Pillai Tree Plant Care

Pillai Tree (Aglaia costata) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Aglaia genus. Pillai Tree is native to the Philippines.

Pillai Tree displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Pillai Tree produces small, fragrant clusters of yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pillai Tree every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Pillai Tree thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pillai Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Aglaia costata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Pillai Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Pillai Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pillai Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pillai Tree is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Pillai Tree can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Pillai Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Pillai Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Pillai Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aglaia aherniana plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Pillai Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Pillai Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Pillai Tree is native to the Philippines. In cooler regions, grow Pillai Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.