Tuberose Polianthes tuberosa
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as tuberose is cherished for its sweetly fragrant flowers. It has a clumping growth habit with narrow, linear leaves that are bright green in color, which grow in a basal rosette. The most striking feature is its inflorescence - a spike that carries numerous waxy, white flowers that are funnel-shaped and elegantly arranged along the tall stem. The blossoms have a powerful and intoxicating scent that is most intense during the evening hours, making it a favorite for nighttime gardens or for cutting and bringing indoors to fill a room with fragrance. Tuberoses bloom in the late summer, and their flowers are often used in floral arrangements and in making perfumes because of their intense aroma.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Tuberose, Rajanigandha, Mexican Tuberose, Bone Flower, Scented Night Lily.
Common names
Tuberose muteliana, Polyanthes mexicana, Polianthes hortensis, Polianthes simplicifolia, Polianthes tubiflora, Polianthes tubiflora var. simplicifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
Tuberose is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects associated with touching or ingesting tuberose. As with any plant, some individuals may have allergic reactions or sensitivities, but this is not common. Accidental ingestion of tuberose parts is not expected to cause poisoning or serious consequences in humans.
To pets
Tuberose is also considered non-toxic to pets. It does not contain substances known to be poisonous to cats, dogs, or other household pets. Therefore, if a pet ingests parts of a tuberose plant, it is unlikely to experience any poisoning symptoms or serious health consequences. However, as with humans, individual animals could potentially have a mild digestive upset or allergic reaction if they are sensitive to the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Polianthes tuberosa, commonly known as tuberose, is widely cultivated for its fragrant, attractive flowers that are often used in bouquets and flower arrangements.
- Fragrance Production: The strong, pleasing scent of tuberose is used in perfumery, making it valuable in the fragrance industry.
- Cultural Significance: Tuberose has cultural and ceremonial importance in various traditions, often used in weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals.
- Garden Aesthetic: With its lush green foliage and clusters of white flowers, tuberose adds beauty and elegance to gardens and landscaping designs.
- Gift Plant: Tuberose is popular as a gift plant due to its delightful fragrance and blooms, symbolizing pleasure and sensuality.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Polianthes tuberosa extracts may contain compounds with antioxidant properties that help in neutralizing free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may possess anti-inflammatory agents that can reduce inflammation in various conditions.
- Antispasmodic: The plant has been traditionally used to alleviate spasms or cramps.
- Analgesic: Tuberosa extracts might have pain-relieving qualities, helping to alleviate minor pain.
- Sedative: Aromatherapy with tuberose oil is believed to have calming effects that might act as a sedative.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- In perfumery, tuberose essential oil is extracted through enfleurage or solvent extraction methods and is used to create fragrances with a rich, heavy, and sweet floral scent.
- Tuberose is used in garlands and wedding decorations in certain cultures, especially in India, where its fragrant flowers are highly valued for festive occasions.
- The flowers of the tuberose are sometimes used in flavored syrups and desserts in culinary preparations, lending their aroma to enhance the taste of various dishes.
- In the Victorian language of flowers, tuberose represents dangerous pleasure, and it was sometimes used to convey messages in bouquets.
- Candied tuberose flowers have been used as a unique and decorative dessert topping, although this use is rare and traditional.
- The plant can be planted as part of a moon garden, where its white blooms are particularly reflective under moonlight, enhancing the garden's nighttime beauty.
- Tuberose is sometimes used in potpourris and scented sachets to impart a pleasant fragrance to linens and clothing.
- In crafting, tuberose flowers can be incorporated into candles to add a natural and attractive scent when burned.
- As a natural fixative in perfumes, tuberose's intense and long-lasting scent helps to stabilize the volatility of other perfume ingredients.
- The strong scent of tuberose is sometimes used in small doses to deter pests and insects, although this is not its primary purpose.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tuberose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tuberose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Sensuality and Romance: Tuberose, with its heavy, sweet fragrance, is often associated with sensuality and deep romance. The intoxicating scent is said to symbolize the wild and passionate side of love.
- Dangerous Pleasure: In some cultures, Tuberose represents a pleasure that is almost dangerous or forbidden due to its overpowering and seductive qualities.
- Celebration: Tuberose is commonly used in celebratory garlands and bouquets, especially in Indian weddings, to celebrate joyous occasions and to honor guests, symbolizing hospitality and warmth.
- Peacefulness: The plant’s calming scent is thought to bring serenity and peace of mind, making it a symbol for relaxation and tranquility.
- Mortality and Death: In certain traditions, Tuberose is also associated with mourning and is used to honor the deceased, symbolizing the transient nature of life.
- Voluptuousness: Because of the heavy and heady aroma of the Tuberose flowers, this plant can also symbolize voluptuousness and the lushness of life.
WaterTuberose requires even moisture throughout its growing season but does not tolerate oversaturated soil. Initially water the plant once a week with about one quart of water, taking care to moisten the soil without waterlogging it. As temperatures increase, frequency may need to increase to twice a week, depending on the weather and soil drainage. During peak summer heat, tuberose may need up to two gallons per week, especially in drier regions. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy, and during winter water sparingly, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightTuberose thrives in full sunlight and should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It's imperative for the flowering process that the tuberose is exposed to ample bright light. A southern exposure is ideal in Northern Hemisphere gardens, ensuring the plant gets sufficient light to bloom vigorously.
TemperatureTuberose prefers warm temperatures and does best when the temperature range is between 65°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures of around 50°F, but growth and blooming might be adversely affected. Tuberose bulbs should not be exposed to temperatures below 40°F; if exposed to colder temperatures, they can be damaged or may not survive.
PruningPruning tuberose involves removing spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage further flowering and to maintain plant health. After the plant has finished blooming, cut back the flower stems but leave the foliage in place to allow the plant to gather energy for the next season. Pruning is typically done at the end of the flowering season or in early fall as the plant begins to go dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Tuberose prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5. A mix containing equal parts loam, sand, and compost with added perlite can ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingTuberose does not require frequent repotting; it's typically done every 2 to 3 years or when the clumps become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingTuberose thrives in moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, which mimic its native tropical environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Tuberose in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, shelter from wind, and well-draining soil for Tuberose.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) begins when a tuber or bulb is planted in loose, well-drained soil. After planting, the tuber undergoes a period of dormancy until the environmental conditions are right, at which point it will sprout and produce a rosette of narrow leaves. As the plant matures, a tall spike grows from the center of the basal leaves, reaching up to 3 feet or more, and then it develops clusters of white, highly fragrant, waxy flowers that bloom in late summer. After the blooming period, the flowers fade, and the plant sets seed pods if pollinators were present; however, tuberose is often propagated through the division of the tubers rather than by seed. The foliage then begins to yellow and die back as the plant enters a dormant phase, conserving energy within the bulb for the next growing season. When the ideal temperature and moisture conditions return, the cycle restarts with new leaf growth, leading to the next flowering cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Tuberose, which is the common name of Polianthes tuberosa, involves the use of offsets or small bulblets that form around the base of the mother bulb. Typically, the best time to propagate tuberose by separating these offsets is late winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant. Gardeners carefully unearth the clump and gently detach the offsets, which are usually a few inches in size, from the main bulb. Each offset must have a bit of root attached to ensure successful growth. The separated offsets are then planted immediately in well-draining soil at a depth of about 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters), spaced 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. With proper care, including full sun exposure and regular watering, these offsets will develop into blooming plants in the following growing season.
