Chinese Aglaia Plant Care

Chinese Aglaia (Aglaia multinervis) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Aglaia genus. Chinese Aglaia is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Chinese Aglaia is also known as Chinese Rice Flower.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Aglaia 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.

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

Aglaia multinervis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Chinese Aglaia 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 Chinese Aglaia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Aglaia 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.

Chinese Aglaia 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.

Chinese Aglaia 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 Chinese Aglaia 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.

Chinese Aglaia 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.

Chinese Aglaia 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.

Chinese Aglaia 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.

Chinese Aglaia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Chinese Aglaia is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Aglaia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.