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Description
Solandra Maxima, also known as the Queen of the Night, is a tropical flowering plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to the rainforests of Central and South America and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and conservatories worldwide. This plant is known for its large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom at night, hence the name “Queen of the Night.”
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solandra |
Appearance
Solandra Maxima is a large, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 30 feet in height. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, measuring up to 10 inches long and 5 inches wide. The plant’s flowers are its most distinctive feature, measuring up to 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. They are trumpet-shaped, with a creamy white color and a strong, sweet fragrance. The flowers bloom at night and last for only one night, attracting moths and other nocturnal pollinators.
Care Guide
To care for Solandra Maxima, it is essential to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly once a week, more often during the summer months.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Plant Solandra Maxima in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Provide the plant with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Solandra Maxima is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Solandra Maxima is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant’s leaves, causing them to wilt and yellow. Use an insecticidal soap to get rid of them.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can spin webs on the plant’s leaves and suck the sap from them. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause the plant’s roots to rot, leading to wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Solandra Maxima is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, where it grows in the understory of the forest. It prefers warm, humid conditions and is often found growing on trees or other support structures.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Solandra Maxima?
A: Water the plant once a week, more often during the summer months.
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for Solandra Maxima?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Solandra Maxima?
A: Solandra Maxima is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What pests and diseases should I look out for with Solandra Maxima?
A: Solandra Maxima is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and root rot.
Related Plants
– Solandra grandiflora- Solandra hartwegii- Solandra guttata- Solandra maxima ‘Aurea’- Solandra nitida
References
– “Solandra Maxima.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287764&isprofile=0&.- “Queen of the Night.” Florida Museum. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/herbarium/solandra-maxima/.- “Solandra Maxima.” University of Florida. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/queen-of-the-night.html.
