The Lady of the Night plant (Cestrum nocturnum) is a woody shrub known for its intensely fragrant, night-blooming flowers. Though not a true jasmine, its common name comes from the powerful, sweet perfume its small, tubular greenish-white or yellow blooms release after dusk. This unique nocturnal display makes it a desirable addition for an aromatic evening garden.
Basic Care Essentials
Light Requirements
The Lady of the Night plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is particularly beneficial. In regions with intense afternoon heat, provide shelter from the harshest sun to prevent leaf scorching. Indoors, a south or east-facing window offers bright, indirect light.
Watering Practices
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the active growing season, but never waterlogged to prevent root issues. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Established plants need less frequent watering in dormant winter months.
Soil and Potting
A fertile, well-draining soil mix is best, preferably loamy or sandy with rich organic content. A slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5) supports nutrient uptake. For container plants, choose a pot with adequate drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. Repot every one to two years or when the plant outgrows its container.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical shrub prefers mild temperatures (50-80°F / 10-27°C) and is sensitive to frost. Temperatures below 40°F (4°C) can cause damage, requiring indoor protection in colder climates. The plant appreciates higher humidity (around 50% or more), which can be maintained by placing the pot on a pebble tray or by regular misting in dry environments.
Nutrient Needs
Regular fertilization supports robust growth and prolific flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 15-15-15) every four to six weeks during the active growing season. Young plants benefit from monthly feeding, while mature plants need a single application in early spring. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this promotes leafy growth over blooms.
Pruning and Shaping
Regular pruning maintains the Lady of the Night plant’s shape, size, and health. This encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Remove dead, damaged, or overgrown branches to improve air circulation and direct energy towards productive growth.
Prune after a flowering cycle (late spring/early summer) or in early spring before the main growing season. The plant tolerates hard pruning, making it adaptable for training or managing its sprawling habit. Consistently trimming new growths beyond the desired shape maintains appearance and promotes continuous blooming.
Encouraging Blooms and Fragrance
The Lady of the Night plant’s distinctive fragrance and nocturnal blooms are its most captivating features. Its small, tubular flowers open in the evening, releasing a powerful, sweet perfume that can fill an entire garden, and typically close by morning. The plant often blooms repeatedly throughout the summer, providing extended aromatic enjoyment.
Adequate light, proper nutrient balance, and strategic pruning maximize flowering. Ensure the plant receives sufficient sunlight and is fertilized with a balanced formula, possibly emphasizing phosphorus and potassium to encourage blooming. Pruning after a bloom cycle stimulates new growth and subsequent flowers, as the plant blooms on mature growth.
Addressing Common Issues
While generally resilient, the Lady of the Night can encounter common issues. Pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites may affect foliage. Manage these by spraying with a strong water stream, or applying insecticidal soaps or neem oil for persistent infestations. Hand-picking caterpillars is also effective.
Environmental stresses, such as incorrect watering or nutrient deficiencies, can cause leaf yellowing or dropping. Overwatering is a common cause of distress. Fungal issues like leaf spot, identifiable by circular spots, can occur in wet, cool conditions and are treated with appropriate fungicides. Consistent care prevents many of these problems.
Propagating New Plants
Propagating the Lady of the Night plant is straightforward, with stem cuttings being the most successful method. Take cuttings from healthy, mature stems, ideally in spring or early summer. Each cutting should be 5-7 inches long, with lower leaves and flower buds removed to direct energy towards root development.
Allow the cut end to callus for a day or two before planting to improve success. Dipping the callused end in rooting hormone further encourages root formation. Plant cuttings in a moist, well-draining soil mix, and maintain a warm, humid environment until roots establish, usually within a few weeks.