Pili Nut Plant Care
Canarium littorale Blume
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Canarium littorale is a tree found in tropical Asia and is a member of the incense tree family Burseraceae. The specific epithet littorale is from the Latin meaning "of the seashore", referring to its habitat.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Pili Nut?
Plant Pili Nut in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) 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 Pili Nut Native To?
What Is the Pili Nut?
Pili Nut (Canarium littorale) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Canarium genus. Pili Nut is native to tropical Asia. Pili Nut is also known as Canarium Nut.
Pili Nut displays a tall canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Pili Nut produces small clusters of yellow-green flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pili Nut?
Water a young or newly planted Pili Nut 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 Pili Nut Need?
Pili Nut thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pili Nut Prefer?
Canarium littorale tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Pili Nut 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 Pili Nut?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Pili Nut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pili Nut?
Feed Pili Nut 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 Pili Nut?
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.
Pili Nut 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Pili Nut?
Pili Nut 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.
How Do You Prune a Pili Nut?
Prune Pili Nut 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 Pili Nut in Winter?
Pili Nut 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.
How Do You Propagate a Pili Nut?
Pili Nut can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese olive plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pili Nut Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pili Nut, 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 Pili Nut?
Pili Nut 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pili Nut Need?
Pili Nut grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Pili Nut is native to tropical Asia. In cooler regions, grow Pili Nut as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Pili Nut 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 Canarium genus — compare its care with other Canarium species on PlantoScan.
Canarium is part of the Burseraceae plant family — browse all Burseraceae genera and species.
Pili Nut thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Canarium Species
Other Canarium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Canarium littorale Blume, family Burseraceae (first published in Bijdr. Fl. Ned. Ind. : 1164 (1826)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pili Nut, 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 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
