Hello! I am the Chinese Perfume Plant, known scientifically as Aglaia odorata. To truly care for me, you must first understand where I come from. I am native to the warm, humid subtropical and tropical regions of China and Southeast Asia. This means my genetic code is programmed for consistent warmth, bright but filtered light, and moisture in the air. In the USA, my survival outdoors is generally limited to USDA hardiness zones 10-11, like the warmer parts of Florida, California, and Texas. For most American gardeners, I will be much happier living in a container that can be moved indoors when temperatures threaten to drop below 40°F (4°C). I am not frost-tolerant at all; a freeze will be fatal.
Light is my lifeblood, the engine of my photosynthesis. In my native habitat, I often grow beneath the canopy of larger trees. This translates to a need for bright, but indirect, light in your American home. A spot near an east or south-facing window (with a sheer curtain) is ideal. Direct, harsh afternoon sun, especially the intense summer sun in states like Arizona or Nevada, will scorch my delicate, glossy green leaves, leaving unsightly brown spots. Conversely, if I am placed in a dark corner, I will protest by becoming leggy, with sparse leaves and few, if any, of the tiny, fragrant yellow flowers you love me for. If you notice me stretching towards the light, it's a clear sign I need more of it.
My relationship with water is one of delicate balance. I prefer consistently moist soil, but I am terribly afraid of having "wet feet." Soggy, waterlogged soil will quickly lead to root rot, a serious condition that can kill me. A good rule is to water me thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure my pot has excellent drainage. The other critical factor is humidity. The dry air common in many American homes, especially during winter when heating systems are running, is very stressful for me. You will see my gratitude in the form of healthier leaves if you increase the humidity around me. This can be achieved by placing my pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (making sure the pot sits above the waterline), grouping me with other plants, or using a room humidifier.
To support my growth and encourage the production of my signature honey-scented blossoms, I need proper nutrition. During my active growing season (spring and summer in the USA), I appreciate a regular feeding schedule. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants, applied every two to four weeks, is perfect. Please dilute it to half the recommended strength to avoid burning my roots. In the fall and winter, my growth naturally slows down. This is my time to rest, so you should significantly reduce or stop fertilizing altogether. Feeding me when I'm dormant can lead to a harmful buildup of salts in the soil.
My roots need to breathe. Therefore, I thrive in a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A standard potting soil amended with perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration is ideal. I don't mind being slightly pot-bound; in fact, it can sometimes encourage flowering. You will know it's time to repot me—typically every two to three years in the spring—when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. When you do repot me, choose a new container that is only one size larger. A pot that is too big will hold excess water around my roots, creating the soggy conditions I despise.
