Indian Gamboge Plant Care

Indian Gamboge (Garcinia spicata) belongs to the Clusiaceae family within the Garcinia genus. Indian Gamboge is native to India and Sri Lanka. Indian Gamboge is also known as Malabar Gamboge.

Indian Gamboge displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Indian Gamboge produces small, fragrant white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Indian Gamboge 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.

Indian Gamboge thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Garcinia spicata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Indian Gamboge prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Indian Gamboge to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Indian Gamboge 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, slightly acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Indian Gamboge is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Indian Gamboge can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Indian Gamboge 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.

Indian Gamboge is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Indian Gamboge can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cowa fruit plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Indian Gamboge is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Indian Gamboge grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Indian Gamboge is native to India and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Indian Gamboge as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.