Abstract:Balsa wood (Ochroma lagopus) has been successfully introduced and planted (about 867-1000 hm2) in Xishuangbanna since 2020. To explore the standardized cultivation and promotion of O. lagopus, the growth characteristics and influencing factors of 27 balsa wood plantations in Xishuangbanna were investigated by analyzing the terrain factors, intercropping patterns and growth indicators. Meanwhile, the management methods (irrigation, fertilization, pruning, weeding and pest control), planting costs and problems encountered by the growers were also visited and inquired in detail. The results showed that the annual growth of crown height, diameter at breast height and volume accumulation of the Ecuadorian variety were significantly higher than those of the Indonesian variety. With the increase of altitude and slope, the annual growth of crown height, diameter at breast height and volume accumulation all showed a downward trend. When the altitude was higher than 700 m and the slope was greater than 50°, the diameter and volume were significantly affected. The best planting time was June and July, and the planting density should be controlled below 600 ind./hm2, and the bud removal treatment should be carried out once a month during the sapling stage. In addition, intercropping with Ananas comosus and Capsicum annuum in wide and narrow rows can not only promote the growth of balsa wood, but also provide additional income for farmers. Therefore, balsa wood in Xishuangbanna should be planted on the sunny and semi-sunny slopes with an altitude lower than 700 m and a slope lower than 50°, and the planting time (early rainy season), planting density (row spacing greater than 2.5 m×6.0 m) and side buds and other management details should be strictly controlled.