Petunia aka Petunia

Taxonomy

Petunia is a genus of 20 species of flowering plants originating from South America. The name "Petunia" comes from the French word "petun," meaning "tobacco," which was derived from a Tupi-Guarani language. These plants, known as tender perennials, are commonly seen in gardens as hybrids, specifically Petunia × atkinsiana or Petunia × hybrida. They are bushy, semi-trailing annuals often used for seasonal bedding or patio containers. With oval-shaped, sticky, and hairy mid-green leaves, they produce abundant, velvety, trumpet-shaped flowers ranging from dark violet to lilac, featuring a dark purple eye. Blooming from June to October, these weather-hardy flowers, such as Petunia Night Sky, create a stunning display resembling glimpses into the galaxy. Their deep purple-blue petals with white-cream flecks change in intensity according to the temperature. Compact and vigorous, Petunia Night Sky is a mounding plant that continuously blooms from late spring to autumn.

Common names

Petunia, Black Mamba, Crazytunia Tiki Torch, Double Madness Petunia, Night Sky Petunia

How to care for Petunia

Difficulty

Petunia presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

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

Soil

Petunia 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Petunia prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Petunia to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Petunia does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Petunia should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Petunia’s native range is South America.


More info:
Wikipedia