Aglaia forbesii Plant Care
Aglaia forbesii King
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This tropical beauty boasts glossy, dark green leaves that emit a fragrant aroma when crushed. Native to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, Aglaia forbesii is coveted by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ease of care, making it a must-have for any indoor jungle.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Aglaia forbesii?
Plant Aglaia forbesii in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Aglaia forbesii Native To?
What Is the Aglaia forbesii?
Aglaia forbesii (Aglaia forbesii) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Aglaia genus. Aglaia forbesii is native to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Aglaia forbesii displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Aglaia forbesii produces small, fragrant clusters of yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Aglaia forbesii?
Water a young or newly planted Aglaia forbesii 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Aglaia forbesii Need?
Aglaia forbesii thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Aglaia forbesii in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Aglaia forbesii Prefer?
Aglaia forbesii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Aglaia forbesii prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Aglaia forbesii?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Aglaia forbesii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Aglaia forbesii?
Feed Aglaia forbesii 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Aglaia forbesii?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Aglaia forbesii is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Aglaia forbesii?
Aglaia forbesii 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.
How Do You Prune a Aglaia forbesii?
Prune Aglaia forbesii 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.
How Do You Care for a Aglaia forbesii in Winter?
Aglaia forbesii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Aglaia forbesii?
Aglaia forbesii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aglaia aherniana plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Aglaia forbesii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Aglaia forbesii, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Aglaia forbesii?
Aglaia forbesii 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Aglaia forbesii Need?
Aglaia forbesii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Aglaia forbesii is native to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. In cooler regions, grow Aglaia forbesii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Aglaia forbesii is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aglaia genus — compare its care with other Aglaia species on PlantoScan.
Aglaia is part of the Meliaceae plant family — browse all Meliaceae genera and species.
Aglaia forbesii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aglaia Species
Other Aglaia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aglaia forbesii King, family Meliaceae (first published in J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Pt. 2, Nat. Hist. 64: 68 (1895)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Aglaia forbesii, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
