Aglaia, also known as Chinese Perfume Plant, is a genus of flowering plants in the mahogany family. The genus is native to tropical and subtropical Asia. Aglaia plants are evergreen shrubs or small trees, typically growing to 315 m tall. The leaves are opposite, simple, and usually have three veins at the base. The flowers are small and fragrant, with five petals. The fruit is a drupe.
Is it easy to grow Aglaia plant? Because of its low-maintenance requirements and its ability to prosper in a wide range of climates and soil types, the Aglaia plant is an excellent choice for beginning gardeners or those who do not have a lot of time to spend on plant care. This tough plant is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a worry-free addition to the landscape.
How big can it be? The Aglaia plant can grow to be 1.5 to 2 meters tall when it is grown at home. In nature, the Aglaia plant can grow to be 20 to 30 meters tall.
How fast is the growth? Since this species is a tropical plant, it grows all year long. In a year, it can grow up to 50 cm. However, the plant does not like direct sunlight, so it is best to keep it in a shady spot.
| Plant Form | Shrub |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Origin | China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam |
How long is the lifespan? If you want a plant that will last for years to come, consider a perennial. Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and often come back year after year with little to no care. Some of the most common perennials include roses, lilies, and daisies.
What is the ideal temperature? Since it is a tropical plant, it prefers warm weather and normal room temperature is ideal for it, which is 64,4 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also quite resistant to cold weather and can withstand a short drop in temperature, even down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in winter, it needs a resting period and should be placed in cooler conditions on the northern sill at a temperature of 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit. Watering the flower should be done extremely rarely during this time.
What about the humidity? So, it is better to put the pot on the wet expanded clay. Especially in the winter when the heating is on. When you pour hard water on the leaves, there are ugly spots that are hard to wash off.
What amount of light this plant needed? Unless your Aglaia is a houseplant, it will need very little supplemental light indoors. The brightest scattered light is preferable, the content on the eastern and western window will fit, and you can also place the pot near the southern window. More light stimulates abundant flowering and enhances the aroma of flowers.
What is good soil for Aglaia? Since the plant is native to tropical regions, it will require a warm and humid climate to grow properly. The soil should be well drained and fertile, for example, peat, sand, garden soil, with the addition of semi-decomposed needles. The optimum pH level should be between 5 and 6.
How much I must water Aglaia? Unless the plant is in a very humid environment, it should be watered regularly. The soil should be moistened as the surface of the substrate dries, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. When watering, you should wait until the water starts to drain out of the drainage holes. Excessive moistening can lead to decay, while insufficient watering can cause the leaves to lose turgor and hang. However, if you often forget to water in time, the lower leaves will begin to fall.
About fertilizer. Eventually, you will want to fertilize your Aglaia plant. You can do this by using a fertilizer for flowering plants. It's best to wait until the plant is actively growing, and then fertilize every two weeks.
How to reproduce Aglaia? Because it is difficult to reproduce with the help of cuttings, in the spring, half-aged cuttings about 15-20 cm long can be rooted with corn root. Rooting in the water lasts about 2 weeks. However, the majority of florists observations show that the cuttings practically do not take root during the summer period. Seed propagation can be used, although it is rather difficult to obtain seeds, since the plant is dioecious, that is, male and female flowers are on different individuals.
How to care the plant? Unless the plant is very young, it is best to transplant it in the spring. The plant should be placed in a clay pot that is large enough for the roots. It is also important to prune the plant in the spring, but be sure to leave some of the newly formed shoots from the previous year. It is also necessary to remove all dead and damaged branches. For a fuller plant, it is also useful to pinch the plant during the growth period. If you do not turn the pot during the growth period, the crown will be asymmetric.
What is the challenge when caring Aglaia plant? The reason for this is that the plant is highly resistant to pests. The flower growers noticed that even when they are among plants infected with a mite or scab, it does not become infected. There is a danger of defeat by mealybugs. Under the most unfavorable growing conditions, it is unlikely, but possibly the appearance of a spider mite or aphid.
Are Aglaia poisonous? Eventually, the flowers will produce small, dark berries. All parts of the tree are poisonous if ingested, with the exception of the ripe berries, which can be eaten raw or made into jams and jellies. Symptoms of aglaia plant poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that someone has ingested any part of this plant, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
