Hello! It's your Chinese Perfume Plant (Aglaia odorata) here. Getting my watering just right is the single most important thing you can do to keep me happy, healthy, and filling your home with my delightful, sweet fragrance. Let's break it down from my perspective, considering the seasons and my needs.
My main request is simple: I dislike extremes. I am not a cactus that thrives on neglect, nor am I a water lily that wants wet feet. My roots need a cycle. Please water me thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of my soil feel dry to your touch. Push your finger into the soil; if it comes out clean, it's time for a drink. When you do water, do so deeply until you see water escaping from my pot's drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball is moistened. Then, crucially, let me almost fully drain and never leave me sitting in a saucer of water. Soggy soil suffocates my roots, leading to rot, which is often fatal.
My thirst is directly linked to the amount of light I receive and the temperature, which change throughout the year.
Spring & Summer (My Growing Season): This is when I'm actively growing and may even produce my fragrant yellow flowers. With more sunlight and warmer temperatures, I will use water more quickly. You will likely need to check my soil every 5-7 days. I might even need water twice a week if I'm outdoors on a hot, sunny patio.
Fall & Winter (My Dormant Period): As the days shorten and temperatures cool, my growth slows way down. My water consumption drops significantly. Overwatering is your biggest risk during this time. You must let my soil dry out more between waterings. Check me every 10-14 days, or even longer. The goal is to prevent the root ball from completely drying out and turning into a brick, but the topsoil should be very dry before you consider watering.
Beyond the calendar, your specific home environment plays a huge role.
Light: A plant in a south-facing window will need water far more often than one in a north-facing room. More light = more photosynthesis = more water used.
Temperature & Humidity: Hot, dry air from heating vents or air conditioners will dry out my soil faster. Conversely, a cool, humid room will slow evaporation.
Pot Type & Size: I dry out much faster in a small pot or a porous terracotta pot than I do in a large plastic or glazed ceramic pot. A root-bound plant will also use water faster than one with room to grow.
I will tell you if you're getting it wrong. If my leaves start to turn yellow and feel soft or mushy, or if they drop significantly, you are probably loving me a little too much with water. Please hold off and let my soil dry out. Conversely, if my leaves become crispy, brown, and shriveled at the tips or edges, or if they curl inward, I am too dry and need a consistent drink. The crispy leaves won't recover, but new growth will be healthy if you correct the schedule.
