Raat Ki Rani Flower Plant or night blooming jasmine ( Cestrum Nocturnum ) is a plant which belongs to the potato family native to west India. Don’t confuse the word jasmine in the name. This species is not considered true jasmine; we consider those plants true jasmine, which belongs to the Jasminum genus. In India, this plant is called Raat Ki Rani, which means – Queen Of The Nights. It’s an evergreen woody shrub which can grow up to 13 ft in height. The flowers it blooms are in a tiny tubular shape and are of greenish-white shade.
In the blooming season, you can enjoy clusters of bell-shaped fragrant flowers which open up at night, filling the environment with an enchanting divine aroma. According to Wikipedia, it also produces white berries, but in my front yard garden, it’s been 26 years of raat ki rani flower plant, but I haven’t seen a single berry.
What is Night Blooming Jasmine?
- Botanical Name – Cestrum Nocturnum
- Family – Solanaceae
- Genus – Cestrum
- Flowers: Greenish-white, but there is also a variety that blooms with yellowish flowers.
- Growing Conditions – Perfect for growing in subtropical regions.
- Plant Type – Evergreen Woody Shrub
- Height – Can reach 13 ft in optimal thriving conditions.
- Toxicity: Some plant experts suggest that consuming the berries of this plant creates problems like rapid pulse and rise in body temperature.If you are a patient with respiratory sensitivities or asthma, then the strong fragrance of this flower may irritate the nose, cause difficulty breathing, or cause headaches.
- Invasive – It is considered an invasive species in Auckland, New Zealand.
Benefits Of Night Blooming Jasmine
Night-blooming jasmine is an amazing ornamental plant that can transform your garden into a fragrant paradise. The mild and mesmerizing aroma from the heavenly blooms will take your mind into a surreal world, making it relaxing. The sweet scent from the raat ki rani flower plant has calming properties that help make your sleep deep and peaceful.
Air Purification
Night-blooming jasmine filters the toxins from the air, acting as a natural air purifier. Also, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night, improving the air quality.
Aromatherapy
People also extract oil from these intoxicating flowers and use it in aromatherapy, which boosts mood and promotes relaxation.
Attracting Pollinators
Raat ki rani flower plant also attracts pollinators like hawk moths, which are active at night.
How To Grow Raat Ki Rani Flower Plant
Ideal Climate & Location
Night-blooming jasmine plants can easily thrive in tropical and subtropical regions; location for keeping or planting this plant is very important. It demands 4-6 hours of daily sunlight. You plant them in partially shady areas but will witness less flowering.
Soil
Preparing soil for any plant is crucial; raat ki rani prefers well amended nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
Planting Tips
How To Grow Night Blooming Jasmine From Cuttings
Propagating your plant from cuttings is the most cost-effective way of doubling your plant. Cut in the fall to increase the chances of successful propagation.
- Select a healthy branch from the plant and take a cutting from a sharp and clean tool.
- Keep the cuttings in a bottle or container filled with water, and keep changing the water every week until you start seeing roots in it.
- After it starts developing roots, it’s time to shift your cuttings into a pot filled with well-draining and nutrient-rich potting mix.
- Spot a sunny location in your garden and place your night-blooming jasmine.
Potting Vs Outdoor Planting
Potting
At their initial stage, night-blooming jasmine plants can’t withstand cooler climates, especially where temperatures go down below 35 F, so you will get a facility when planting in pots that, in frosty winter, you can take your plant indoors.
Outdoor
Growing the Raat ki Rani Plant outdoors in warm climatic zones is easy because it enjoys highly humid conditions in its comfort zone. You can plant them outdoors in an area where they can either get full sunlight or partial shade.
Watering And Fertilizing
At their initial stage, when the plant is still trying to harmonize with the surroundings and developing roots, it requires frequent watering, but you need to understand that there’s a thin line between watering and overwatering. Always check the soil with your fingers; if it seems dry, your plant needs water. Once your plant matures, you can reduce watering.
Fertilizing
Before your plant matures, it needs monthly fertilizing to support the plant in developing its foliage and roots, and after maturing, feeding your plant once a year before the blooming season is enough. A balanced NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer will be perfect for your plant before using the fertilizer. Always read the instructions on the label.
Care Guide
Pruning
Pruning is a crucial part of caring for your plant. Pruning at the right will enhance the flowering in your plant. Spring is the perfect time to prune your Raat Ki Rani plant to promote new growth in your plant. Don’t over-prune your plant; pruning the part that requires pruning will prompt healthy growth. Always use a sharp pruning shear for a clean cut.
Pest Management
When certain circumstances occur, there is a high chance that pests like spider mites, scales, mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids can attack your plant. You can tackle spider mites and scales by showering them off using neem oil spray. Fungus gnats and fruit flies grow on moist soil, so holding back water is the best way to deter them.
If you spot mealybugs and whiteflies, using alcohol wipes to swipe them will help deter them.
Aphids: Aphids suck the sap from your plant. You can eliminate them by blasting them with high-pressure water spray. Keep pesticides as a last resort for deterring these pesky pests.
Temperature Tolerance
Protecting your outdoor planted night-blooming jasmine in winter is very important. These plants love warm and humid environments. When the temperature drops, these plants goose into a dormancy period; mulching around your plant helps them maintain humidity and control weeds. You can use dry leaves, sawdust, compost or cardboard for mulching. 2-3 inch thick layers of mulch will be enough to protect your raat ki rani flower plant.
Conclusion
The Raat ki rani flower plant will be a stunning addition to your garden with little care. The fragrant, tingling bell-shaped flowers will fill your garden with a sweet fragrance. Following the propagating tips, you can easily double your plant and make your adobe a floral haven. Also, the mild scent of the night-blooming jasmine will make your sleep peaceful and relaxing.
