Desmos chinensis is a flowering plant of the custard-apple family, Annonaceae. The yellowish-green flowers are similar to the Ylang-ylang flowers, therefore this plant is sometimes known as dwarf ylang-ylang. Their smell, however, is much less strong and is only felt in the morning. By midday it has mostly faded away.
The dwarf ylang-ylang is resistant to disease and usually not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of maintenance, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outside, it needs only light watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller specimens, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Dwarf ylang-ylangt is suitable for anyone who has an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and it does not need extensive plant-care experience.
How to keep Desmos Chinensis.
Light
Dwarf ylang-ylang grows best in places that get plenty of light but not harsh direct rays, such as beneath a forest canopy. Exposure to intense light can scorch the leaves, while too little light may cause stunted growth. As dwarf ylang-ylang is propagated, it becomes more tolerant of sun-drenched spots.
Water
Dwarf ylang-ylang is native to tropical regions and prefers high humidity and consistent moisture. While it is drought-resistant, it thrives best in moist, well-drained soil. To encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage, water the plant every 2-3 weeks, particularly during the growing season.
Temperature
Dwarf ylang-ylang originates from temperate regions and thrives in temperatures between 68 and 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). Seasonal temperature adjustments aren't required unless temperatures undergo extreme changes.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Dwarf ylang-ylang is in early spring when it comes out of dormancy. This encourages overall growth and flower development. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches and supports large, vibrant, long-lasting flowers. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.
Pruning
The dwarf ylang-ylang is known for its fragrant yellow flowers and compact growth. To promote healthy blooming and reduce the risk of disease, it's important to prune this plant in early spring. Start by trimming dead branches and removing any suckers. Be sure to make clean cuts to enhance flowering. For the best results, prune just before new growth begins to encourage optimal blooming and overall vitality.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Desmos
- Family
- Annonaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 3.66 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 1.22 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 12.70 cm to 15.24 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, China
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Dwarf ylang-ylang plant?
Your Dwarf ylang-ylang doesn't require specific watering methods, so you can use any commonly available tool like watering cans, hoses, or cups to water it. Regardless of the tool, make sure to water the soil directly and ensure that all areas receive an equal amount of moisture, so every part of the plant's root system gets the water it needs. Using filtered water is recommended because tap water may contain harmful particles. It's also preferable to use water at or slightly above room temperature to avoid shocking the plant. However, the Dwarf ylang-ylang usually thrives with any type of water.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Dwarf ylang-ylang plant?
Fertilization plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of Dwarf ylang-ylang plants. By providing the necessary energy and nutrients, proper fertilization promotes the growth of lush foliage, sturdy stems, and branches. Additionally, gardeners value Dwarf ylang-ylang for its flowers, and fertilization helps in producing large, vibrant, and long-lasting blooms. This is possible because the right fertilizer facilitates efficient fuel transfer from the roots through the stems to the flowers. Furthermore, appropriate fertilization enhances the plant's overall health, making it more resistant to diseases.
How many hours of sunlight does the Dwarf ylang-ylang plant need every day?
When growing dwarf ylang-ylang indoors, it is important to place them in a sunny location that receives a lot of indirect or filtered light. They need at least 6 hours of daylight, with up to 3-6 hours of direct sunlight being beneficial. It is safe for them to receive many hours of indirect sun, but direct sun should be monitored and limited.
What is the best temperature for Dwarf ylang-ylang?
To help your tropical plants thrive, it's best to maintain a temperature range of 75℉ to 90℉ (25-32℃). While different species can tolerate temperatures outside this range, sticking within a few degrees of these limits will ensure optimal growth. However, there are extreme temperature limits to be aware of. Anything below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) can hinder growth and cause issues with the leaves and stems. Low temperatures are particularly damaging, as even a light frost can lead to the death of your tropical plants. In fact, cellular death can occur rapidly, with some species dying within 12 to 24 hours.
What should I do if I give my Dwarf ylang-ylang plant too much or too little water?
