Thevetia

Family. Apocynaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. Thevetia is a multi-stemmed, abundantly branching, evergreen shrub or low tree. Young shoots are green, but with age they become woody and covered with gray bark. When damaged, stems and leaves exude milky sap. The leaves are narrow and long - up to 15 - 18 cm, bright green, glossy, arranged in a spiral. The underside of the leaf blade is often a lighter shade than the top. Funnel-shaped, fragrant flowers up to 7 cm in diameter, with 5 rounded petals, are located on the tops of the shoots, often remaining half-open. Shades of flowers vary from yellow to white and orange. The buds can be located either singly or in small inflorescences.

Height. Grows quite quickly and in nature reaches a height of 3 - 7 m.

Сare at home

Temperature conditions

Choose a place with a temperature of no more than 35 degrees C; in winter, keep it cooler, but not lower than 12 degrees C.

Lighting

These plants require a lot of sunlight to develop properly. If they grow in poorly lit places, they become thin and their flowers are less colorful. Direct sunlight in the midday heat can burn the foliage - shade the bushes at this time.

Care

Thevetia is a fairly easy plant to grow, especially if you monitor air humidity. After flowering, formative pruning is carried out, and weak and old stems are removed.

Substrate

Very porous, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH is suitable for growing. The bush can also do with soils with a low nutrient content.

Feeding

Feed monthly with water-soluble complex fertilizers. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped. 

Purpose

Thevetia looks gorgeous in bloom, but it requires a spacious room for development.

Flowering time

The peak of flowering occurs during the warm season, but individual buds also appear in the winter months.

Air humidity

High, regular spraying is required. You can also surround the pot with a layer of damp gravel or use a room humidifier to increase humidity. 

Soil moisture

The frequency of watering depends on the soil in the pot and the temperature. Daily watering is only necessary on hot summer days. If the flower grows in a warm room where the temperature is above 15° C, it should be watered regularly, even during the winter months. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. With the arrival of spring, watering increases. 

Transfer

If necessary, transplant in spring into larger containers. Adult bushes are transplanted approximately every 2 years. For large specimens, instead of transplanting, replace the top layer of soil with fresh soil.

Reproduction

Reproduction by seeds is possible, but this is a rather lengthy process. Vegetative, using stem cuttings. Propagation by cuttings should be accompanied by the use of growth hormones and bottom heating. 

Pests and diseases

If kept too wet and cool, the plant may rot, especially in the first winter. Leaf spots.

Pests may include mealybugs and spider mites.

Note

All parts of the thevetia are poisonous, keep it out of reach of children and pets, and use protective gloves when handling it.