Yellow Oleander

cascabela thevetia

Also known as: ["Yellow Oleander"," Lucky Nut","Cascabela"]

Family: Apocynaceae Genus: Cascabela Category: Flowers

Overview

A small evergreen tree or shrub native to Mexico and Central America, known for its showy yellow flowers and highly toxic seeds.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Cascabela
Botanical Name: Cascabela thevetia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in warm climates, or indoor pot in bright, sunny location
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat; avoid direct sun on leaves in high humidity.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a cactus mix as base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); sensitive to frost.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring or summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), humid, and bright but indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems just above a leaf node or bud; shape as desired.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; needed for growth and drainage.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil; water sparingly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, allowing water to penetrate the root zone; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water to the root zone without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, or stunted growth in cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Stems may become brittle; growth halts; risk of root rot due to reduced evaporation.

Solution: Move indoors before frost; provide a warm, bright location; reduce watering in cool conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth slows; increased water demand.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Cascabela thevetia may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as mealybugs, which disrupt nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Cascabela thevetia can be caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage from pests or pathogens, affecting the plant's ability to transport water.

Leaf spots on Cascabela thevetia may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in discolored or necrotic areas on leaves, which can impair photosynthesis and lead to leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Cascabela thevetia due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cascabela thevetia poses a significant toxic risk to cats, with cardiac glycosides causing severe cardiac dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal distress. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds, and poisoning can be rapidly fatal.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tachycardia arrhythmias weakness collapse death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure the plant is not accessible to cats. Immediate veterinary consultation is required if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

Thevetia thevetia is highly toxic to dogs due to its cardiac glycoside content, which can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias, gastrointestinal upset, and potentially fatal heart failure. The effects are dose-dependent and can be rapidly progressive.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy weakness difficulty breathing collapse seizures death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant inaccessible to dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Cascabela thevetia contains thevetin A and B, cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function by inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme, leading to severe cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disturbances. The plant's toxicity is systemic and can be fatal without prompt medical intervention.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness irregular heartbeat low blood pressure confusion death
🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep all parts of the plant out of reach of humans, especially children. Ingestion requires immediate medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cascabela thevetia safe for pets?

A: No, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Can the seeds of Cascabela thevetia be used for anything?

A: The seeds are highly toxic and should not be ingested or handled without caution.

Q: Does Cascabela thevetia require a lot of maintenance?

A: It requires moderate maintenance, including regular pruning and care to prevent pests and diseases.

Quick Reference
Family: Apocynaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers"]
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