Leaves Dropping On A Cestrum Nocturnum

Question

I have 3 days Cestrum nocturnum plants I received last April. They are still in pots, though I have put them in 8″ pots. Two are outside and doing well. I have just left them and watered them if needed. I have one indoors which is growing really well. One shoot is about 80 cm tall. Four others are shorter. The tall one especially, keeps dropping leaves. The leaf goes brown at the tip and fall off. I only have four leaves left at the top, though it has grown little shoots meanwhile along the branch. Can you tell me why the leaves are dropping. Too much, or not enough water. I do water it regularly and it does seem to take a lot of water. It is on a conservatory table, but not in direct sunlight so the leaves are not scorched. Though they look like it.

Answer 1

It may need more humidity. You can place it on a tray of pebbles with water and set the container on top of the pebbles. The water should not touch the container or the soil may wick up the water causing root rot. The extra water evaporates and raises the humidity around the plant. It does prefer moist soil, but it sounds like you are keeping it watered. During the winter, the plant is dormant and does not need as much water.

It needs bright, indirect light indoors such as in a south-facing window. Check for spider mites. If you see webbing around the stems or mottled foliage, it may have spider mites. You can treat it with Neem oil.

You can trim it as needed if you want to even up the stem lengths.

Here is more on its care:

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287193&isprofile=0&cv=4

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/jessamine-plants/night-blooming-jasmine-care.htm