Myrrh Plant Care

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Commiphora genus. Myrrh is native to Somalia, in the Somali regions of Ethiopia and Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Myrrh is also known as African Myrrh.

Myrrh displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Myrrh produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Myrrh every 10–14 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.

Myrrh thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Commiphora myrrha tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Myrrh prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Myrrh 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 and gravel for good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Myrrh 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.

Myrrh can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Myrrh 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.

Myrrh 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.

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

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Myrrh is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Myrrh grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Myrrh is native to Somalia, in the Somali regions of Ethiopia and Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Myrrh as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.