Chinese rice flower Plant Care

Chinese rice flower (Aglaia sessilifolia) belongs to the Meliaceae family within the Aglaia genus. Chinese rice flower is native to Borneo and confined to Malaysia's Sabah state. Chinese rice flower is also known as White flowered aglaia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese rice flower 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 rice flower thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chinese rice flower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

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

Feed Chinese rice flower 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 rice flower is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 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 rice flower 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 rice flower 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 rice flower 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 rice flower 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 rice flower 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 rice flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Chinese rice flower is native to Borneo and confined to Malaysia's Sabah state. In cooler regions, grow Chinese rice flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.