How to Grow an Agarwood Tree: A Guide to Agarwood Plantation for Beginners

For centuries, agarwood has been revered as one of the world’s most precious natural resources. But with wild populations dwindling, sustainable agarwood plantations are becoming essential to preserve this "liquid gold." If you’re interested in growing your own agarwood tree, here’s what you need to know.

Figure 1: A sustainable agarwood plantation in Southeast Asia, showing young saplings spaced to allow growth and proper sunlight.

What You Need to Know About Agarwood Trees

Agarwood comes from trees in the Aquilaria genus, which thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. These evergreens can grow up to 40 meters tall, but they’re slow-growing—taking 5–7 years just to reach maturity. Key requirements for cultivation include:

  • Climate: Warm temperatures (20–30°C/68–86°F) with high humidity and annual rainfall of 1,500–3,000mm.
  • Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or red soil works best.
  • Sunlight: Partial shade when young, full sunlight once mature.

Starting an Agarwood Plantation: Step-by-Step

  1. Choose the Right Species: Aquilaria malaccensis and Aquilaria crassna are popular for commercial cultivation due to their high resin production.
  2. Source Quality Saplings: Buy saplings from reputable nurseries to ensure they’re disease-free. Avoid wild seedlings, as they may not produce resin.
  3. Planting: Dig holes 50x50x50cm, space trees 3–4 meters apart to allow root growth. Add compost or manure to the soil before planting.
  4. Care & Maintenance: Water regularly (keep soil moist but not waterlogged), prune dead branches, and protect from pests like termites.

Figure 2: A farmer using a fungal inoculation technique to trigger resin production in a mature agarwood tree— a common practice in sustainable plantations.

Triggering Resin Production: The Key to Agarwood

Agarwood trees only produce resin when injured. In plantations, farmers use controlled methods to induce resin formation:


  • Inoculation: Injecting a fungal solution into the tree to mimic natural infection, stimulating resin production.
  • Wounding: Making small cuts or drilling holes in the trunk (avoid over-wounding, which can kill the tree).
  • Insect Introduction: Some plantations use specific insects to bite the tree, triggering a natural defense response.

Patience Is Key: When Will You Harvest?

Resin takes time to mature—usually 3–7 years after induction. Harvesting too early results in low-quality agarwood. Look for signs like dark, resinous wood beneath the bark before cutting.


Sustainable agarwood plantation not only helps protect wild populations but also ensures a steady supply of this precious resource. With the right care and patience, growing agarwood trees can be a rewarding long-term investment.

 

Back to blog

Leave a comment