Mekong Sandalwood Plant Care

Mekong Sandalwood (Scleropyrum mekongense) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Scleropyrum genus. Mekong Sandalwood is native to India and Sri Lanka, Indochina, southern China, Peninsular Malaysia, Java, and western New Guinea.

Mekong Sandalwood displays a compact, slow-growing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mekong Sandalwood produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mekong Sandalwood every 10–14 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.

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

Scleropyrum mekongense tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Mekong Sandalwood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mekong Sandalwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mekong 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 sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mekong Sandalwood is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Mekong 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 Mekong 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.

Mekong Sandalwood 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.

Mekong Sandalwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sandalwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Mekong Sandalwood 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.

Mekong Sandalwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Mekong Sandalwood is native to India and Sri Lanka, Indochina, southern China, Peninsular Malaysia, Java, and western New Guinea. In cooler regions, grow Mekong Sandalwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.