How to Grow Aglaia Odorata - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Aglaia odorata is a plant that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is native to China, and its scientific name is Aglaia odorata. This plant is also known as the Chinese perfume tree, and its flowers are used to make a type of perfume.

How to Grow Aglaia Odorata - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Fragrant aglaia
  • Chinese perfume tree
  • Fragrant Chinese perfume tree
  • Chinese magnolia
  • Yunnan aglaia

Good to Know

  • Aglaia odorata is a species of plant in the family Meliaceae.
  • It is native to China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
  • It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 10–20 m tall.
  • The leaves are opposite, pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets, each leaflet 9-19 cm long and 3-7 cm broad.
  • The flowers are white, borne in axillary or terminal panicles.
  • The fruit is a drupe, 7-12 cm long and 5-7 cm broad.
  • The tree is cultivated in China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries in Southeast Asia.
  • It is used as a medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • The wood is used for construction, furniture, and other purposes.
  • It is commonly known as Chinese rice flower, ChinesePerfume Tree, or Fragrant-Leaved Chinese Magnolia.

Planting Process

  1. For aglaia odorata, first step is to find a good location. A well-drained, moistened soil with some organic matter is the ideal spot.
  2. The second step is to sow the seeds in Spring or Fall.
  3. The third step is to thin the seedlings once they have germinated and grown to about 3 to 4 inches tall.
  4. The fourth step is to water regularly and fertilize every few weeks during the growing season.
  5. The fifth step is to prune the plants back in early Summer to encourage new growth.
  6. The sixth step is to stake the taller plants to prevent them from falling over.
  7. The seventh step is to enjoy the beautiful flowers that aglaia odorata produces from mid to late Summer!
  8. The eighth step is to collect the seeds in Fall and sow them again the following Spring.
  9. The ninth step is to division the root ball every few years to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
  10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy your hard work as you watch your aglaia odorata grow and thrive for many years to come!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Aglaia Odorata prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils, and can also grow in nutritionally poor soils. It is also tolerant of drought, but not of waterlogging. The plant can also be found in rocky and limestone areas.

Light requirement

Just like other plants, the aglaia odorata needs sun to grow properly. It should be placed in an area with bright, indirect sunlight. If the plant doesn't get enough sun, it will become leggy and won't produce as many flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for aglaia odorata are between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant does not tolerate cold well and should be kept indoors or in a greenhouse if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can also be harmful to this plant.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% to 60%. The air around the plant should not be too dry nor too wet. If the humidity drops below 50%, the leaves will start to drop off. If the humidity rises above 60%, the leaves will start to yellow.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant prefers to have a light hand when it comes to fertilizer. Aglaia odorata does best with a light application of fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season. It's important to avoid giving the plant too much fertilizer, as this can lead to root problems. When it comes to the roots, this plant prefers to have a well-draining soil.

About light

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for your Aglaia odorata plant. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, and can also help to shape the plant. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. You can prune your Aglaia odorata plant in the spring or summer.

About Propagating

Propagation of the aglaia odorata plant is typically done through stem cuttings taken from new growth. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, and each cutting should include several leaves. The cuttings should be placed in a container filled with moist potting mix, and then covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Cuttings should be kept in a warm spot out of direct sunlight until new growth appears, at which point they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in humid tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The species is fast-growing in moist well-drained soils, and can attain a height of 30 m (100 ft) and a diameter of 100 cm (39 in) in as little as 15 years. Under optimum conditions, the tree can grow up to 45 cm (18 in) per year for the first 10 years of its life.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are wilting and yellowing of leaves, brown spots on leaves, and dieback of stems. These problems are usually caused by insufficient watering, too much direct sunlight, or diseases. To prevent these problems, water the plant regularly and evenly, provide adequate drainage, and avoid over-exposing it to sunlight. If the plant is already affected by any of these problems, remove the affected parts and treat the plant with fungicide or insecticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to provide plenty of moisture to the roots of your aglaia odorata plant.
  • If the plant is grown in too much sun, the leaves will burn.
  • Provide well-draining soil to prevent the roots from rotting.
  • Fertilize the plant regularly to ensure healthy growth.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
  • Harvest the plant when the flowers are in full bloom.
  • The dried flowers can be used for decoration.
  • The plant can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
  • Enjoy the fragrant flowers of your aglaia odorata plant!

Related Plants

  • Aglaia coriacea
  • Aglaia cuspidata
  • Aglaia elaeagnoidea
  • Aglaia cirrhifera
  • Aglaia vietnamensis
  • Aglaia ceramica
  • Aglaia edulis
  • Aglaia oligocarpa
  • Aglaia cucullata
  • Aglaia lawii

Source:
Aglaia odorata var. microphyllina - calphotos.berkeley.edu
Sweet Woodruff, Galium odorata – Wisconsin Horticulture
Staff View: Pengaruh ekstrak daun dan ranting Aglaia odorata …

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category