Tobacco Plant, Wood Tobacco

nicotiana sylvestris

Also known as: ["Tobacco Flower","Flowering Tobacco"]

Family: Solanaceae Genus: Nicotiana Category: Flowers

Overview

A tall, fragrant annual or short-lived perennial with elegant, tubular flowers and large, sticky leaves.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, humid room or outdoor garden bed with partial shade
  • 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 to maintain humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or leggy stems
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Adjust exposure seasonally to prevent scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun; move indoors during extreme heat or cold.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to filtered sunlight

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing near heat sources.

Watering

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

Water deeply to encourage root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, fertile potting mix with added organic matter

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C). Avoids frost and extreme heat.

Use a thermometer to monitor; group plants for microclimate benefits; adjust watering with temperature changes.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, water lightly.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), indirect light

Medium

Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage

Hormone

Recommended to promote root development

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 8–12 weeks

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadheading and light shaping; avoid cutting into old wood

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape; cut back after flowering to rejuvenate.

Tools

Pruning shears, clean scissors

Checklist

Sterilize tools, deadhead regularly, trim leggy stems, shape as needed, dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes

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; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, add fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, discard excess water, water in morning.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess to prevent standing water. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

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

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot. Adjust based on humidity and temperature.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky materials.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, wilting, bud drop, stunted growth, or leaf burn.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to frost damage or death in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, and cover during frost warnings.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid contact with leaves, flush periodically.

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Nicotiana sylvestris may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations. It can also be a sign of viral infections or chlorosis, which impairs photosynthesis and weakens the plant.

Wilting in Nicotiana sylvestris is often caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering. It can also result from root damage, pest infestations, or diseases that disrupt water transport within the plant.

Leaf spots on Nicotiana sylvestris are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if severe. The spots may vary in colour and size depending on the pathogen.

Rotting in Nicotiana sylvestris typically occurs in the roots or stems due to fungal infections or bacterial pathogens, often exacerbated by excessive moisture. This can lead to plant death if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Nicotiana sylvestris is highly toxic to cats due to its nicotine content. Cats are particularly sensitive to nicotine, and ingestion can lead to severe neurological and gastrointestinal effects.

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

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. If ingestion occurs, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Dogs
Toxic

Nicotiana sylvestris is toxic to dogs due to its nicotine content, which can cause significant neurological and gastrointestinal distress. The effects can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

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

if eaten

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

Nicotiana sylvestris 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 heartbeat respiratory failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep all parts of the plant out of reach of children and 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 sylvestris toxic to pets?

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

Q: Does this plant require full sun?

A: It prefers full sun to partial shade for best flowering.

Q: How tall does Nicotiana sylvestris grow?

A: It can grow up to 5 feet tall under optimal conditions.

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