Watering outdoor plants, especially new or young ones, is crucial. Make sure to water them regularly in the first few months of planting. Once the roots are established, they can rely on rainwater. When it comes to potted Dwarf ylang-ylang plants, overwatering is a common problem. If you accidentally overwater, take immediate action. Stop watering and check the roots for any signs of rot. If there is no rot, you can return the plant to its pot. But if you find rot, trim the affected roots and use a fungicide. Then repot the plant in well-draining soil. If you underwater the Dwarf ylang-ylang, simply increase the frequency of watering. Leaves may droop and dry out, but they will bounce back after sufficient watering. Correct the watering schedule promptly when you notice underwatering.
When should I fertilize my Dwarf ylang-ylang?
The best time to fertilize a Dwarf ylang-ylang is in early spring when it is coming out of its dormant phase. This will provide the plant with energy to support its growth and flower development. However, it is also beneficial to give it another feeding in the fall, although a smaller amount is sufficient. Some gardeners choose to fertilize the plant during planting, but this is not always required.
What kind of sunlight does Dwarf ylang-ylang require?
In the wild, dwarf ylang-ylang plants receive ample sunlight all day long, although it is filtered through the leafy canopy of tall trees. When growing dwarf ylang-ylang indoors, it is important to give them bright indirect light either by placing them on a sunny windowsill or using grow lights.
Do Dwarf ylang-ylang need different temperatures at different stages of growth?
Dwarf ylang-ylang can grow in different phases without needing temperature changes, but it's important to be consistent. Fluctuations in temperature can slow down its growth, so it's best to keep it in a controlled environment. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃), with it being important to stay above the lower limit. Going above 90℉ (32℃) isn't ideal, but this tropical plant can handle it. However, going below 50℉ (10℃), especially 40℉ (5℃), will start to damage this heat-loving plant species.
How many times a week should I water my Dwarf ylang-ylang?
For most outdoor plants, they can grow naturally with rainfall. But if your area doesn't get enough rainfall, you'll need to water your plants every 2 weeks in the spring and fall. In the summer, you'll need to water them more often. During the slower growth period in winter, you can water them less frequently or not at all. However, if your Dwarf ylang-ylang is young or newly planted, it needs more frequent watering to help it establish and become more adaptable to drought conditions. When it comes to potted plants, there are two ways to determine how often to water your Dwarf ylang-ylang. One way is to follow a set watering schedule, such as once a week or every other week. However, this approach may not take into account the specific conditions in which your plant is growing. The other way is to check the moisture level of the soil. It's generally best to wait until the top two to four inches of soil have completely dried out before watering again. Keep in mind that during summer, your plant will need more water than the predetermined schedule suggests.
When is it best to not fertilize my Dwarf ylang-ylang plant?
During the winter, the Dwarf ylang-ylang does not require fertilization as it enters a dormant phase and does not need extra energy for growth. Fertilizing during this time can lead to overfertilization, which should be avoided. The ideal times to feed the plant are early spring and fall, meaning it won't need fertilizer for most of the spring and summer. Additionally, if the plant is exposed to extreme heat or dry conditions, it is best to refrain from feeding it.
Does Dwarf ylang-ylang get hurt by the sun?
Dwarf ylang-ylang plants can tolerate some sun exposure, but it's important to make sure they receive the right kind of sunlight. They should not be exposed to more than 6 hours of direct sun daily, meaning sunlight that directly hits the plant. However, they can handle indirect light, which can either be sunlight reflected off nearby objects or filtered direct sun (like when it passes through a sheer curtain). To keep Dwarf ylang-ylang protected, it's best to avoid excessive direct sun.
Does Dwarf ylang-ylang require varying temperatures throughout the year?
Dwarf ylang-ylang is a plant that doesn't require different temperatures for different seasons. To take care of it during different seasons, the key is to maintain a suitable temperature environment. Therefore, it's recommended to keep this plant indoors, allowing you to control the temperature regardless of the outside climate. In addition, light is crucial for tropical species like dwarf ylang-ylang. These plants prefer partial side-level sunlight, meaning they should receive dappled or filtered light. When growing them indoors, it's best to provide bright but indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can harm the plant's leaves and hinder its growth potential.