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

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? Because of everything you are going to discover right here. 

Origin and characteristics

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

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.

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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 temperate and warm climates. Whether in a pot or planted in the garden, when it is in bloom it is a delight,… and when it is not too  . It has a very elegant appearance, and 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?

Get your seeds from this article.

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