis produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Boswellia dioscoridis every 14–21 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.

Boswellia dioscoridis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Boswellia dioscoridis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Boswellia dioscoridis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Boswellia dioscoridis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Boswellia dioscoridis 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Boswellia dioscoridis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Boswellia dioscoridis can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 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 Boswellia dioscoridis 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.

Boswellia dioscoridis 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.

Boswellia dioscoridis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to indian frankincense plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Boswellia dioscoridis 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.

Boswellia dioscoridis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Boswellia dioscoridis is native to the island Socotra in Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Boswellia dioscoridis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.