Yasi Sandalwood Plant Care

Yasi Sandalwood (Santalum yasi) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Santalum genus. Yasi Sandalwood is native to Fiji, Tonga and Niue. Yasi Sandalwood is also known as Sandalwood.

Yasi Sandalwood displays a slow-growing small tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Yasi Sandalwood produces small, fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Yasi Sandalwood 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.

Yasi Sandalwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Santalum yasi tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Yasi Sandalwood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Yasi Sandalwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Yasi Sandalwood 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.

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 good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Yasi Sandalwood 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.

Yasi Sandalwood can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Yasi Sandalwood 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.

Yasi Sandalwood 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.

Yasi Sandalwood can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to quandong plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Yasi Sandalwood is susceptible to 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.

Yasi Sandalwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Yasi Sandalwood is native to Fiji, Tonga and Niue. In cooler regions, grow Yasi Sandalwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.