Greetings, human caretaker. I am your Chinese Perfume Plant, *Aglaia odorata*. To help me thrive and fill your space with my sweet, enchanting fragrance, it is vital to understand my language—the language of water. My needs are not overly complex, but they are specific. Here is my detailed guide on quenching my thirst properly.
My most fundamental request is for balance. I abhor having my roots sitting in constantly soggy, waterlogged soil; it suffocates me, rots my roots, and invites disease. Conversely, if I become too dry for too long, I will become stressed. My leaves will wilt, curl, and turn crispy brown as a desperate signal, and my precious flower buds may drop before they can release their perfume. The goal is what you might call the "Goldilocks Zone" – soil that is consistently moist but never sopping wet. Think of the moisture level of a perfectly wrung-out sponge.
I cannot speak your language, so I communicate through my soil and my foliage. The most reliable method to understand my needs is the finger test. Please insert your finger into my soil, about one to two inches deep (roughly to your first knuckle). This is where my feeder roots are. If the soil at that depth feels:
- **Dry:** I need a thorough drink immediately.
- **Slightly moist/Cool:** I am content. Check again in a day or two.
- **Wet/Soggy:** I am drowning. Do not add more water.
My pot's weight is another clue. Lift me up after a good watering to learn how I feel when fully hydrated. A pot that feels surprisingly light is a clear sign I am very thirsty.
My watering schedule is not a fixed calendar event. It changes with my environment, and a attentive caretaker will adjust accordingly. Key factors include:
- **Season & Growth Cycle:** In the spring and summer, when the sun is strong and I am actively growing and flowering, I will drink much more frequently, perhaps needing water every few days. In the autumn and winter, my growth slows dramatically. My soil will take much longer to dry out, and I may only need water every couple of weeks.
- **Light & Temperature:** The more bright, indirect light and warmth I receive, the faster I photosynthesize and the more water I transpire (lose through my leaves). This means I will need water more often. A cooler, shadier spot reduces my water needs.
- **Pot and Soil:** I prefer a well-draining potting mix in a container with excellent drainage holes. A terracotta pot, which is porous, will allow soil to dry faster than a plastic or glazed ceramic pot.
When my soil is dry to the touch two inches down, it is time for a deep, thorough watering. Please do not just give me a small splash on the surface; this only wets the top and encourages my roots to grow shallow. Instead, water me slowly and evenly at the base of my stems until you see water begin to flow freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom of my pot. This ensures my entire root ball is evenly moistened. Always empty the saucer underneath my pot about 15-20 minutes after watering. I must never be left standing in a puddle.
