PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot, arid climates to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5–7 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25°C; protect from frost below 5°C by moving indoor or covering with frost cloth
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, ovate, glossy green leaves with serrated margins; up to 30 cm long
- Flower: Pendulous, trumpet-shaped blooms (15–30 cm long) in white, cream, or pale yellow; strong nocturnal fragrance
- Stem: Woody, branching stems with smooth, light brown bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; apply mulch around base to retain moisture
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks to break down nutrients; steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid using raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged wood and shape the shrub for better air circulation
- Pinch young shoot tips to encourage bushier branching and more flower production
- Remove spent blooms promptly to promote continuous flowering throughout the growing season
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dilated pupils, seizures, and respiratory distress
Humans: All parts contain tropane alkaloids; ingestion causes hallucinations, tachycardia, delirium, or coma; skin contact may cause mild irritation
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Often used in tropical ornamental gardens; associated with caution due to its high toxicity
Usage: Ornamental flowering shrub; avoid planting in areas accessible to children or pets
