Here is a detailed guide to cultivating the Chinese Perfume Tree (Aglaia odorata) from the perspective of the plant's biological needs and growth habits.
I am Aglaia odorata, a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Mahogany family (Meliaceae). My natural habitat is the understory of forests in Southeast Asia and Southern China, meaning I am adapted to warm, humid, and partially shaded conditions. My most prized feature is my tiny, yellow, bead-like flowers. While inconspicuous to the eye, they release an intensely sweet, fragrant aroma reminiscent of apricots or perfume, especially in the late afternoon and evening. I am a slow-growing plant, valuing stability over rapid expansion.
My relationship with light is specific. In my native understory, I receive dappled sunlight. Therefore, I require bright, indirect light when grown indoors or in a greenhouse. Direct, harsh afternoon sun will scorch my delicate foliage, causing yellowing and leaf drop. Conversely, deep shade will result in sparse growth and significantly reduce my flowering. I am highly sensitive to cold. I thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 29°C). I cannot tolerate frost, and temperatures below 50°F (10°C) will cause me severe stress and potential damage. I am strictly a patio or indoor plant in non-tropical climates.
My roots demand a well-aerated and perfectly draining growing medium. A mix of peat-free potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark is ideal, preventing water from pooling around my roots, which I find intolerable and which leads to fatal root rot. Water me thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, but never allow me to sit in water. I prefer consistent moisture but am susceptible to drought stress, so do not let my soil become bone dry. As a slow grower, my nutritional needs are modest. Feed me with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during my active growing season (spring and summer). Please refrain from feeding me in autumn and winter when my growth naturally slows.
My growth habit is naturally bushy and compact, but I respond well to gentle pruning. This practice is best performed in the spring before a flush of new growth. Lightly trimming my stems after a flowering cycle encourages me to become bushier and promotes more flowering sites for the next season. You can also guide my form into a small tree by selectively removing lower branches. Regularly remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain my health and appearance. My slow growth means I will only require repotting every 2-3 years when my roots have comfortably filled the current container.
If you wish to propagate me, the most reliable method is through semi-hardwood stem cuttings. In the summer, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage me to develop new roots. Plant the cutting in a small pot with a moist, sterile propagation mix (e.g., perlite and peat). Enclose the pot in a plastic bag to maintain very high humidity around my leaves, place it in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, and be patient. Root development is a slow process for my species.
