Thevetia Peruviana cultivation

There Peruvian Thevetia better known as Peruvian Yellow Oleander or Peruvian Cerbera, it is an ornamental plant grown in pots and in the garden for the natural beauty of its dense foliage, for its splendid flowering and for its characteristic decorative design fruits.

General characteristics of the Peruvian Thevetia or Cerbera

There Peruvian Thevetia is an evergreen plant native to the countries of South America belonging to the Apocynaceae family.

The plant, on average 7/8 meters high, develops like a tree well anchored to the ground thanks to a strong and robust root system.

The trunk erect is greyish in color. The foliage, dense and expanded, is made up of green-gray twigs.

Read also: Oleandro Nerium Oleander

The long ones leaves lanceolate, similar to those of the oleander, hence yellow oleander, they are shiny and light green in color.

The upper page of the leaves is covered with a waxy layer which greatly reduces the loss of water by evaporation.

THE flowers funnel-shaped, similar to those of hibiscus, they are large, pleasantly scented and of a deep yellow color.

However, there are also examples with peach-white flowers.

THE fruits are woody green drupes containing lenticular seeds which, when fully ripe, take on a gray-blackish color and, even if very decorative, are poisonous like all other parts of the plant.

Flowering

Peruvian Thevetia blooms profusely throughout the summer and sometimes well into late October if the climate is temperate.

On the plant for a while there are flowers and fruits at the same time.

Cultivation Thevetia Peruviana

Exposure

Thevetia loves places that are bright, sunny and sheltered from the wind. It fears the cold and night frosts. During the winter, the young specimens raised in pots should be sheltered in protected places.

Ground

It grows strong and luxuriant in any type of soil even if it prefers the loose one, rich in organic substance and well drained.

Watering

Generally, Thelvetia is satisfied with rainwater. In periods of prolonged drought it is advisable to water the plant at least once a month, especially if it is a young specimen. Plants grown in pots should be watered regularly once a week in winter and every two days in summer.

You may be interested in: Peruvian yellow oleander: multiplication

Fertilization

Periodically fertilize the soil with slow-release granular fertilizer specific for flowering plants. Every 2-3 years, in spring or autumn, spread a bucket of well-ripened organic fertilizer at the foot of the trunk.

Multiplication of the Peruvian Thevetia

There Peruvian Thevetia it propagates by seed and woody cutting. Both techniques are carried out in the summer.

Guide to the multiplication of the yellow oleander from Peru

Peruvian Thevetia plant

To favor the erect development of the slender trunk of the young Thevetia plants, it is good that at the time of implantation, in the ground or in pots, it is supported by a sturdy stake.

Planted plants should be watered frequently but without overdoing it.

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Repotting Peruvian Thevetia

There Peruvian Thevetia grown in pots it needs periodic repotting as its roots tend to occupy all the available space and to devour the soil in a short time.

The new pot must be a few cm larger; the new soil and to ensure adequate drainage we recommend the use of expanded clay.

The repotting, carried out in winter, favors the vegetative restart of the plant in the following spring. When it is no longer possible to repot, it is good to renew the soil by removing the surface layer.

Pruning of the yellow oleander from Peru

Pruning should be performed above all on young specimens to give foliage and shapes in late autumn. For the operations we refer to the guide: Pruning Thevetia Peruviana

Diseases and pests of the yellow oleander of Peru

Excessive environmental humidity and strong temperature variations predispose the plant to the attack of fungal diseases and some animal parasites such as aphids and scale insects.

Cures and treatments Thevetia Peruviana

In winter, protect the base of plants raised in the ground with a light mulch of straw or dry leaves. Plants grown in pots, on the other hand, should be protected in places sheltered from the cold.

To prevent the attack of diseases and parasites, it is recommended at the end of winter to treat Thevetia with a broad-spectrum insecticide or with organic pesticides for the garden.

Things to know about thevetia of Peru

So long as all parts of the plant, in particular the seeds, are poisonous it is necessary to wear gloves to avoid contact with the milky substance emanating from the plant during pruning and taking the cuttings.

Cultivation in gardens frequented by children and pets is not recommended.

Photo gallery of the Peruvian Thevetia