🌼 CULTURE GUIDE – Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

🌼 Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Flowers with an enchanting fragrance, used in luxury perfumery.

Ylang Ylang produces yellow-green flowers with an intense and sweet fragrance, the source of the precious essential oil.


☀️ Light

Full sun to partial shade. Minimum 6 hours of bright light per day to encourage flowering.

💧 Watering

Water regularly and generously. Keep the soil slightly moist. Prefers high ambient humidity.

🌡️ Temperature

Ideal temperature: 22-30°C. Minimum temperature: 15°C. Very sensitive to cold. Indoor plant in Quebec, can be moved outdoors in summer.

🌱 Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer. A fertilizer for flowering plants is recommended.

🪴 Repotting

Every spring for young plants. Every 2 years for mature plants. Rich, well-draining potting soil.

✂️ Size

Prune regularly to control rapid growth and maintain a compact shape. Ylang Ylang can grow very large.

🐛 Common problems

  • Scale insects: Treat with neem oil
  • Excessive growth: Prune regularly
  • Falling leaves: Water stress or temperature change

🌼 Blooming

Flowers on mature plants (3-5 years). Drooping yellow-green flowers with an intense and sweet fragrance. Flowering is possible year-round under good conditions.


Tropico-Québec tip: Ylang Ylang grows quickly. Prune it regularly to keep it a manageable size in a pot.