Key Features & Benefits

• Highly valuable aromatic tree known for its fragrant heartwood
• Produces sandalwood oil used in perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines
• Evergreen plant with small green leaves and smooth bark
• Long lifespan tree with high commercial and medicinal value
• Wood and oil have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties
• Used in religious rituals, incense, and traditional practices
• Suitable for long-term investment and agroforestry

Important Note

• Sandalwood is a semi-root parasitic plant (needs a host plant to grow well)
• Requires nearby host plants to absorb nutrients

Plant Care Guide

Sunlight

• Requires full sunlight
• Minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily

Soil

• Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
• Tolerates poor soils but prefers slightly alkaline to neutral pH
• Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged soil

Temperature

• Thrives in warm climates
• Ideal temperature: 12°C to 35°C
• Can tolerate drought once established

Watering

• Water regularly during early growth stage
• Once established, requires less water
• Avoid overwatering
• Ensure soil dries slightly between watering

Fertilizers

• Generally low fertilizer requirement
• Apply organic compost occasionally (every 1–2 months in early stage)
• Avoid heavy chemical fertilizers
• Growth mainly depends on host plant support

Re-potting Instructions

• Re-pot only when young (within first 1–2 years)
• Use deep pots to support root growth
• Ensure a host plant is present in the same pot
• Handle roots carefully as they are sensitive
• Best time: early monsoon

Host Plants (Very Important)

• Needs compatible host plants such as:
  • Pigeon pea (Arhar)
  • Neem
  • Curry leaf plant
  • Acacia species
• Host plant should be planted nearby or in the same container

Flowering & Fruiting Season

• Starts flowering after 3–4 years
• Small purple-brown flowers appear in clusters
• Fruiting follows flowering, producing small seeds
• Valuable heartwood develops after 8–10+ years

Usage Ideas

• Long-term commercial plantation
• Used in perfume, incense, and essential oil production
• धार्मिक and spiritual uses
• Wood carving and handicrafts
• Ayurvedic and skincare applications

Care Tips

• Always grow with a suitable host plant
• Protect from waterlogging
• Minimal pruning required
• Monitor for pests and diseases
• Avoid root disturbance
• Good spacing is important for plantation
• Be patient—valuable wood forms over many years

Other Names of White Sandalwood Plant

• Chandan
• Safed Chandan
• Indian Sandalwood
• East Indian Sandalwood
• Srigandha
• Santalum album.