Hello, new gardener! I am Aglaia odorata, though you might know me as the Chinese Perfume Plant or Mock Lime. Thank you for choosing to care for me. To help us both thrive together, here is a guide from my perspective.
I adore bright, dappled sunlight, much like the light filtering through the canopy of my native Southeast Asian forests. Please place me near an east or west-facing window where I can bask in plenty of indirect light. A few hours of gentle morning sun is a wonderful treat. I am a tropical being and despise the cold. Keep me in a warm spot, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 29°C), and protect me from chilly drafts. I will not survive a frost.
My relationship with water is one of balance. I enjoy consistently moist soil, but I absolutely cannot sit in waterlogged conditions, as my roots will rot. Please water me thoroughly when the top inch of my soil feels dry to your touch. Allow the excess water to drain completely from the pot's bottom. In the winter, when my growth slows, I will need much less water, so please reduce your watering frequency accordingly.
I require a well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil to be my happiest self. A high-quality potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage is perfect. To support my growth and prolific blooming, I am a hungry plant. Please feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during my active growing season (spring and summer). There is no need to feed me in the fall and winter when I am resting.
My clusters of tiny, golden-yellow flowers are my pride and joy, releasing a sublime, sweet fragrance reminiscent of apricots or candy. To encourage this blooming, I need plenty of bright, indirect light. After a bloom cycle, a gentle pruning is very helpful. Trimming me back not only maintains a pleasant, bushy shape but also stimulates the new growth from which my next wave of fragrant flowers will emerge.
While I am generally resilient, I can sometimes attract aphids or spider mites, especially if I am stressed or too dry. Please check my leaves periodically. If you see any pests, a strong spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap will usually resolve the issue. You can also pinch off the tips of my new growth to encourage me to become fuller and bushier, which results in more leaves and flowers for you to enjoy.
