Raat Ki Rani / Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)

Raat Ki Rani, also known as Night-Blooming Jasmine or Queen of the Night, is a fragrant flowering shrub admired for its sweet, powerful scent that fills the air after sunset. With tubular white-green to pale yellow blooms and lush green foliage, it makes a beautiful choice for balconies, terraces, entryways, and fragrance gardens. With proper care, it rewards growers with abundant blooms and nighttime perfume.

🔆 Light Requirements

• Ideal Light: Full sunlight for at least 4–6 hours daily.

• Tolerates: Partial shade, though flowering may reduce.

• Avoid: Deep shade — the plant will grow weak and produce few or no flowers.

💧  Watering GuidelinesWhen to Water: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.

• Frequency:

  • Summer: 2–3 times per week

  • Winter: Once every 7–10 days

• Important: Avoid constant soggy soil. Poor drainage may cause root rot or yellowing leaves.

🌾 Soil & Potting

• Soil: Moisture-retentive yet well-draining potting mix. A good blend:
  ✔ Garden soil
  ✔ Sand/perlite
  ✔ Compost or organic matter

• Pot: Choose a medium-to-large pot with drainage holes, as the plant grows fast and bushy.

🌱 Fertilization

• Feed: Every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer using a phosphorus-rich flowering fertilizer.

• Boost: Organic alternatives like compost tea or seaweed extract support steady blooming.

• Avoid: Excess nitrogen — it results in leaves growing vigorously while reducing flowers.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune: Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

• Hard Pruning: Can be done once a year in early spring to rejuvenate the plant.

• Deadheading: Remove dried flowers to promote repeated blooming.

🪴 Humidity & Temperature

• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity; thrives naturally in warm climates.

• Temperature: Best between 18–32°C (64–90°F).

• Protect: Keep away from frost and cold winds — it is sensitive below 10°C (50°F).

🌸 Blooming Tips

• Provide full sun, proper feeding, and slight trimming for abundant nighttime blooms.

• Flower buds form on new growth — pruning stimulates repeated flowering cycles.

✅ Why Choose Raat Ki Rani?

✨ Enchanting Aroma: Releases its famous fragrance at night, transforming spaces outdoors or near open windows.
🌱 Fast-Growing: Quickly fills spaces and becomes a lush ornamental shrub.
🏡 Versatile Use: Ideal for patios, terraces, balconies, and garden borders.
🌼 Heavy Bloomer: Produces multiple blooming cycles in warm climates with the right care.