Jasmine Tobacco, Winged Tobacco

nicotiana alata

Also known as: ["Winged Tobacco","Jasmine Tobacco"]

Family: Solanaceae Genus: Nicotiana Category: Flowers

Overview

A flowering annual or short-lived perennial in the nightshade family, known for its fragrant, tubular flowers that open in the evening.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Nicotiana
Botanical Name: Nicotiana alata

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot near bright window or outdoor garden bed in sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, especially after flowering or when growth becomes unruly.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 6–8 hours of sunlight per day, with protection from harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; provide shade during peak hours; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct midday sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Soil

well-draining, fertile potting mix with added organic matter

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

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; refresh soil annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoids extremes.

Protect from drafts; maintain moderate temps; adjust watering in heat.

Fertilizing

every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), monthly in fall and winter

Reduce feeding in fall/winter; avoid fertilizer burn by not over-applying.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (70–75°F).

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss

Hormone

Recommended to promote root development.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent stems; keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors

Checklist

Sterilize tools, prune dead/leggy growth, shape plant, clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes growth and prevents congestion.

Checklist

Choose new pot, prepare soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water at base, ensure drainage, avoid foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly at the base until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without saturation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water 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.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf curl in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; use a heat mat if necessary; avoid drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to soil, rinse tools.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); dilute to half strength.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Nicotiana alata may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations such as aphids or spider mites, which disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Nicotiana alata is often a sign of water stress, either due to under- or overwatering, or root damage from pathogens like Fusarium or Pythium, which impair water uptake.

Leaf spots on Nicotiana alata are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, such as Cercospora or Xanthomonas, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Nicotiana alata is commonly caused by excessive moisture and fungal pathogens like Rhizoctonia or Pythium, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Nicotiana alata is highly toxic to cats due to its nicotine content. Cats are particularly sensitive to nicotine, which can cause severe neurological and gastrointestinal distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea tremors seizures rapid breathing weakness collapse
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats. If ingestion occurs, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

Nicotiana alata is toxic to dogs due to its nicotine content. Nicotine can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea excessive drooling tremors seizures rapid heart rate respiratory distress
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from dogs. If ingestion occurs, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Nicotiana alata contains nicotine, a potent neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system. Ingestion can lead to severe physiological disturbances, including increased heart rate, respiratory distress, and potential paralysis.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness weakness rapid heart rate respiratory failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and pets. Avoid ingestion. Seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
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 Nicotiana alata toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: When do the flowers of Nicotiana alata typically bloom?

A: The flowers usually bloom in the evening and night.

Q: How should Nicotiana alata be cared for?

A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and regular watering.

Quick Reference
Family: Solanaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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