Night-flowering jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Night-flowering jasmine on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Oleaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Night-flowering jasmine
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, also known as Night-flowering Jasmine or Tree of Sorrow, is a small shrub or tree from the Oleaceae family, renowned for its fragrant white flowers with orange centers that open at dusk and fall at dawn, carpeting the ground with a perfumed display. It is ideal for patios, night gardens, or as an ornamental specimen near windows to enjoy its aroma. Its ephemeral beauty and sweet perfume make it a charming focal point.
Native range
Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade for abundant flowering, protecting it from intense afternoon sun in very hot climates. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during the blooming season. It prefers well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic. A common mistake is a lack of pruning, which can reduce flowering; prune it lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
How to save a dying Night-flowering jasmine
- Warning signs
- Pale, yellowing, or dropping leaves, sparse flowering. Soft or dry stems.
- First aid
- Ensure good drainage, reduce watering if waterlogged, or increase if dry. Place in partial shade.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot), lack of indirect sunlight, or poor soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Check roots, prune damaged parts, and optimize its environment.