Grow Ylang Ylang Tree - Propagation and Caring

Today, I am going to talk about the Ylang tree. You will learn growing, and caring tips for this tree along with propagation.

In my blogs, I generally don't talk much about trees but this unusual, exotic tree is exceptional due to its fragrant blossoms.

Can we eat Ylang Ylang Fruit?

Very few talk about the special fruits of Ylang Ylang. The fruits are indeed edible and mainly used as additives to foods.

Note: As there is not much information about Ylang Ylang fruit consumption directly, it's safe not to eat it directly in large amounts.

If you are planning to grow it in Florida then zones 10-11 will be perfect for Ylang Ylang.

A lot of people only grow Ylang Ylang for the flowers but there are people out there who like to harvest the fruits.

Before planning to grow this tree you should be aware of the size. Ylang Ylang can grow up to 7 meters a year and it can go as big as 65 feet tall.

But do not worry there is a small-sized plant. Dwarf Cananga odorata or you can say Dwarf Ylang Ylang. The dwarf plant can be as tall as 6 feet.

Propagation of Ylang Ylang tree

You can propagate Ylang Ylang from seeds and cuttings. But I will recommend going with the seed propagation. Most of the time, I suggest cuttings if you are impatient but this time, the cuttings propagation will be harder with a small success rate.

Grow Ylang Ylang from seeds:

1. Buy the seeds or collect the seeds from ripe Ylang Ylang fruits.
2. Squeeze the fruits and the seeds come out easily.
3. No need to dry those seeds. Just wash those seeds and make a small nick on the end of each seed to make the germination process faster.
4. Now you can use normal soil with a good water drainage system in a bowl or pot. Just sow the seeds giving at least 2 inch gap between the two adjacent seeds.
5. Once you see the roots wait for another few days.
6. It can take 15 days max. to start sprouting.
7. After 25 days from sowing the seeds, you can plant those or start repotting. If you wish you can also plant on the ground as well.

Grow Ylang Ylang from cuttings

This needs a lot more patience and dedication. You should also be ready for one or two failure attempts.

I have done this twice and I had success once. Unfortunately, I don't have the picture right now. Otherwise, I would share it here.

1. Select Healthy Parent Plant: Choose a healthy, mature ylang-ylang tree to take cuttings from. Look for strong, disease-free branches that are semi-hardwood (not too young and flexible, nor too old and woody).
2. Try to take the cuttings in the growing season. (Early summer or late spring)
3. Cut a branch section about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long. Make the cut just below a node (where a leaf joins the stem). This is the portion where root development is most likely to occur.
4. Remove all the lower leaves and keep only a few leaves at the top of that branch.
5. Wound the Cutting: Gently scrape the bark off a small section at the base of the cutting (about 1 inch or 2.5 cm) to expose the cambium layer. This can stimulate root growth.
6. If you have any rooting hormone, you can dip the wounded portion into the rooting hormone powder or gel.
7. Soil: Use a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss, coco coir, or a commercial potting mix for cuttings.
8. Fill a small pot with the rooting medium and make a hole in the center with a pencil or stick. Insert the cutting into the hole about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) deep. Gently firm the soil around the cutting.

Finally, place the cuttings in a humid and warm place. 70-80°F (21-27°C).
No need to place it in direct sunlight. Water once every two days.

The above picture is of a Ylang Ylang tree.

Frequently asked questions for Ylang Ylang

How to pronounce ylang ylang?

Its e-layng e-layng

Can you grow ylang ylang indoors?

You can grow the Dwarf Ylang Ylang variant and grow it in a pot.