The Galán plant at night, perfect for growing in gardens or pots

The flowers of the gallant at night open at sunset

The shrubby plant Galán at night It is a plant that has it all: it is easy to care for and maintain, it produces small but fragrant flowers during the summer, and it can also be grown both in the garden and in a pot.

It is so ornamental, that it is difficult to resist the temptation to acquire a… Or several. But why? For everything you are going to discover right here. 😉

Origin and characteristics

Cestrum nocturnum, scientific name of the gallant at night

Image - Wikimedia / Cary Bass

Our protagonist is an evergreen shrub (although it can behave as deciduous in temperate climates) originating from the tropical regions of America whose scientific name is Chester nighttime. Reaches a height of between 1 and 4 meters, with long and semi-hanging branches up to 70cm long. Its leaves are simple and alternate, have an oval shape and are green in color.

Its tubular flowers are white or greenish yellow.. They appear in large groups during late spring and summer. Once they are pollinated, the fruit begins to ripen, which is a white berry.

Whole plant it's toxic.

What are the care of the gallant at night?

Do you like the plant? Here's how to take care of it:

Location

The gallant at night It must be outside, either in full sun or preferably in semi-shade, especially if you live in an area with strong insolation such as the Mediterranean for example, or in places close to the arid or semi-arid areas of the world.

Whether you want to have it potted or planted in the ground, it is sure to grow wonderfully. In addition, its roots are not invasive, so it will not cause problems for you in pipes, or on paved floors, ... and it will not prevent other plants from growing near it.

Earth

It is not demanding, but it is important that it has very good drainage to avoid root rot. Therefore, we advise the following:

  • Flower pot: mix peat with perlite, claystone, previously washed river sand or similar in equal parts.
  • Garden: if the soil is capable of draining the water quickly, nothing has to be done; otherwise, you must dig a hole of at least 50 x 50cm (better if it is 1m x 1m) and fill it with the soil mixture mentioned above.

Irrigation

Leaves of the Galán de noche plant

Image - Wikimedia / Forest & Kim Starr

Irrigation must be frequent in summer, and somewhat less during the rest of the year. Generally, it will be watered every 2 days during the hottest months, and every 3-4 days the rest. If you have a plate underneath, you must remove the excess water 15 minutes after watering.

When the amount of water supplied is excessive, its leaves turn yellow and the roots rot. If this happens to your gallant at night, suspend watering for a few days, until the soil dries, and treat with systemic fungicide.

Subscriber

From early spring to late summer It is necessary to pay it, either with organic liquid fertilizers (guano highly recommended) or minerals (such as universal fertilizer for plants for example). But, regardless of which one you use, you must follow the instructions specified on the package, otherwise the risk of having problems due to an overdose of compost or fertilizer will be very high.

Planting or transplanting time

En spring. If you have it in a pot, you will need a larger one - and always with holes in the base through which the water can escape - every 2 years.

Pruning

Branches can be trimmed after the first flowering of the year with pruning shears. You also have to remove the dry leaves and withered flowers, whenever necessary.

Most common problems

It is a very resistant plant, but in very dry and hot environments it can be attacked by some mealybug or aphid. Both pests are fought with diatomaceous earth or neem oil.

But without a doubt, the most common query is ...:

Why does my suit jacket have yellow leaves?

The yellow leaves on the gallant at night they are frequent when you are watering too much. To avoid this, it is necessary to make sure that the soil or substrate drainage is good.

On the other hand, in case of having it in a pot, the water must be able to come out, away from the roots, otherwise they will rot. That is why it should not be planted in pots without holes.

Multiplication

Multiply by seeds in spring, sowing them in seedling trays with universal substrate, and placing them in semi-shade.

They will germinate in about 20 days.

Rusticity

Resists up to -2ºC.

Uses

What is the gallant for at night? Okay, basically used as an ornamental plant in warm and temperate climates. Whether in a pot or planted in the garden, when it is in flower it is a delight… and when it is not too 😉. It has a very elegant bearing, and it also tolerates pruning quite well.

Likewise, there are those who are encouraged to work it as bonsai. Its growth is fast and, as it is quite easy to care for, it is certainly interesting to have it as such. However, due to the size of its leaves it can be complicated, since it takes several years to reduce it by clamping and avoiding the use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers.

Where to buy?

View of the gallant at night in the garden

Image - Wikimedia / Forest & Kim Starr

Get your seeds from here.

With these tips, your Galán de noche will grow without problems.


23 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Octavia Pinera said

    Good morning. I can't get my galan out at night, the leaves are yellowish and fall off. In the noon hours the sun shines until it gets dark.
    Could I send you a photo and tell me?
    Thank you.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Octavia.
      Have you checked if it has any plagues? The late-night hunk has a tendency to have White fly y Red spider.
      By the way, how often do you water it? Now in summer you have to water very often, preventing the soil from drying out. If you have a plate underneath, remove the water within ten minutes of watering.
      And if you still do not see improvement, write us again.
      A greeting.

