From our perspective, the most critical factor in your choice of pot is how it accommodates our root system. We, Chinese Perfume Plants (*Aglaia odorata*), develop a dense, fibrous root network. A pot that is too small will quickly become root-bound, a condition where our roots circle the pot, becoming tangled and choked. This severely restricts our ability to uptake water and nutrients, stunting our growth and reducing our signature fragrant bloom production. Conversely, a pot that is excessively large holds too much soil, which stays wet for prolonged periods and can lead to root rot, a potentially fatal condition for us. Therefore, a pot that allows for 1-2 inches of growth space around the root ball is ideal, promoting healthy expansion without waterlogging.
The pot's material directly impacts the soil environment we live in. We prefer our roots to be in a stable, temperate environment. Unglazed terracotta or clay pots are excellent choices. Their porous nature allows the walls of the pot to "breathe," facilitating air exchange through the soil and helping to evaporate excess moisture. This prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged and also helps keep our root zone cooler during hot weather. Plastic pots, while lightweight and retaining moisture more efficiently, can heat up quickly in direct sun and may hold too much water, risking root rot. If you choose plastic, you must be exceptionally diligent with your watering schedule. Ceramic or glazed pots offer a middle ground; they are less porous than terracotta but heavier and more stable, though they still require adequate drainage holes.
This point cannot be overstated. Regardless of the material you choose, the pot must have ample drainage holes at the bottom. Sitting in water is detrimental to our health. Those holes are our escape route for any excess water, ensuring oxygen can still reach our roots. A pot without drainage is essentially a swamp for our root system, leading to suffocation and decay. For an extra layer of protection, you can place a layer of pebbles or broken pottery shards at the bottom of the pot before adding soil to further prevent the holes from becoming blocked.
Our pot size requirements change as we grow. A young plant or a recent cutting should start in a small pot, perhaps 4-6 inches in diameter, to help the soil dry out evenly and encourage strong root development. Once we have outgrown this pot—typically when you see roots emerging from the drainage holes—it is time to repot. Move us to a container that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter. This gradual "potting up" encourages healthy growth without overwhelming us with too much wet soil. A mature Chinese Perfume Plant, which can be maintained as a large shrub or small tree through pruning, will ultimately be happiest in a substantial pot, likely 12-14 inches in diameter or larger, which provides ample room for a robust root system to support our top growth and prolific flowering.
