Tips to Care & Cultivate Ylang ylang Plant (Cananga odorata)

INTRODUCTION:

Commonly known as Canaga Tree or more famously as Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) is a tropical shrub tree. There are however a well refined type where it appears to be a dwarf type where it blooms more profuse in comparison the tree type where the later growths in considerable size. 

This particular miniature type is very much garden ornament friendly where you can easily grown in a flower pot. On a general note - Ylang-ylang has these greenish yellow flowers and emits the constant relaxing scent which I may say can considerably help eliminate anxiety and stress.

Hence this particular one is very much cultivated for the flowers and used for therapeutic uses especially as essential oils in aromatherapy. There are a huge extensive study done on the uses on Ylang-ylang essential oil namely for calming  & relaxing effect.

I managed to purchase this for RM20.00 and its so worthed it.

LIGHT:

Being a Tropical Plant native surrounding regions of the Southern Asia - this plant does require good strong indirect bright sunshine, It can tolerate growing in shaded area however it must receive at least 6 hours of sunshine. It does not do well in heavy shaded area and may not bloom in such conditions. Also the leaves may turn yellow and also become leggy. Another factor in the lack of sunlight may cause the plant to become stress and can attract pest to heavily attack on them.

Hence do give a thought if you're not having open garden area as this would not so well as indoor plant - even placing them as a balcony potted plant can be challenging if they receive inadequate light.

SOIL MEDIUM:

Considering one of the most basic thing about planting material - this one doesn't require anything special - just any balanced potting mix will do. They seem to do fine in a medium or big potted plant - however they will do great if they are planted directly into the garden soil as these will require just that to create those majestic cascading blooms. 

However if limitation occurs where you can only grow in pot - then a good balanced potting mix with rich amount of organic material and equal part of well drained soil which will help from root rot. 

WATERING & FEEDING:

It may require a good adequate watering - both morning and evening based on the size of the plant.
You can grow it in a nice medium or large size pot, the plant will behave and grow based on the size of the pot. However I would recommend this to grow freely on ground if you want lushful beautiful cascading flowers.

Also this plant is a heavy feeder and do feed adequately during the flowering season.

However take note that over-watering can cause them to bud-drop especially during the rainy season, hence a well balance fast draining medium to ensure no root rot occurs.

PRUNING:

One of the most challenging part for this shrub is pruning. They do grow extremely fast and become very unruly if not proper care is not given - especially when it comes to growth factor, this plant focus more on branching more stem and over growth rather than blooms which can be one of the down-side coming from this ever blooming plant.

However with the right pruning method and keeping it trimmed and manageable size - this one can be such a beauty. As shown here - the appearance of the blooms can last at least for few months until the next pruning session is done to maintain the blooming cycle from interruption.

This consideration applies very accurately when the plant is matured and had grown for years - that is if it is not flowering in its full potential. Other factors involving lighting / watering / feeding is also essential and necessary.

PEST CONTROL:

I had found this one seemed to be a very sensitive plant without strong resistant to pest attack in comparison to many other floral plant. Often mealybugs are found around the flowerbud farmed by ants and occasionally sap sucking insects too are found at the bottom of the leaves.

Occasionally I had come across that if the plant is anyway stressed or lacking nutrients may face some damage on it's foliage but rarely fatal to the plant. 

Keeping the plant - Pruned and Compact does make the plant focused on its blooming cycle and also able to take immediate action if any unruly pest attack where pruning is much easily handled rather than spraying pesticide all over the plant.

Apart from this factor, other matters are very much similar with most tropical garden plants.

HISTORIC PLANT - OIL USAGE

Ylang-ylang has deep historic roots throughout many cultures and traditions spanning around the Asian and South Pacific Region. Often adorned as a fragrant flower and very much prized for the aromatic oils that been collected from these blooms. 

Generally speaking, Cananga comes from the local name known as Kenanga in Malay. However unlike Jasmine this one is comes with some taboo where according to feng shui it has drooping flowers hence signifies sorrow thus avoided.

Also these are grown in Malay cemeteries in village areas centuries ago and often emit strong scent especially during midnight which been associated with evil spirits and ghosts as folktales during that time. 

During these modern times, these are now slowly making a comeback bypassing old-age taboos. 

Bud drop due to overwatering.

PROPAGATION:

Propagation can be done but stem cutting, stripping off the bottom leaves and poking it into a deep pot with a rich potting soil. Keep it in shade until you notice a new leaves growth.

Another method is to put the cutting into perlite medium (soaked in water) 

Once taken roots, it should be carefully transplanted into a good potting mix.
Another option is to look out for a sucker that appears from the root base. 

This happens if the plant is very established and has a huge root system.

Also I had noticed that this particular one can be very challenging to propagate if done wrongly - these are difficult to roots easily. Another alternative is seed propagation or marcotting - however it is too tedious that it would be much easier to just purchase the plant from a nursery that going through a lot trouble of trail and error in getting it right for the first time.

I would strongly recommend for you to cultivate these if you have the space and open bright sun for them to grow. The fragrance is very mesmerising and it is true - the fragrance is so much real like having a constant Channel No.5 Perfume Plant emitting all over your garden.

Also, Do click on the link below for more information on Other Types of  Tropical Fragrant Flowers:

6 Best Tropical Fragrant Flowering Plants