Chinese橄榄
canarium album
Also known as: ["Chinese olive","oleaster"]
Overview
A tropical tree species native to Southeast Asia, known for its edible fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Burseraceae |
| Genus: | Canarium |
| Botanical Name: | Canarium album |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in subtropical regions, or as a container plant in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with organic matter; cactus or succulent mix amended with compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems annually to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place indoors near a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains; outdoors, provide dappled shade during peak sun hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing to every 14–21 days in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in cool conditions.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in tropical conditions with high humidity.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth; protect from cold drafts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula for overall health.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem, cut just below a node, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), indirect light, and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth typically appears after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag or propagator, misting bottle, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or inward-growing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood; also prune to control size in containers.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol), gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune selectively, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil mix, water thoroughly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, inspect roots, position plant correctly, water well, adjust care temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot for extra drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in cold; wilting, leaf scorch, or flower drop in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf drop, and increase susceptibility to root rot due to reduced evaporation.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, use a space heater if necessary, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and dehydration, especially if combined with low humidity.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity with misting or a humidifier, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCanarium album is not considered toxic to cats. The fruit is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicCanarium album is not considered toxic to dogs. The fruit is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicCanarium album, commonly known as the Chinese olive or white olive, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fruit is edible and is often consumed after processing, such as pickling or fermentation.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Canarium album suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor cultivation due to its large size and tropical requirements.
Q: How often should Canarium album be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Canarium album require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Burseraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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