Greetings, caretaker. We are the Aglaia odorata, often known to you as the Chinese Perfume Tree. To help us flourish and release our signature, intoxicatingly sweet fragrance, you must understand our nutritional needs from our perspective. Here is a detailed guide on how to nourish us properly.
Our primary requirement is for a balanced, complete fertilizer. Look for a formulation where the three numbers on the package (N-P-K) are relatively even, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. The first number (Nitrogen) supports our lush, green, evergreen foliage. The middle number (Phosphorus) is crucial for developing our delicate, yellow, panicle flowers and strengthening our root system. The final number (Potassium) ensures our overall vitality, helping us regulate internal processes and resist environmental stresses. We also benefit greatly from micronutrients like magnesium, iron, and manganese, which are often present in quality fertilizers or can be provided separately.
Our growth and metabolic rate are tied closely to warmth and light. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise in spring, we awaken from our slower winter state. This is the signal to begin your feeding regimen. From early spring through the end of summer, please provide us with a diluted liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks. Alternatively, you can apply a slow-release granular fertilizer at the start of the spring season, which will nourish us gradually over several months. This consistent nutrition fuels our new leaf growth and, most importantly, supports the energy-intensive process of blooming repeatedly.
As daylight diminishes and temperatures drop, our growth slows significantly. We enter a period of rest where our energy consumption is minimal. Feeding us during this time is not only unnecessary but can be actively harmful. The salts in fertilizer can build up in our soil since we are not taking them up, potentially damaging our sensitive root tips. Furthermore, a nutrient push can encourage tender new growth that will be highly susceptible to cold damage. Please cease all fertilization in early autumn and allow us to rest until the following spring.
While a standard balanced fertilizer works well, we have particular preferences. Water-soluble, liquid fertilizers are excellent as they are immediately available to our roots and allow for precise control over strength. A half-strength dilution is often better than a full dose to avoid root burn. For a more sustained and gentle approach, slow-release granules or spikes are ideal. For those of you who prefer organic care, we respond very well to fertilizers derived from fish emulsion, seaweed, or compost tea. These options feed us and also improve the living ecosystem within our soil.
Remember that feeding is just one part of our care. The effectiveness of any fertilizer is dependent on proper watering practices. Water us thoroughly before applying any fertilizer to protect our roots from shock. We also require well-draining soil; sitting in waterlogged soil leads to root rot, which prevents us from absorbing any nutrients you provide, no matter how high their quality. Finally, ensure we receive ample bright, indirect light, as this is the true energy source that allows us to process the food you give us into beautiful growth and fragrance.
