PlantFun
Plant Needs
Characteristics
- Leaf: Ovate, velvety (downy) leaves with irregularly lobed margins, up to 20 cm long
- Flower: Trumpet-shaped white to pale lavender blooms, 15–20 cm long, fragrant and night-blooming
- Fruit: Spiny, ovoid capsules covered in soft downy hairs, containing numerous black seeds
Care Guide
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; increase watering frequency during periods of extreme heat
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks to support blooming. Discontinue fertilization entirely in autumn and winter when growth slows
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks to break down nutrients, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench to support flower development without overfeeding- Remove spent blooms promptly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
- Thin overcrowded branches in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Cut back leggy stems in late winter to promote compact, bushy growth for the upcoming season
- Remove any diseased, yellowing, or damaged foliage as soon as it is observed
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA: Highly toxic; ingestion leads to neurotoxic symptoms and organ damage
Humans: Contains tropane alkaloids; ingestion causes severe neurotoxic effects, potentially fatal in large doses
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with traditional spiritual and ritual use in some Indigenous North American cultures, though modern use is strongly discouraged due to its severe toxicity
Usage: Ornamental for night gardens due to its fragrant, moonlit blooms, but rarely cultivated widely due to safety concerns
