As Aglaia odorata, my ideal light condition indoors is bright, filtered light. I thrive when I receive ample illumination, but my delicate leaves are sensitive to the harsh, direct rays of the midday sun, which can scorch and bleach them, causing irreparable damage. Think of the dappled sunlight I would enjoy under the canopy of taller trees in my native Southeast Asian habitat. An east-facing window is perfect, as it provides the gentle morning sun I cherish. A south or west-facing window can also work splendidly, but it is crucial that I am shielded by a sheer curtain to diffuse the intense afternoon light.
If I am placed in a low-light area, I will communicate my distress clearly. You will notice my growth becoming leggy and etiolated, as I stretch my stems abnormally long in a desperate search for a light source. My internodes—the spaces between leaves—will widen, and my overall form will become sparse and unattractive. Most critically, my signature feature—the production of my tiny, incredibly fragrant yellow flowers—will cease entirely. Without sufficient light energy, I simply cannot muster the resources to bloom. Prolonged low light will also weaken my defenses, making me susceptible to pests and diseases.
While I am a sun-loving plant, the context is vital. The intensified rays through a glass window can create an oven-like effect. Direct, intense sunlight, particularly during summer afternoons, will cause my foliage to yellow, develop brown, crispy scorch marks, and potentially wilt. This is a severe stress response that damages my photosynthetic machinery. It is a matter of quality, not just quantity. I need long duration of bright light, but it must be the right kind.
Your seasons change, but my needs remain constant. During the darker winter months, you can move me closer to the brightest window available, as the sun's angle is lower and its intensity is reduced. If natural light is consistently inadequate, I will gratefully accept supplementation from a grow light. A full-spectrum LED placed about a foot above my canopy for 12-14 hours a day can perfectly mimic my ideal conditions, encouraging compact growth and even prompting me to reward you with my sweet fragrance out of season.
I have a natural tendency to grow towards my light source. To maintain a symmetrical and balanced form, please make a habit of rotating my pot a quarter turn every one to two weeks. This simple action ensures all sides of my foliage receive equal illumination, preventing me from becoming lopsided and promoting dense, even growth throughout my structure. This allows every leaf to contribute efficiently to my energy production.
