Also referred to as the Trumpet Flower and Thorn Apple, the Datura Flower is among the deadliest plant species with fascinating flowers and a rich history. Read this blog to learn about growing and caring tips for the Datura Plant.
Datura Plant is renowned for its captivating combination of beautiful and deadly. With its grey leaves and night-blooming trumpet-shaped flowers, Datura is a showy plant, considered a weedy species.
Each part of the plant contains toxic alkaloids and is, thus, poisonous. From its leaves, stem and roots to flowers and fruits, every part of Datura is usually used in folklore medications and alternative therapies. Besides, Datura has great religious relevance since it is said to have emerged from the chest of Lord Shiva when he drank poison. That is the reason the datura fruit is offered to Lord Shiva during Shivratri.
Read our guide on Datura Plant – its meaning, and growing plus caring tips.
(The above featured image is sourced from Pinterest)
Datura Plant – Overview
Datura is a bushy, short-lived annual herb with purplish-green hollow stems and straight oval-shaped leaves. The plant usually grows up to a height of 2-5 feet and has a foul reek. It usually grows naturally in clay loam soils found in croplands, fallow fields, deserted vacant places and even in waste areas.
Datura produces trumpet-shaped flowers with a pleasant fragrance. They are usually found in three different colours: yellow, greenish-white, and pale purple. In addition, Datura produces bumpy, egg-shaped fruits with short spikes and a bitter acid-like taste.
As per Vastu Datura plant Datura is considered auspicious as it is said to attract luck and prosperity.
Datura Plant – Key Facts
|
Common Names |
Datura, Trumpet Flower, Thorn Apple |
|
Botanical Name |
Datura metel L. |
|
Plant Type |
Herbaceous annual and short-Lived perennial |
|
Mature Size |
2-5 Feet Tall and 2-5 Feet Wide |
|
Soil Type |
Well-Drained, Porous Soil |
|
Soil pH |
Acidic to Alkaline |
|
Sun Exposure |
Full Sun, Can Tolerate Partial Shade |
|
Flower Colour |
White, Yellow, Pale Purple |
|
Bloom Time |
Summer and Fall |
|
Native Area |
North, Central and South America |
How To Grow Datura Plant
The Datura Plant can easily be grown from seeds. Though it can be planted in containers, it is best planted directly in garden beds. Learn here the growing tips for Datura:
- Before sowing, soak the seeds in tepid water for about 24 hours.
- For indoors, sow the seeds in sterile starter mix into small pots.
- Sow 1 or 2 seeds about one-fourth inch deep per plant.
- Use a plastic wrap to cover the seeds until they sprout.
- Keep them moist until germination. Provide a temperature of between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Seeds will germinate in almost 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, they take longer to germinate.
- Now transplant the established seedlings into larger pots.
- Adjust the plant to outdoor conditions for more than 7-10 days.
- Protect them from direct sunlight and strong winds initially.
- This will harden the seeds off – transplant the seedlings into the garden now.
- Water regularly and feed manure tea as required.
How To Care For Datura Plant
Here are the basic care requirements for a Datura Plant:
Soil
Plant Datura in well-draining, partial to moist soil. The plant requires porous soil that keeps its roots dry, as soggy soil can cause root rot.
Water
Datura Plant requires moderate watering. Water it deeply but ensure the soil is dry before the watering. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Sunlight
Place your Datura Plant in a location where it receives full sunlight. It may grow in partial shade but will have unusually long legs and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature
Datura Plants grow best in warm temperatures. They cannot tolerate frost. Keep them in a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertiliser
Feed your Datura plant a balanced fertiliser every few weeks when it’s growing. Use compost tea or well-rotted manure.
Summing Up Datura Plant
Datura is a tropical plant with huge funnel-shaped flowers and strong hallucinogenic properties. This spectacular, sprawling perennial has short-lived blooms that have health benefits too. Besides, Datura is popularly known for its religious significance since it is beloved by Lord Shiva. It can be planted in garden beds as well as containers. You can easily grow it indoors, taking care of its watering and sunlight requirements. Take cues from our guide and plant Datura at home, to make the most of its benefits.
External Reference Links:
Net Meds – Datura Overview
Outside Pride – Datura Growing and Caring Tips
Disclaimer:
Magicbricks aims to provide accurate and updated information to its readers. However, the information provided is a mix of industry reports, online articles, and in-house Magicbricks data. Since information may change with time, we are striving to keep our data updated. In the meantime, we suggest not to depend on this data solely and verify any critical details independently. Under no circumstances will Magicbricks Realty Services be held liable and responsible towards any party incurring damage or loss of any kind incurred as a result of the use of information.
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