Canarium Plant Care

Canarium (Canarium asperum) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Canarium genus. Canarium is native to Brunei, Indonesia (Java), Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands.

Canarium displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Canarium produces small clusters of yellow-green flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Canarium 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.

Canarium thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Canarium asperum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Canarium 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 Canarium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Canarium 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Canarium 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.

Canarium can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 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 Canarium 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.

Canarium 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.

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

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

Canarium is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, caterpillars. 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.

Canarium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Canarium is native to Brunei, Indonesia (Java), Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands. In cooler regions, grow Canarium as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.