Overview
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum, commonly known as Day Blooming Jasmine, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to Central and South America and has been introduced to various other parts of the world.
Description
Day Blooming Jasmine is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to six feet tall. It has dark green leaves that are thin and lance-shaped. The flowers are small, white, and tubular, with a sweet fragrance that intensifies at night. They bloom in large clusters from spring to fall and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Common Names
Aside from Day Blooming Jasmine, Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum is also commonly known as Day Jessamine, Lady-of-the-Night, and Aztec Nightshade.
Uses
The plant is primarily used for ornamental purposes. Its fragrant and attractive flowers make it a popular choice for gardens, patios, and balconies. In some cultures, the flowers are used for making leis and other decorations. Some parts of the plant have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses and conditions. However, caution should be exercised as some parts of the plant are toxic.
Light Requirements
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum typically grows in bright sunlight or partially shaded areas. It requires a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive. However, excessive exposure to direct sunlight may cause leaf burn and plant stress. To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to place the plant in an area that receives adequate sunlight and has some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum grows best in warm to hot temperatures. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 21-32°C (70-90°F). It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F). It is recommended to protect the plant from extreme temperature fluctuations and provide a stable temperature environment to encourage healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH soil (6.0-7.5). It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, and it is beneficial to mulch the soil to maintain moisture levels. It is recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Method for Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum can be grown either directly from seeds or cuttings. To grow the plant from seeds, sow fresh seeds in well-draining potting soil in a container 2-3 times larger than the size of the seeds. Germination typically occurs in 2-3 weeks, and when it has two sets of true leaves, transplant it to its permanent location. To grow the plant from cuttings, take 6-8 inch cuttings from a mature plant, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone before planting it in well-draining soil. Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum prefers growing in full sun to partial shade, in moist and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from acidic to alkaline, but it does not tolerate salty or waterlogged soil.
Watering Needs for Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum requires moderate watering, i.e., enough to keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feel dry to touch. During the growing season, typically spring to fall, water the plant more frequently, i.e., once or twice per week, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. During the winter, water the plant less, i.e., once every two weeks or when the soil feels dry to touch.
Fertilization Techniques for Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum needs regular fertilization to grow healthy and produce more flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, once every three months, from spring to fall. Apply the fertilizer following the manufacturer's instructions or at a rate of 1 tablespoon per square foot of soil. Do not fertilize the plant during the winter or when it is not actively growing to avoid fertilizer burn or chemical toxicity.
Pruning Methods for Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum requires pruning to remove dead or damaged branches, control its size and shape, and promote new growth and flowering. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before the new growth appears. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid hurting the plant. Cut the branches at a 45-degree angle, just above the leaf node or where it meets another branch, to encourage the new growth to emerge. To control the plant's size, remove up to one-third of the old wood each year.
Propagation of Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum, commonly known as day-blooming jasmine, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is a subtropical and tropical plant that grows up to 3 meters in height and blooms from late spring to late summer.
Propagation Methods
There are three main methods of propagating Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum: seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and layering propagation.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum from seeds is a slow process, but it is the most economical and straightforward way to produce a large number of plants. The seeds can be collected from the mature fruit, which is an orange or red berry, and then planted in moist soil containing sand and peat moss. The seedlings may take up to 4-6 weeks to germinate.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum from stem cuttings is a faster method than from seeds. Stem cuttings, around 10-15cm in length, are prepared from healthy plants in the early summer months. The stem cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone solution and then planted in a soil mixture containing sand and peat moss to encourage rooting. The cuttings should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until vigorous new growth is observed. Rooting may take 4-6 weeks.
Layering Propagation
Propagation of Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum through layering involves the bending and burying of a flexible stem into the soil. The stem is fixed into place using a small stake or rock. The vegetative part of the stem will remain above the soil while the bottom portion of the buried stem will produce roots. The new plant may be separated from the parent plant after the roots have become established in about a year.
Disease and Pest Management for Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum
Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum, also known as day-blooming jasmine or queen of the night, is a shrub that is commonly grown for its fragrant flowers. Proper disease and pest management is essential to keep the plant healthy and blooming.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum are fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray with a fungicide containing neem oil or potassium bicarbonate.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that appears as brownish-orange spots on the leaves and stems. To manage rust, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray with a copper-based fungicide.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as black or brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected parts of the plant and spray with a fungicide containing copper or sulfur.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum are mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and aphids.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, fuzzy insects that feed on the plant's sap. To manage mealybugs, remove them by hand or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, oval, and flat pests that attach themselves to the plant and feed on the sap. To manage scale insects, remove them by hand or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that suck the plant's sap and cause yellowing or bronzing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a miticide or insecticidal soap.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. To manage aphids, remove them by hand or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is key to keeping your Cestrum diurnum L. var. diurnum plant healthy and blooming. Proper cultural practices, such as providing the plant with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, can also help prevent pest and disease problems.