      1.    Jose Lozano said

        thank you very much =)

        1.    Monica Sanchez said

          Thanks to you 🙂

  2.   Laura Pérez said

    Hi how are things? I wanted to tell you a couple of questions if I have about the leading man at night. I recently got hungry and the flowers have begun to fall, the leaves have shrunk and "wrinkled" and another have turned yellowish. I live in a fairly humid and cold area and I don't know if that's why or what. The truth is that I would like to receive some advice on what I can do about it. Thanks a lot.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Laura.
      Do you have it in direct sun? If so, I recommend putting it in semi-shade, in an area where the light does not shine directly.
      If it is very cold in your area, it is better to have it at home, in a bright room but also without direct light, and away from drafts.
      A greeting.

  3.   MANUEL said

    hello I have three gallants at night and since they planted it for me, its rather small leaves curled when they grew, I watered them and grew strained, I always water them every other day in summer, but in winter I don't water them because of the frosts that there is in my area, the stain.
    its presence now in winter is rather brownish yellow leaves and only at ground level it has small green twigs, but the rest yellow, for my short knowledge I think dead.
    I have them in the ground and with drip irrigation, but just because of the type of plant or that they are just attached to a large palm tree, I do not see them that this spring will change much.
    I have no idea what happens but it looks like I will have to replace or tear them off.
    I hope some advice I would like to send a photo but you do not see the option.
    thanks for everything.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Manuel.
      No, from here you cannot send the photo directly. For that you must first upload it to tinypic or imageshack, and then copy the link here. That, or contact us via Facebook.
      In any case, what minimum temperature do you have there? I ask you because from what you say it seems that they are cold (it resists up to -2ºC).
      A greeting.

      1.    MANUEL said

        Hello again I send you the link of the photos of the plants and in my area there is up to more than 6º below zero in many days this winter, and the truth seems that this does not look very good.
        Thanks for your advice, greetings.
        http://es.tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=bpRy0IYlPgObbE8kedCLBIh4l5k2TGxc#.WpZUZfp77IU
        http://es.tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=bpRy0IYlPgMJJlwZUoWB6oh4l5k2TGxc#.WpZU0fp77IU

        1.    Monica Sanchez said

          Hello Manuel.
          Ugh yeah, it's wrong 🙁
          Remove the leaves, and water it with homemade rooting agents. I also recommend protecting it with anti-frost fabric.
          Good luck.

          1.    Veronica said

            Hi Monica, I want to know if the nightie needs to be against a wall as a support, or can he stand without any support. Thanks!
            From Argentina a hug, Verónica.


          2.    Monica Sanchez said

            Hello Veronica.
            Yes, of course without problem.
            Greetings.


  4.   Lucy said

    Hello Manuel
    I have 02 galan plants at night they smell incredible after 6pm, but I am worried that one of the plants has curled branches and the other has very long branches, I don't know if I have to prune them. Also they do not give flower! .. thanks to the answer, the temperature varies between 16 ° and 26 °.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Lucy.
      It seems that you got the wrong name, but nothing happens (we don't have any Manuel on the blog 🙂).
      Yes, it is highly recommended to prune them when they have finished flowering, so that they have a more compact shape. Trim as much as is necessary, and remove any intersecting branches as well.
      If you have questions, contact us again.
      A greeting.

  5.   Mariajose serna said

    Good afternoon, Dr. Mónica Sanchez
    I am a 6th grade student and I am investigating the heartthrob of the night because it is very beautiful and interesting and I want to make it known for a school project, I would like you to help me with some questions taking advantage of your knowledge about this plant.
    because she blooms at night?
    why does it release that scent?
    What kind of insects does it attract?
    who benefit from its bloom and aroma?
    Does its aroma have any effect on those around it, be it humans, insects, etc.?
    its aroma is used to make a perfume?
    What part of the plant has any benefit for humans or etc?
    I have seen several different flowers, are they the same flat hunk of the night?
    how would you describe its scent?
    I would appreciate any information you have about it and I thank you for your excellent notepad. THANK YOU !!

  6.   ELSA said

    HELLO I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE NIGHT GALAN CAN BE PLANTED IN THE SEA AREA 3 BLOCKS FROM THE SEA, WOULD IT BE ADAPTED TO SALT AIR AND SANDY SOIL?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Elsa.
      No, I couldn't bear it. Yes, you can put, for example - in a pot, yes - oleanders, which also give beautiful flowers.
      A greeting.

  7.   Carmen said

    Good night. I have a lady of the night for 1 year. It has always been very pretty, but for a couple of months, the new shoots have stopped growing, and the old leaves are yellow with dry tips. I add compost and the watering I think is going well. What can happen to him? I have not seen any bug or anything ..

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi carmen.

      If the plant looks good, it is normal for the older leaves to turn yellow and fall. Don't worry, it is part of their natural cycle.

      Greetings.

  8.   camilo said

    Can this plant be used as a vine for a green wall?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello camilo.

      We do not recommend it, since it is not a vine 🙂
      As a low hedge (maximum 4m) yes, but not to cover a wall as if it were a vine.

      Greetings.

  9.   Francesc said

    my plant looks good, big and with apparently healthy leaves. I planted it a year ago and it doesn't have a bud or a flower?
    Thank you

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi francesc
      It may need fertilizer, if you have never paid it. In order for it to flourish, guano, or a fertilizer for flowering plants, will come in handy.

      However, keep in mind that it blooms at dusk. I am telling you this because, it may be, that it has flowered but that its flowering has gone unnoticed (it happened to me with a yucca, and that is a plant that blooms during the day and that, in addition, keeps its flowers for several days ).

      A greeting!