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The Magic of Vietnamese Epiphyllum in an Australian Garden: A Mother’s Journey

"The enigmatic and captivating Epiphyllum, or Queen of the Night, as it is often called, takes its sweet time to reveal its true beauty. According to Ms. Nguyet, when propagated from leaves, this extraordinary plant may take 2 to 3 years to grace its owner with a magnificent floral display. It's a testament to the rewards that come with patience and a nurturing green thumb."

Administrator

1 December, 2024

The beauty of the moonflower is fleeting, so many people choose to plant the Japanese waxy leaf nightshade, a flower that blooms during the day and at night, and has a longer flowering period. “When I was a child, I only knew about the night-blooming jasmine – a flower that only blooms at night, but its fragrance is short-lived. Later, I learned about the Japanese waxy leaf nightshade, a very beautiful flower that blooms during the day and at night. Some varieties have long-lasting blooms and a delightful fragrance, so after moving to Australia, I covered my entire garden with this flower,” shared Ms. Nguyet, a resident of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Ms. Nguyet.

A Garden Filled with the Fragrance of Japanese Waxy Leaf Nightshade, Tended by a Vietnamese Mother in Australia

Ms. Nguyet shared that when she moved to Australia with her husband 16 years ago, there were already about 10 varieties of Japanese waxy leaf nightshade in her husband’s garden, as he is a flower enthusiast. Later, knowing her love for flowers, her husband planted more varieties in the garden to please her.

Ms. Nguyet, busy with her children and studies, only started collecting more varieties of Japanese waxy leaf nightshade in the last five years. She joined flower-loving groups, collected new varieties from older members, and shared her passion for these beautiful blooms.

“There are over 13,000 varieties of Japanese waxy leaf nightshade in the world. Those that bloom during the day and at night are called Japanese waxy leaf nightshade. Each variety has its own unique name, color, shape, size, and fragrance. Some are fragrant, while others have no scent.

When I first started planting, it was challenging to find the right varieties. The rare and beautiful ones were hard to come by, so I had to drive far and wide and also source them online from reputable nurseries. Many sellers are not trustworthy, and you may end up with a different flower after a few years. Moreover, sometimes the leaves they send are too young, making it difficult to grow them successfully,” shared Ms. Nguyet.

However, driven by her passion, perseverance, and hard work, Ms. Nguyet now has over 100 varieties of Japanese waxy leaf nightshade in her garden, with a few hundred pots in various colors such as red, pink, yellow, and orange. Her favorite is the German Empresses variety, also known as the lotus Japanese waxy leaf nightshade, as its blooms last for a whole month.

A Dedicated Mother Shares Her Secrets to Growing Abundant and Vibrant Japanese Waxy Leaf Nightshade

According to Ms. Nguyet, the primary method of propagating Japanese waxy leaf nightshade is through stem cuttings. If you choose to grow from leaves, it will take about 2-3 years for the plant to flower.

For stem cuttings, select healthy, pest-free leaves and cut them into sections approximately 15-25cm long. Let the cuttings dry in a cool place for about a week to allow the cut ends to callous over, reducing the risk of rot when planted. You can also apply diluted lime water or cinnamon powder to the cut ends for disinfection.

Next, insert the cuttings into a potting mix, ensuring they are about 2-4cm deep. “The soil for Japanese waxy leaf nightshade should provide good drainage. Everyone has their own way of mixing soil; I usually use orchid soil mixed with vegetable soil, sheep manure, and a little sand,” shared Ms. Nguyet.

After potting the cuttings, you can add a stake and tie the branch to it for support, aiding the plant in developing roots more effectively. It is important to refrain from watering the cuttings immediately after planting; wait for 2-3 weeks before providing a small amount of water to prevent over-saturation and root rot.

Even as the plant establishes itself, Ms. Nguyet advises against overwatering. “Japanese waxy leaf nightshade thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate drought. To encourage abundant flowering, allow the plant to experience a period of dryness. Water once a week during the summer and once every two weeks in the winter. During rainy months, refrain from watering, but ensure the plant doesn’t wilt,” shared the experienced gardener.

Japanese waxy leaf nightshade thrives in sunlight, so ensure it receives ample sunshine, preferably in the morning. During the summer, provide some shade, ideally under the canopy of a leafy tree. “In my experience, Japanese waxy leaf nightshade kept under a canopy will have beautiful foliage but fewer flowers. In contrast, those receiving ample sunlight will produce more blooms but may have less attractive leaves,” she shared.

Additionally, Ms. Nguyet recommends replacing the soil every 2-3 years to ensure the plant’s optimal growth. When repotting, remove the old soil, prune the roots, and trim any old or unsightly leaves. Then, place the plant in a new pot with fresh soil, gently pressing down without compacting the soil, and water it. Keep the plant in a cool place for 3-4 weeks before moving it back into the sun.

Japanese waxy leaf nightshade also benefits from fertilization to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Ms. Nguyet uses sheep manure and occasionally mixes other fertilizers with water to nourish her plants.