How to Grow Ochna Integerrima | Yellow Mai Flower

Ochna Integerrima, popular as the Yellow Mai Flower, is a beautiful plant that you can grow both in pots and gardens. Here are all the details.

Ochna Integerrima is a beautiful plant that you can also train to grow as a bonsai. If you like to have exotic plants in your collection, then you must surely try growing it.

About Ochna Integerrima 

Ochna integerrima is a flowering plant species native to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. It is a member of the family Ochnaceae. The plant is a small, evergreen tree or shrub that can reach up to 5-8 feet in height. Its leaves are dark green, shiny, and oval-shaped with a pointed tip. The flowers are small and yellow, with five petals and a central cluster of stamens that resemble the ears and face of Mickey Mouse.  

Ochna integerrima is a popular ornamental plant, often used in gardens and parks for its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, sore throat, and gastrointestinal issues. However, its medicinal properties have not been extensively studied. 

Botanical Name: Ochna Integerrima 

Common Names: Vietnamese Mickey Mouse plant, Ochna serrulata, or Yellow Mai flower

How to Propagate Ochna Integerrima?

Seed Propagation

• Collect mature fruits from the plant and extract the seeds. 
• Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. 
• Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 
• Water the soil regularly to keep it moist but not waterlogged. 
• Place the pot in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. 
• Seedlings should emerge within 2-4 weeks. 

Cutting Propagation

• Take a 6-8 inch long cutting from a healthy Ochna integerrima plant, using a sharp and sterilized cutting tool. 
• Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. 
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. 
• Plant the cutting in well-draining soil, covering the lower half of the cutting with soil. 
• Water the soil thoroughly and place the pot in a bright and warm location. 
• Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks. 

Air layering 

• Choose a healthy and mature branch of the Ochna integerrima plant. 
• Make a 1-inch cut on the branch, about 8-12 inches from the tip. 
• Apply rooting hormone to the cut area. 
• Wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss and cover it with plastic wrap, securing both ends with twist ties. 
• Wait for roots to form, which should take 4-6 weeks. 
• Once roots have formed, cut the branch below the air layer and plant it in well-draining soil. 

Requirements to Grow Ochna Integerrima 

Sunlight 

Ochna integerrima prefers full sunlight to grow well and produce beautiful flowers. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in poor growth and fewer flowers.

If grown indoors, place it near a bright window where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. If grown outdoors, place it in a location that receives full sun to partial shade, and protect it from strong, direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. 

Soil 

Ochna integerrima can grow well in a variety of soils, as long as it is well-draining and rich in organic matter. In India, a soil mixture of red soil and compost in equal parts is recommended. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. 

Water 

In terms of water requirements, Ochna integerrima prefers to be kept moderately moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

During the hot and dry summer months in India, the plant may require more frequent watering. 

Temperature 

Ochna integerrima prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate some cold temperatures, but not freezing temperatures. In India, it can be grown outdoors year-round in most regions, as long as it is protected from extreme heat and cold.

The ideal temperature range for Ochna integerrima is between 20-30°C. 

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Ochna Integerrima Care 

Fertilizer 

Ochna integerrima benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Apply the fertilizer every 2-3 weeks at a rate of 1/2 tablespoon per 2 liters of water. 

Pruning 

Prune Ochna integerrima after flowering to maintain its shape and size. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

To promote bushier growth, pinch back the tips of new growth. 

Pest and Diseases 

Ochna integerrima is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, scale insects. 

These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overwatering. If these issues arise, treat them with appropriate fungicides or by adjusting watering practices. 

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