Greetings from the plant kingdom. I am Aglaia odorata, a tropical evergreen shrub native to Southeast Asia. To truly thrive in the USA, I require conditions that mimic my homeland. I am best suited for the warm, frost-free climates of USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11. This includes parts of Florida, southern California, southern Texas, and Hawaii. In these regions, I can live outdoors year-round as a garden specimen or hedge. If you live outside these zones, do not despair. I can happily live in a container and spend the warmer months on your patio or balcony, but I must be brought indoors well before the first frost. I simply cannot tolerate freezing temperatures; they damage my foliage and can be fatal.
For light, I prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Think of the dappled light beneath the canopy of taller trees in a forest. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is perfect. Too much intense, direct afternoon sun can scorch my beautiful, glossy green leaves. When it comes to soil, I need a well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral mix. A high-quality potting soil amended with perlite or orchid bark for aeration is ideal. Good drainage is non-negotiable; my roots despise sitting in waterlogged soil, which leads to root rot. Water me deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. I appreciate consistent moisture, especially during the hot growing season, but I am somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
I am not a heavy feeder, but I do appreciate nourishment to support my growth and prolific blooming. During my active growing season (spring and summer), please feed me monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. This provides the energy I need to produce my signature feature: my panicles of tiny, mesmerizingly fragrant yellow flowers. To maintain a pleasing shape and encourage bushier growth, you may lightly prune me after a flush of flowers. This simple grooming helps me direct my energy efficiently.
My most cherished trait is my fragrance. My clusters of small, yellow flowers may not be showy, but their perfume is powerful and exquisite, often compared to the scent of orange blossoms or honey. This fragrance is my strategy for attracting pollinators in my native habitat. For you, it means a natural, long-lasting air freshener for your garden or home. I can bloom intermittently throughout the year, especially when I am happy and well-cared for, ensuring you have many opportunities to enjoy my sweet aroma.
