Aglaia odorata, commonly known as the Chinese Perfume Plant, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Meliaceae family. From a botanical perspective, its key characteristics make it both suitable and challenging for bonsai. It features dense, alternate, pinnately compound leaves with small, glossy, dark green leaflets. Its most celebrated trait is the production of tiny, yellow, spherical flowers that emit a powerful, sweet fragrance reminiscent of peaches or lilacs, which can fill a room. Its growth habit is naturally compact and it responds well to pruning, making it an attractive candidate for container cultivation and artistic shaping.
As a plant native to Southeast Asia and Southern China, Aglaia odorata has specific environmental requirements that must be met for it to thrive as a bonsai. It is a warmth-loving species that cannot tolerate frost. It requires a position with very bright, indirect light; some morning sun is beneficial, but intense afternoon sun can scorch its delicate leaves. High humidity is crucial for mimicking its subtropical origins. This can be achieved by placing the pot on a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles or through regular misting. The plant will struggle in dry, arid conditions, which can lead to leaf drop and susceptibility to pests like spider mites.
Training Aglaia odorata into a bonsai form requires an understanding of its growth rhythm. Its wood is relatively flexible when young but becomes more brittle with age, so wiring should be done carefully and on younger shoots to avoid scarring the bark. The plant back-buds readily, meaning it will produce new growth from old wood after hard pruning, which is essential for creating and maintaining the bonsai's shape. Pruning is best performed in the active growing season (spring and summer). Its natural compact growth means it may not require as frequent pruning as other species, but pinching back new growth will encourage further branching and a denser canopy.
The root system of Aglaia odorata requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot, a common killer of bonsai. A standard bonsai soil mix of akadama, pumice, and lava rock is ideal. Watering needs are moderate; the goal is to keep the root ball consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. As a flowering plant, it has specific nutritional needs. During the growing season, use a balanced, liquid fertilizer every two weeks. To promote its characteristic blooming, switching to a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content (e.g., NPK 10-30-20) can be beneficial as the flowering season approaches.
