Why Aglaia odorata flowers lose their fragrance and drop leaves, and how to fix it

Some Aglaia odorata plants have lush branches and leaves and plenty of flowers, yet the flowers have no fragrance. Some people think this is a difference between varieties, but in fact it is entirely caused by improper care. When caring for Aglaia odorata, note the following: during the growing season it should be placed in a well-ventilated spot that gets more than 5 hours of sunlight and also has half a day of shade; do not apply too much nitrogen fertilizer, and instead use thoroughly rotted fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium, or alum fertilizer water made by soaking livestock hooves and horns or fish scales; temperatures below 15°C, fertilizer that is too concentrated, soil that is alkaline or too acidic, and light that is too weak or too strong will all affect the concentration of the flower fragrance to varying degrees.

Some Aglaia odorata plants lose the leaves at their base, becoming top-heavy, which affects their ornamental value and growth. When this happens, pinch out the growing tips and top the plant immediately to control leggy growth; for newly formed flower clusters, thin out 1/2 of them so that the leaves have an ample nutrient supply and the lower leaves do not continue to drop; protect the plant from cold drafts or cross drafts, and do not let the temperature fluctuate suddenly up and down, so as to help it recover; check whether the potting soil is alkaline and whether there are pests, and whether there is overwatering, fertilizer that is too concentrated, or the use of unrotted fertilizer. If any of these are present, treat them immediately.

Aglaia odorata tends to drop a large number of leaves when overwintering, which is extremely detrimental to its growth and flowering the following year. First, observe the signs: blackish-brown, wilted leaves are a sign of freezing, so the temperature should be raised promptly or the plant moved to a warmer place to let it gradually revive. Withered yellow leaves that drop are caused by poor ventilation or soil that is too dry. Green leaves that drop are caused by soil that is too wet. Prevention is the key: when the weather turns cool, gradually stop fertilizing and reduce watering. After winter begins, the physiological activity of Aglaia odorata is weak, so at this time avoid low temperature with high humidity, or dry air. A sustained low temperature below 5°C, drafty passages, and long-term insufficient light can all also cause leaf drop. Keep the leaf surface clean at all times, and especially guard against cooking fumes, so as not to hinder leaf respiration and photosynthesis. Delay bringing it indoors in autumn to exercise its cold resistance, and move it back outside after Qingming in spring when the temperature is stable; this all helps protect the leaves.