Bursera attenuata Plant Care

Bursera attenuata (Protium attenuatum) belongs to the Burseraceae family within the Protium genus. Bursera attenuata is native to Dominica, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Bursera attenuata is also known as Protium silvicola.

Bursera attenuata displays a tall tree, upright growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Bursera attenuata produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bursera attenuata 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.

Bursera attenuata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Protium attenuatum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Bursera attenuata prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Bursera attenuata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bursera attenuata 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 soil mix with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bursera attenuata 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.

Bursera attenuata can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 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 Bursera attenuata 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.

Bursera attenuata 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.

Bursera attenuata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to copál plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Bursera attenuata is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Bursera attenuata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Bursera attenuata is native to Dominica, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In cooler regions, grow Bursera attenuata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.