Kranji Plant Care

Fagraea fragrans Roxb.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

The tembusu, is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae, native to Southeast Asia. It is the Malay name for Cyrtophyllum fragrans.

🌼Perennials
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Kranji?

Plant Kranji in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Kranji Native To?

Native range11 countries

What Is the Kranji?

Kranji (Fagraea fragrans) belongs to the Gentianaceae family within the Fagraea genus. Kranji is native to Southeast Asia. Kranji is also known as Fragrant Fagraea.

Kranji displays a small tree, upright habit growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Kranji produces fragrant white tubular flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Kranji?

Water a young or newly planted Kranji every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees 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 Kranji Need?

Kranji thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kranji Prefer?

Fagraea fragrans tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Kranji prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kranji?

Well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Kranji to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Kranji?

Feed Kranji every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 Kranji?

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Kranji is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Kranji?

Kranji can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Kranji?

Prune Kranji 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 tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Kranji in Winter?

Kranji is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). 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 Kranji?

Kranji can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cape jasmine plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Kranji Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Kranji, 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 Kranji?

Kranji is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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 Kranji Need?

Kranji grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Kranji is native to Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Kranji as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Kranji 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 Fagraea genus — compare its care with other Fagraea species on PlantoScan.

Fagraea is part of the Gentianaceae plant family — browse all Gentianaceae genera and species.

Kranji thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Fagraea fragrans Roxb., family Gentianaceae (first published in Fl. Ind. 2: 32 (1824)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kranji, 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 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • 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.

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