The Galán plant at night, perfect for growing in gardens or pots
The Galán de noche bushy plant is a plant that has it all: it is easy to care for and maintain, produces small but fragrant flowers during the summer, and can also be grown both in the garden and in a pot.
It is so ornamental that it is difficult to resist the temptation to acquire one … or several. But why? For everything you are going to discover right here.
Origin and characteristics
Image – Wikimedia/ Cary Bass
Our protagonist is an evergreen shrub (although it can behave as deciduous in temperate climates) native to the tropical regions of America whose scientific name is Cestrum nocturnum. It reaches a height of between 1 and 4 meters, with long and semi-hanging branches up to 70cm long. Its leaves are simple and alternate, oval in shape and green in color.
Its tubular flowers are white or greenish yellow. They appear in large groups during late spring and summer. Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to ripen, which is a white berry.
The whole plant is toxic.
What are the care of the gallant at night?
Do you like the plant? Here we tell you how to take care of it:
Location
The gallant at night must be outside, either in full sun or preferably in semi-shade, especially if you live in an area with strong sunlight such as the Mediterranean for example, or in places close to arid or semi-arid areas of the world.
Whether you want to have it potted or planted in the ground, it is sure to grow wonderfully. In addition, its roots are not invasive, so it will not cause problems for you in pipes, or on paved floors,… and it will not prevent other plants from growing near it.
Earth
It is not demanding, but it is important that it has very good drainage to avoid rotting of the roots. Therefore, we advise the following:
- Pot: mix peat with perlite, clay, previously washed river sand or similar in equal parts.
- Garden: if the soil is capable of draining the water quickly, nothing has to be done; If not, you should dig a hole of at least 50 x 50cm (better if it is 1m x 1m) and fill it with the soil mixture mentioned above.
Irrigation
Image – Wikimedia/ Forest & Kim Starr
Irrigation must be frequent in summer, and somewhat scarcer during the rest of the year. Usually it will be watered every 2 days during the hottest months, and every 3-4 days the rest. If you have a plate underneath, you must remove the excess water 15 minutes after watering.
When the amount of water supplied is excessive, its leaves turn yellow and the roots rot. If this happens to your gallant at night, suspend watering for a few days, until the soil dries, and treat with systemic fungicide.
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From the beginning of spring and until the end of summer it is necessary to fertilize it, either with organic liquid fertilizers (guano highly recommended) or minerals (such as universal fertilizer for plants for example). But, regardless of which one you use, you must follow the instructions specified on the packaging, otherwise the risk of having problems due to an overdose of compost or fertilizer will be very high.
Planting or transplanting time
In spring. If you have it in a pot, you will need a larger one – and always with holes in the base through which the water can escape – every 2 years.
Pruning
Branches can be trimmed after the first bloom of the year with pruning shears. You also have to remove dry leaves and wilted flowers, whenever necessary.
Most common problems
It is a very resistant plant, but in very dry and hot environments it can be attacked by a mealybug or aphid. Both pests are fought with diatomaceous earth or neem oil.
But without a doubt the most common query is…:
Why does my groomsmen have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on the trouser press are common when overwatering. To avoid this, it is necessary to make sure that the soil or substrate drainage is good.
On the other hand, if it is in a pot, the water must be able to come out, away from the roots, otherwise they will rot. That is why it should not be planted in pots without holes.
Multiplication
It is multiplied by seeds in spring, sowing them in seedling trays with universal substrate, and placing them in semi-shade.
They will germinate in about 20 days.
Rusticity
Resists up to -2ºC.
Applications
What is the gallant for at night? Well, it is basically used as an ornamental plant in warm and temperate climates. Whether in a pot or planted in the garden, when it is in flower it is a delight… and when it is not too . It has a very elegant bearing, and it also tolerates pruning quite well.
Likewise, there are those who are encouraged to work it as bonsai. Its growth is fast and, as it is quite easy to care for, it is undoubtedly interesting to have it as such. However, due to the size of its leaves it can be complicated, since it takes several years to reduce it by clamping it and avoiding the use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
Where to buy?
Image – Wikimedia/ Forest & Kim Starr
Get your seeds from here.
With these tips, your Galán de noche will grow without problems.
