PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright full to partial sun; provide dappled afternoon shade in intense tropical heat to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 5 cm of soil feels dry; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical temperatures; cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Alternate, glossy dark green elliptical leaves measuring 10–20 cm in length
- Flower: Pendulous, star-shaped yellow-green blooms with six narrow petals; emits intense sweet scent
- Stem: Slender branching evergreen trunk with smooth, light brown bark
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist; increase watering frequency during dry, hot periods
Fertilization
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth slows
Banana peel compost tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support flowering; discard solid peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Prune dead or damaged branches in early spring to maintain tree shape and improve airflow
- Thin overcrowded inner branches to allow light penetration to lower foliage
- Trim leggy stems on potted specimens to encourage bushier growth
- Remove spent flower clusters to promote new blooming cycles
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans; flowers are safe for handling and aromatherapy use
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with relaxation and romantic ambiance; widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy
Usage: Essential oil extracted from flowers for cosmetics and scent products; ornamental shade tree in tropical gardens
