Greetings, human caretaker. I am Aglaia odorata, the Chinese Perfume Plant. While I am known for my resilience and intoxicatingly sweet, miniature yellow blooms, a little understanding of my fundamental needs will ensure I thrive with minimal effort on your part. Here is my guide to a long and happy life together.
I adore bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight beneath the canopy of a larger tree in my native Southeast Asian home. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is perfect. I can tolerate some direct sun, but too much will scorch my beautiful, glossy green leaves. I am quite sensitive to cold. Temperatures below 40°F (5°C) are dangerous for me. I am best suited for life outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-11. In cooler climates, I must be grown in a container so you can bring me indoors to a bright, sunny window before the first frost arrives.
My main request is to not be over-loved with water. I am drought-tolerant to a degree and despise having my roots constantly soggy. The best method is to check the soil. Please insert your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it is time for a deep, thorough watering until you see water escape from the drainage holes. If it still feels moist, please wait. In winter, when my growth slows, I need even less water. This simple "soak and dry" approach is the single most important key to keeping me low-maintenance and healthy.
My roots demand excellent drainage above all else. A standard, well-draining potting mix is adequate, but I truly flourish in a slightly acidic to neutral mix. You can achieve this by amending a standard potting soil with some perlite or orchid bark to increase aeration. If you are planting me in the ground, ensure the location does not collect standing water. For container life, a pot with generous drainage holes is non-negotiable. I am not a heavy feeder, so a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than my root ball is perfect; it prevents excess soil from staying wet for too long.
I require very little fertilizer. To support my blooming and growth during the active season (spring and summer), a half-strength dose of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once at the start of the season is often sufficient. Over-fertilizing will do more harm than good, leading to weak growth and fewer of my fragrant flowers. As for pruning, I naturally maintain a pleasant, rounded form. Your job is simply to trim away any dead or damaged branches and lightly shape me after a flush of flowers has faded. This encourages me to become bushier and produce more blooms.
