Moonflowers are viney plants that belong to the Convolvulaceae family. They are native to tropical regions of South and North America. It is a great choice when looking for an ornamental perennial to grow indoors.
The moon plant features green tender dark green leaves and tender viney stems. It produces tender white flowers that possess a nice scent or fragrance. One cool thing about moon flowers is that they bloom at night. This makes them a great night-blooming flower for night gardens.
The best time for Planting moonflower seeds would be in spring. Then you can prepare for its late summer blooms. Which can last up till the fall season. Moonflower plants are non-toxic. But they are often confused for the Datura plant, which is toxic.
| Botanical Name | Ipomoea alba |
| Common Names | Moon vine, Moonflower White morning glory |
| Origin | North and South America |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial Vine, flowering plant |
| Full Size | Ranges from 10 feet to 15 feet in height |
| Sun Exposure | Full or direct sunlight |
| Soil Type | Well-draining but moist soil, a little acidic |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to both people and pets |
Caring For An Ipomoea Alba
The white moon flower plant is considered a low-maintenance plant. The feeding and watering needs are nothing special. And so are the lighting and soil requirements. You can grow the moonlight flower plant indoors, as the sweet fragrance is a delight.
Lighting Requirements for the Moonflower Plant
For perfect blooms you would need to grow the Moon glory flower in full or direct sunlight. Too little sunlight would affect its blooms and give the plant a leggy appearance. It can also tolerate some light shade, but this is not the best condition for it.
Provide this for the moon plant by growing next to a south or west-facing window. They can also grow in an east-facing window. But you might need to move them for more sunlight exposure. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight a day is needed.
The moonflower bush can be grown outdoors. Light shade might be needed to protect the delicate leaves from sunburn. Which can be caused by excess exposure to harsh sun rays.
Watering Requirement for the Moonflower
Young moonflower plants requires a lot more water than mature ones. This is why it is advised you water them once or twice a week. Once mature, watering should be done based on soil moisture.
Always check the soil moisture to make sure it is dry and ready to be watered. Use a moisture meter or stick your finger in the soil to do a check. If the top part of the soil feels dry proceed to water. Be careful not to let it dry out for too long. Although its plants are a little drought tolerant, they might die from underwatering.
Watering should be thorough. The type of water is also important to the moonflower care. Avoid the use of tap water, instead, use room-temperature rainwater. Or you can use distilled water, tap water contains chlorine. And this can affect the plant’s delicate leaves.
Soil Requirements for the Moonflower
The best soil type would be well-draining soil. So ensure you are growing moonflowers in containers with enough drainage holes. Moonflower seeds aren’t selective and can grow in most soil types. But loamy soil is ideal.
Ensure it is rich with organic compost, and add some perlite and peat moss for a good mix. Aim for soil that is a little acidic. A range between 6.0 and 7.0 should be perfect for the moon plant.
Humidity and Temperature Requirements
Since moonflower bushes are tropical plants, they love high humidity. So you can grow the moon vine plant in highly humid areas like the kitchen. Another great option would be the bathroom, by the window.
You would need to mist the plant often to provide enough humidity. Or you can make use of a humidifier.
Temperature levels should also be hot. Go for a range between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
Fertilizer Requirements For The Moon Plant
Regular fertilizer would be needed for proper growth. Do this every 3 weeks to a month. Use a low-nitrogen, liquid-based fertilizer for the moon plant. Ensure it is diluted to half of its initial strength before use.
Propagating Moonflower Plant
The best way to propagate Moonflower would be through its self-seeding. You can search for moonflower seedlings or moonflower sprouts in gardens. Then transplant to a new spot.
Common Health Problems of Moonflower Plants
- Powdery mildew
- Black rots
- Aphids
Frequently Asked Questions
A quarter of an inch deep should be fine.
They are very small in size, about ¾ inches. The seeds are yellowish-ivory in color.
We have 3 stages of the moonflower buds.
Yes, the Ipomoea turbinata is purple in color.
Yes, the moonflower vine is known to have climbing properties.
