Night-blooming Jasmine
Cestrum nocturnum
Raat ki rani is a fast-growing shrub with clusters of small, greenish-white flowers that release a powerful sweet fragrance at night. It is not a true jasmine. The scent carries far, so plant it with care near bedrooms.
Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India · CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, Partial sun
Watering
Moderate
Water regularly in dry weather; established plants tolerate short dry spells.
Soil
Most well-drained soils; pH 6.0–7.5.
Temperature and humidity
5–40 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Feed every two months with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings
Prune hard after each flush to keep it compact; it grows quickly.
All parts, especially the berries, are toxic if eaten by people or pets. The strong scent can trigger headaches or breathing problems in sensitive people.
Top Cultivation Tips
Plant at a little distance from windows.
Remove berries to stop self-seeding.
Cuttings root easily.
Keep away from children and pets.
Common problems
Aphids
Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new shoots and buds, sucking sap and leaving sticky honeydew behind.
How to treat it →PestMealybugs
White, cottony insects that hide in leaf joints and under leaves, weakening plants and spreading easily to neighbours.
How to treat it →PestWhiteflies
Small white flying insects that gather under leaves, sucking sap, spreading viruses and leaving sticky honeydew.
How to treat it →
