False sandalwood Plant Care

False sandalwood (Saprosma arborea) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Saprosma genus. False sandalwood is native to India, Myanmar, Thailand. False sandalwood is also known as Kuppi.

False sandalwood displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. False sandalwood produces small white fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted False sandalwood every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

False sandalwood thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing False sandalwood in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Saprosma arborea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. False sandalwood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for False sandalwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed False sandalwood every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 bright indirect light and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

False sandalwood is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

False sandalwood can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune False 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 shrub in one year.

False sandalwood 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.

False sandalwood can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to saprosma elegans plant care, which shares the same genus.

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False sandalwood is susceptible to aphids, 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.

False sandalwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. False sandalwood is native to India, Myanmar, Thailand. In cooler regions, grow False sandalwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.