PlantFun
Plant Needs
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, ovate to elliptical leaves with smooth margins, glossy green, up to 30 cm long
- Flower: Pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers up to 30 cm long, creamy white to pale yellow, strongly fragrant at night
- Stem: Thick, woody stems with green to brownish bark; open branching habit
Care Guide
Keep soil evenly moist; increase watering frequency during hot, dry periods
Feed every 2 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer to support flowering. Avoid fertilizing during winter dormancy to prevent nutrient buildup in soil
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid debris to avoid pest infestations and odor- Prune in early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and shape the shrub
- Pinch back young shoots to encourage bushier growth and increase flower bud production
- Remove spent blooms promptly to promote continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Avoid heavy pruning in late summer to prevent disrupting next year's flower buds
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion leads to vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures, and respiratory depression
Humans: Contains tropane alkaloids; ingestion causes severe neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal effects; potentially fatal in large doses
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with traditional spiritual rituals in some Andean communities; widely cultivated for ornamental value despite toxicity risks
Usage: Ornamental flowering shrub for gardens and containers; all plant parts are toxic and should not be consumed by humans or animals
