Morning Glory Tree, Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow
brunfelsia uniflora
Also known as: ["Brazilian Raintree","Poison Nut Tree"]
Overview
A small tree or shrub native to South America, known for its fragrant flowers that change color over several days.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Brunfelsia |
| Botanical Name: | Brunfelsia uniflora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, sheltered location or protected outdoor garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile potting mix with added 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 old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust indoor placement based on light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to filtered sunlight
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and growth phase.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a mix of peat, perlite, and loam; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); protect from frost and extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain stable indoor temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust based on plant response.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F/21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to maintain shape and promote airflow.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems to improve health and flowering.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears, disinfectant, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/weak stems, shape the plant, clean up debris, monitor recovery.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly, adjust care post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust seasonally
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky ingredients.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting in response to temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and potential dehydration in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute correctly, water before fertilizing, stop in winter
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); cease in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicBrunfelsia uniflora is toxic to cats due to its solanaceous alkaloid content. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds, which can cause severe neurological and gastrointestinal effects, potentially leading to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe solanaceous alkaloids in Brunfelsia uniflora are toxic to dogs, causing severe neurological and gastrointestinal distress. These compounds disrupt normal neurotransmitter function, leading to symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening neurological impairment.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicBrunfelsia uniflora contains solanaceous alkaloids, including atropine and scopolamine, which can cause significant physiological disturbances. These compounds interfere with the nervous system, leading to anticholinergic effects such as delirium, hallucinations, and paralysis.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Brunfelsia uniflora toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Why do the flowers change color?
A: The flowers typically start purple and fade to white over a few days.
Q: How much sunlight does it need?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to filtered sunl |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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