Night Queen (Cestrum Nocturnum)

Night Queen, scientifically known as Cestrum nocturnum and commonly called Raat Rani, is a fragrant shrub in the Solanaceae family, native to the West Indies, Central America, and South America. It typically grows 60–80 cm tall and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its ornamental and aromatic value.

The plant features long, narrow, dark green leaves and produces small, white, tubular flowers that bloom at night. These flowers emit a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that attracts moths and other nocturnal pollinators. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Night Queen is used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as fever, cough, and asthma.

Caring for your Night Queen

Difficulty level: Easy
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Watering schedule: Moderate; water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between watering
Soil type: Well-draining, fertile soil; sandy or loamy preferred
Humidity: Moderate
Fertilization: Every 2–3 months during growing season
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage blooms
Pet friendliness: Non-toxic