PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; provide afternoon shade in extreme heat to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C to avoid foliage damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, ovate to elliptical leaves with fuzzy, velvety undersides; margins slightly wavy
- Flower: Clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers with yellow centers; blooms primarily at night
- Stem: Woody, branching stems covered in fine, dense hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated
Fertilization
Diluted balanced 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 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Prune dead or diseased branches in early spring to encourage new growth
- Trim overgrown stems to maintain desired shape and improve air circulation
- Remove spent flower clusters to promote additional blooming throughout the growing season
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified toxic; solanine content may cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms
Humans: Contains solanine; ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal irritation
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental shrub; traditional medicinal uses in some tropical regions for minor ailments
