Ipomoea alba aka Moon Flower

Taxonomy

Ipomoea alba, also known as moonflower or tropical white morning-glory, is a night-blooming morning glory native to tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, from Argentina to northern Mexico, Arizona, Florida, and the West Indies. It was formerly classified as genus Calonyction, species aculeatum, but is now properly assigned to genus Ipomoea, subgenus Quamoclit, section Calonyction. This fragrant, tender perennial vine grows up to 70 feet in tropical climates but typically reaches 10-15 feet in a single season as an annual. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its deep green foliage and attractive spiraled tubular flower buds that bloom at dusk from mid-summer into fall. The flowers, which can reach up to 6 inches in diameter, attract night-flying moths and remain open all night before closing before noon the following day. This plant is synonymous with and formerly known as Ipomoea bona-nox and Calonyction aculeatum. As a houseplant, tropical white morning glory needs regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Moon Flower, Moonvine, Tropical White Morning Glory

How to care for Moon Flower

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Moon Flower due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Moon Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Moon Flower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Moon Flower thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Tropical White Morning Glory.

Toxicity

Moon Flower is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Moon Flower. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Region of origin

Moon Flower’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia