A fast-growing woody plant called Cestrum nocturnum produces night-blooming jasmine. The plant isn't true jasmine, but it is a member of the Solanaceae family, which also includes potatoes and tomatoes and the famous counterpart of the plant, Din ka Raja (King of the Day). Its tubular, greenish-white, or yellow flowers, which release a strong fragrance at night and entice butterflies and other pollinators, are where it gets its name. The shrub blooms continuously throughout the summer and has a long bloom period.
Night-blooming jasmine is produced by the quickly expanding woody shrub Cestrum nocturnum. The plant belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes potatoes and tomatoes, even if it is not a true jasmine.
It derives its name from the tubular, greenish-white, or yellow flowers that have a strong aroma at night and draw butterflies and other pollinators. The shrub has a long bloom period and produces blossoms all summer long.
In greenhouses and pots with plenty of sunshine and warmth, night-blooming jasmine thrives. Please note that all parts of the night blooming jasmine are toxic to pets and people but especially the berries.
How to plant raat ki rani or night blooming jasmine?
To grow a healthy night blooming jasmine, follow the following steps:
Pick a sunny location:
Night blooming jasmine loves the sun so make sure you are planting it in a sunny corner. It does well enough in partial shade as well but ensure that it is getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Since the plant emits a strong and sweet fragrance, most people prefer to grow it in containers on sunny porches or window sills.
Spacing is important:
Space your plants at least 4 to 6 feet apart from each other. This will allow the roots to spread out and take hold of the soil properly.
Well-drained soil is the key:
Night blooming jasmine does best in well-drained sandy soil with nutrient-rich compost mixed in the soil to help your plant grow.
Water your plant:
Night blooming jasmine is a thirsty plant that needs weekly watering while they are taking roots. Make sure the soil is constantly moist by saturating it with water.
How to grow and care for night-blooming jasmine?
There are several ways you can make sure of your plant’s healthy growth. Here are some of them:
Repotting: To avoid root-bound situations, repot your night-blooming jasmine every two years if it is in a container.
Watering: For night-blooming jasmine, frequent watering is required. Give your plants a little weekly water, especially while they're just starting to grow. You can cut back on waterings throughout the dry winter months once they have established themselves.
Fertilizing: As they establish themselves, night-blooming jasmine plants benefit most from monthly fertilization. Feed your night-blooming jasmine once a year as they expand into mature plants, preferably when the growing season begins in early spring.
Temperature: Night-blooming jasmine thrives in tropical climates with moderate temperatures and high relative humidity. Keep your night-blooming jasmine away from extremely cold temperatures.
Pruning: In September, ideally, after the flowering period, prune your night-blooming jasmine. Pruning done correctly promotes bushy new growth while reducing the likelihood that the plant will spread invasively.
Propagation: In either damp soil or water, night-blooming jasmine grows nicely. After pruning your plant, gather the clippings and store them in water until new roots appear. The cuttings should then be planted in new soil.
Pests: The most frequent pests to affect night-blooming jasmines are aphids and caterpillars. If you see an infestation, you should treat your plants with a mild insecticidal soap or neem pest control solution.
Is raat ki rani/night blooming jasmine poisonous?
Jasmine with night blooms is poisonous to both people and animals. The plant is harmful in all sections and might give rise to gastrointestinal problems when consumed. In addition, some people may get headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues as a result of the delicious aroma of night-blooming jasmine blooms.
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Is night blooming jasmine easy to maintain?
Night-blooming jasmine requires little care once it has established itself and is placed in a damp, sunny area. However, if left unchecked, it can grow out of control.
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Can we grow night-blooming jasmine indoors?
The species is a well-liked houseplant. You simply need to place it where it can receive enough light to promote a profusion of flowers, such as near a bright window or in a conservatory. It's a plant that thrives in humidity and can thrive in a bright bathroom. But be careful that the flower scent might be rather strong up close.
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Which plant is often confused with night blooming jasmine?
The shrub and other Cestrum species with yellow flowers are frequently mistaken. For instance, orange jessamine and willow-leaved jessamine (Cestrum Parque), both spreading shrubs with tubular scented blooms, are related species (Cestrum aurantiacum).
