Osmanthus fragrans aka Sweet Osmanthus
Taxonomy
Common names
Sweet Osmanthus, Tea Olive, Fragrant OliveHow to care for Sweet Osmanthus
Difficulty
Sweet Osmanthus requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Sweet Osmanthus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Sweet Osmanthus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Sweet Osmanthus prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Sweet Osmanthus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Sweet Osmanthus is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Sweet Osmanthus’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.
More info:
Wikipedia