PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerate morning sunlight, avoid harsh midday summer sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25℃; protect from frost below 5℃ by moving indoor or covering outdoor plants
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, ovate to elliptical leaves with smooth margins; dark green, velvety texture
- Flower: Pendulous, trumpet-shaped red/orange blooms; 20–30 cm long, fragrant at night
- Stem: Woody, branching stems with light brown, slightly furrowed bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase watering frequency during hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can reduce flower production
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels to avoid odor and pest issues; steep peels in water for 3 days, dilute 1:20 for root drenchingPruning
- Remove spent blooms promptly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Thin overcrowded branches to improve airflow and reduce risk of fungal disease
- Prune back to 1–2 m in late winter to maintain a compact, manageable shape
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems to prevent spread of pathogens
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Highly toxic; ingestion leads to vomiting, seizures, respiratory failure
Humans: All parts contain tropane alkaloids; ingestion causes severe neurological and cardiovascular effects, potentially fatal in large doses
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with tropical garden aesthetics; often used in moon gardens for evening fragrance
Usage: Ornamental garden shrub; avoid planting in areas accessible to children or pets due to high toxicity
