Aglaia odorata — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Aglaia odorata

Aglaia Odorata

Updated · 33 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Aglaia odorata, commonly known as the Chinese perfume plant or mock lime, is a small evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the Meliaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, it can grow up to 6 meters tall. This plant features glossy dark green leaves arranged in an alternate pattern and produces small yellow flowers with a sweet fragrance. These flowers are often used in perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetic products due to their pleasant scent.

Aglaia odorata thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity but can tolerate some drought conditions once established. It grows best in well-draining soil with regular watering during the growing season.

For centuries, this plant has been used for medicinal purposes in traditional Chinese medicine, as it contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, its high content of essential oils provides insecticidal properties.

Overall, Aglaia odorata is an attractive ornamental plant with fragrant flowers that can be grown both indoors and outdoors under suitable conditions.

A note from PlantMom

Mock lime has strong disease resistance and is typically not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Mock lime is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or a deck, and does not call for extensive care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Aglaia Odorata.

Light

Native to regions with plenty of sunlight, mock lime performs best in full sun. It can tolerate less than full sun, allowing it to grow though its efficiency may decline. Both too little and too much sun can be harmful, affecting the plant’s health and growth.

Water

Mock lime, originally from Southeast Asia, thrives in humid, tropical conditions and prefers consistent moisture. For optimal growth, water the plant every 1-2 weeks, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings. As an indoor evergreen, mock lime benefits from higher humidity, which promotes lush foliage and improves its flowering potential.

Temperature

Mock lime grows best in its native habitat at temperatures from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 °C). It prefers warm conditions and mild climates. If seasonal temperatures become extreme, adjustments may be required to maintain those ideal conditions.

Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Mock lime is in early spring as it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and the formation of flowers. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. It also helps move nutrients from the roots to the blooms and boosts the plant’s health and resistance to disease.

Pruning

Mock lime is an evergreen shrub known for its fragrant yellow flowers. To maintain its health and appearance, it's best to prune the shrub from early to late winter. During pruning, remove any dead branches and thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation. Light shaping of the shrub helps preserve its natural form, encourages a bushy appearance, and enhances both its overall health and flowering potential.

Pot & Repot

Repot the mock lime every 2–3 years in the spring, using a slightly larger container each time. After repotting, place the plant in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture. By following these guidelines, you can encourage healthy growth and plenty of blooms.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Aglaia
Family
Meliaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-11
Mature Height
2.13 m to 4.88 m
Mature Spread
1.22 m to 1.83 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
0.20 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Cambodia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, China
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Chinese perfume plant en Mock Lemon en သနပ်ခါးပန်း (in Burmese)
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Mock lime plant?

Your Mock lime is not particular about how you water it, so you can use any common watering tool. This includes watering cans, hoses, or even cups. Regardless of the tool, make sure to apply the water directly to the soil to evenly moisten all areas and provide water to the entire root system. Using filtered water is a good idea to prevent any harmful particles from tap water. Additionally, using water at or slightly above room temperature is preferred as extremely hot or cold water can shock the Mock lime. However, the Mock lime typically responds well to any type of water you provide.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Mock lime plant?

Ensuring the overall health and well-being of your Mock lime involves the vital process of fertilization. By providing the necessary energy and nutrients, you can promote the development of lush foliage and sturdy stems and branches. Additionally, gardeners often value the flowers of Mock lime plants. Thankfully, fertilization plays a crucial role in enhancing the size, vibrancy, and longevity of these flowers. This is because the right fertilizer facilitates the efficient transfer of fuel from the roots to the stems and flowers of the plant. Moreover, proper fertilization contributes to the plant's overall health, improving its ability to combat diseases.

How much sunlight does Mock lime need to grow?

Tropical ornamental plants that thrive in full sun require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants are well-suited to areas with strong and direct sunlight, as they need this light to flourish. In their natural habitats, they tend to grow in open fields or along forest edges, where they can enjoy abundant sunlight all day long.

What temperature is best for Mock lime?

To help your tropical plants thrive, it's best to maintain a temperature range of 75℉ to 90℉ (25-32℃). While different species can tolerate temperatures outside this range, sticking within a few degrees of these limits will ensure optimal growth. However, there are extreme temperature limits to be aware of. Anything below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) can hinder growth and cause issues with the leaves and stems. Low temperatures are particularly damaging, as even a light frost can lead to the death of your tropical plants. In fact, cellular death can occur rapidly, with some species dying within 12 to 24 hours.

What do I do if I give my Mock lime tree too much or too little water?

For outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, there is a risk of not watering them enough. It's important to water them consistently for a few months when they are small or recently planted. Once the roots are established, Mock lime plants can usually rely on rain for hydration. However, when Mock lime is planted in pots, there is a higher chance of overwatering. If you accidentally overwater your Mock lime, there are steps you can take to address the issue. First, stop watering the plant immediately to minimize the impact of overwatering. Then, inspect the roots by removing the plant from its pot. If there are no signs of root rot, you can place the plant back into its container. If root rot is present, trim any affected roots and apply a fungicide to prevent further damage. Finally, repot the Mock lime using well-draining soil. On the other hand, if your Mock lime is underwatered, simply water it more frequently. Underwatering is usually easy to fix. If you notice that the plant's leaves are drooping, drying out, and falling off, watering it adequately will help the leaves regain their fullness. Make sure to adjust your watering frequency as soon as you notice underwatering.

When should I fertilize my Mock lime plant for best results?

To successfully fertilize a Mock lime, the best time is in early spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy and getting ready to bloom. This will provide the plant with extra energy for growth and flower development. However, fertilizing in spring is not the only feeding opportunity for the Mock lime. A smaller second feeding in the fall can also be beneficial. Some gardeners may choose to fertilize the plant during planting, but this is not always needed.

What will happen if Mock lime doesn't get enough sunlight? What happens if Mock lime doesn't receive sufficient sunlight?

Tropical ornamental plants that need full sun may face issues if they don't receive enough sunlight. They might become leggy and weak, and their leaves could turn yellow or pale. Furthermore, they may stop producing flowers. Ultimately, if these plants continue to lack the required amount of direct sunlight, there is a possibility that they may die.

Do different stages of Mock lime plants need different temperatures?

Mock lime does not require changes in temperature to transition between different growing phases, but consistency is crucial. Any wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth, regardless of its current phase. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the plant in a controlled environment. The optimal temperature range for mock lime is between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃), with staying above the lower limit being particularly important. While going above 90℉ (32℃) is not ideal, the plant can tolerate it to a certain extent as it is a tropical species. However, it is important to note that temperatures below 50℉ (10℃), especially below 40℉ (5℃), will directly damage this heat-loving plant.

How frequent should I water my Mock lime plant?

To ensure that your outdoor plants grow well, let them rely on natural rainfall whenever possible. If rainfall is lacking in your area, make sure to water your plants adequately every 2 weeks in the spring and fall. During the summer, when plants require more water, increase the frequency of watering. In the winter, water less frequently as plants experience slower growth and need less moisture. In fact, you may not need to water at all during the winter. If you have a young or newly planted Mock lime, you should water it more often to help it establish and mature, resulting in more adaptable and drought-tolerant plants. For potted plants, there are two main approaches to determining watering frequency for your Mock lime. The first option is to follow a predetermined watering schedule, such as once a week or once every other week. However, this method may not account for the specific conditions of your Mock lime's growing environment. Alternatively, you can adjust your watering frequency based on the moisture level of the soil. Ideally, wait until the top two to four inches of soil, which usually corresponds to about one-third to one-half of the pot's depth, have completely dried out before watering again. This method allows you to accommodate the specific water needs of your Mock lime throughout different seasons, especially in the summer when its water requirements are highest.

When is it best to not use fertilizer on my Mock lime?

During the winter, Mock lime plants do not require fertilization as they are in a dormant phase and do not need much energy from the soil for growth. Fertilizing during this period increases the risk of overfertilization. The optimal feeding times for Mock lime plants are in early spring and fall. Therefore, fertilizer is not necessary for most of spring and summer. Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from feeding if the plant is experiencing hot or dry conditions.

What happens if Mock lime gets too much sunlight?

Tropical ornamental plants that thrive in full sun require ample direct sunlight, but excessive exposure to intense sunlight can harm them. Prolonged periods of direct sunlight can cause sunburned leaves or the development of unsightly brown spots. Additionally, if the soil dries out too rapidly in full sun, these plants may become dehydrated.

Does Mock lime need varying temperatures during different seasons?

Mock lime does not require different temperatures for different growing seasons. The key to seasonal care is maintaining the optimal temperature range. To ensure this, it is advised to keep this plant indoors. By doing so, you have control over the temperature irrespective of the outside climate. Regarding light, tropical species, including mock lime, prefer partial side-level sun exposure. This means they should receive dappled or filtered light, with bright but indirect light being the ideal choice when growing them indoors. Excessive direct sunlight can harm the leaves of the plant and hinder its growth.

PLATES
Aglaia odorata leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Aglaia odorata leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Aglaia odorata flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Aglaia odorata flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Aglaia odorata fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Aglaia odorata habit
PLATE 06 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

You might also like.