Indian Bdellium-tree Plant Care
Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Commiphora wightii, with common names Indian bdellium-tree, gugal, guggal, guggul, gugul, or mukul myrrh tree, is a flowering plant in the family Burseraceae, which produces a fragrant resin called gugal, guggul or gugul, that is used in incense and vedic medicine. The species is native to western India, from where it was introduced westward to southern Pakistan and the middle-east.
Every 10–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Indian Bdellium-tree?
Plant Indian Bdellium-tree in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 10–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Indian Bdellium-tree Native To?
What Is the Indian Bdellium-tree?
Indian Bdellium-tree (Commiphora wightii) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Commiphora genus. Indian Bdellium-tree is native to western India, from. Indian Bdellium-tree is also known as Guggul, Indian Myrrh.
Indian Bdellium-tree displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Indian Bdellium-tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Indian Bdellium-tree?
Water a young or newly planted Indian Bdellium-tree 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 10–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Indian Bdellium-tree Need?
Indian Bdellium-tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Indian Bdellium-tree Prefer?
Commiphora wightii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Indian Bdellium-tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Indian Bdellium-tree?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite and gravel for good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Indian Bdellium-tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Indian Bdellium-tree?
Feed Indian Bdellium-tree 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 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 Indian Bdellium-tree?
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.
Indian Bdellium-tree 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Indian Bdellium-tree?
Indian Bdellium-tree 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.
How Do You Prune a Indian Bdellium-tree?
Prune Indian Bdellium-tree 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 Indian Bdellium-tree in Winter?
Indian Bdellium-tree 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 Indian Bdellium-tree?
Indian Bdellium-tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african myrrh plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Indian Bdellium-tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Indian Bdellium-tree, 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 Indian Bdellium-tree?
Indian Bdellium-tree 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Indian Bdellium-tree Need?
Indian Bdellium-tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Indian Bdellium-tree is native to western India, from. In cooler regions, grow Indian Bdellium-tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Indian Bdellium-tree 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 Commiphora genus — compare its care with other Commiphora species on PlantoScan.
Commiphora is part of the Burseraceae plant family — browse all Burseraceae genera and species.
Indian Bdellium-tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Commiphora Species
Other Commiphora species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari, family Burseraceae (first published in Bull. Bot. Surv. India 6: 327 (1965)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Indian Bdellium-tree, 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 13a, 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.
