PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun for abundant flowering; tolerates partial shade in extreme heat to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtemperate conditions; protect from temperatures below 10°C to avoid leaf drop and dieback
Characteristics
- Leaf: Linear lance-shaped leaves arranged in whorls of 3–4; glossy dark green, leathery texture
- Flower: Fragrant trumpet-shaped bright yellow blooms, up to 5 cm in diameter
- Fruit: Ovoid green-to-brown seed pods containing large, hard toxic seeds (lucky nuts)
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during hot, dry spells
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can reduce flowering
Composted banana peel tea：Use fully composted banana peels; steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the bushy habit
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Thin overcrowded inner branches to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
- Avoid pruning during active flowering to prevent disrupting bloom production
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Highly toxic; ingestion leads to vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and potential fatality
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion of seeds or foliage can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmia and organ failure
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental landscaping in warm climates; seeds historically used in traditional medicine (highly toxic, not recommended for human use)
