How to Grow Frankincense From a Houseplant Root

Use pumice, gravel, calcareous or sandy soils as your growing medium. Use a large container to give your plants plenty of room to grow and expand without the need to transplant or repot for several years.

Collect root cuttings from established plants during transplanting or repotting, or separate root suckers from the main plant. Take the cuttings during the plants’ dormant season. You can also take branch cuttings from B. papyrifera to propagate plants. Select roots that are at least the diameter of a pencil.

Place your root cuttings in the same position in which they were growing in their previous location, if possible. If you cannot determine the correct position for the roots, the California State University, Fullerton, Department of Biological Science recommends placing the cuttings on their sides. Cover the cuttings with a thin layer of growing medium.

Offer the plants little water -- just enough to prevent them from drying out completely. The trees have limited access to moisture in the wild, and that moisture comes mainly in the form of morning dew. Mist to water the plants to replicate these conditions. Keep your plants in full sun.