Langsdorff's tobacco Nicotiana langsdorffii

Water

Brazilian Tobacco should be watered regularly to keep the soil uniformly moist but not saturated. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again, which might be once every 5 to 7 days depending on climate conditions. When watering, use a gentle flow to soak the soil without disturbing the plant or causing soil erosion. For an average-sized plant, use approximately 16 to 24 ounces of water each time during the active growing season, reducing the frequency during cooler months when the plant's growth slows down.

Light

Brazilian Tobacco thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. Choose a spot where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in areas with very hot summers, a location that provides some afternoon shade will help prevent scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

Brazilian Tobacco prefers a warm climate and grows best within a temperature range of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, frost and temperatures below this range can damage or kill the plant. The ideal temperature for optimal growth is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Prune Brazilian Tobacco to promote bushier growth and to remove any spent flowers or damaged leaves. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for major pruning is in the spring or after flowering to shape the plant and encourage new growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Flowering Tobacco thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a preferred pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix incorporating equal parts loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand would create an optimal growing environment, providing both aeration and moisture retention essential for the plant's health.

Repotting

Flowering Tobacco should be repotted every 1 to 2 years during its growing season to replenish soil nutrients and allow room for root growth. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer.

Humidity & Misting

Flowering Tobacco prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-70%. It thrives in environments that mimic its native tropical habitat, where air moisture is naturally higher.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with moderate watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Nicotiana langsdorffii, commonly known as Langsdorff's tobacco, starts its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of dormancy before germination can occur. Upon exposure to favorable conditions, including adequate moisture and temperature, the seeds germinate, and the plant begins its growth as a seedling, developing root systems and cotyledons. As it matures, Nicotiana langsdorffii grows into a rosette stage, where it forms a cluster of leaves at the base before the stem elongates in a process known as bolting. Following this, the plant enters the flowering stage, producing tubular greenish-yellow flowers that are capable of self-pollination or pollination by insects, leading to the production of seeds. Once pollination has occurred, the plant develops fruits, which are dry capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. After seed dispersal, the plant completes its life cycle, and if it is an annual, it will die, while if it is a perennial, it may enter a period of dormancy before regrowing.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Nicotiana langsdorffii, commonly known as Langsdorff's tobacco, is through seeds. Seed propagation can occur either by sowing seeds directly into the garden after the last frost or starting them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. To germinate, the tiny seeds are sown on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and lightly pressed into the soil, as they require light for germination. The container should be kept at a temperature around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) and should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 14 days, and once seedlings have grown strong enough and all danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted to their final location, ensuring a spacing of about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) between the plants.