The flowers of this shrub open and release odor when the sun sets, which explains its name: lady of the night. It is also known as night-blooming jasmine, night-blooming cestrum, queen of the night, night-blooming jessamine, and Hasnühana. Lady of the night easy to look after as the care required is basic and very simple. oneHOWTO explains more about how to care for a lady of the night plant.
First, you must choose the appropriate place to locate your lady of the night as this plant does not tolerate low temperatures. Therefore, you must keep it protected from the cold, especially if you live in a region with extreme temperature changes or in a windy environment. Thus, you can place it in a sheltered spot in your garden to prevent frost, making sure that it receives sunlight so that it can emit its characteristic scent in summer. Additionally, placing the plant near a wall may provide extra warmth and protection from the wind.
Lady of the night plants often adapt to most soils, so you should not worry too much about the type of substrate. However, ensure that proper drainage is in place to avoid the accumulation of water. It should be noted that incorporating sand or perlite into the soil can enhance drainage, which is beneficial for the plant's root system.
As to the irrigation required for the lady of the night, watering twice a week during the winter and every two days in summer is sufficient. It is important that the plant does not remain flooded to prevent root rot. In this regard, checking the soil moisture before watering can help you determine the right time to water the plant, ensuring it remains healthy.
Basic care for lady of the night includes removing leaves and wilted flowers to encourage growth of the remaining ones. Also, in early summer, once they have already bloomed, prune them to prevent them from growing too much. Regular pruning not only helps manage the plant's size but also promotes air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
It will also be advisable to provide extra nutrients into the soil for the lady of the night, using liquid fertilizers rich in iron. This will also help them to grow and thrive, especially in the flowering stage. For example, a balanced fertilizer with micronutrients can support robust growth and enhance the vibrant blooms the plant is known for. Regular feeding during the growing season ensures the plant has all the necessary nutrients to flourish.
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