๐ณ Chandan Plant โ Growing & Care Guide
Chandan, commonly known as Sandalwood, is a highly valuable aromatic tree grown for its fragrant heartwood and essential oil. It is widely cultivated in India for commercial and agroforestry purposes.
Botanical name (Indian Sandalwood): Santalum album
๐ฑ Growing Instructions
Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
Temperature: Ideal range 12ยฐCโ35ยฐC.
Soil: Well-drained red loamy or sandy soil. Tolerates slightly alkaline soil. Avoid waterlogging.
Sunlight: Requires full sunlight for proper growth.
Host Plant Requirement: Semi-parasitic plant โ requires suitable host plants (like pigeon pea, neem, etc.) nearby for nutrients.
Planting Distance: 3โ4 meters apart.
Watering: Moderate watering during early growth. Mature trees are drought tolerant.
Best Planting Time: JulyโSeptember (monsoon).
Harvest Time: Heartwood develops in 10โ15 years.
๐ฟ Care Instructions
Fertilizer: Apply organic compost during early years.
Weeding: Keep base clean for better root development.
Protection: Protect young plants from grazing animals.
Pest Control: Monitor for spike disease and borers.
Legal Note: Cultivation and harvesting regulations vary by state in Indiaโcheck local government rules before planting commercially.
๐ฟ Uses of Chandan
Heartwood used for carving and handicrafts
Sandalwood oil used in perfumes and cosmetics
Important in religious rituals and Ayurveda
High commercial and export value
Long-term investment plantation crop
