
Image: AI generated
Brazilian Brunfelsia Plant Care
Brunfelsia brasiliensis (Spreng.) L.B.Sm. & Downs
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its striking purple and white flowers that change color as they age. Originally from Brazil, Brunfelsia brasiliensis is sought after by plant collectors for its unique blooming pattern that creates a stunning display in any garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Plant Brazilian Brunfelsia in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Brazilian Brunfelsia (Brunfelsia brasiliensis) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Brunfelsia genus. Brazilian Brunfelsia is native to Brazil. Brazilian Brunfelsia is also known as Yesterday Today Tomorrow.
Brazilian Brunfelsia displays a bushy shrub with upright habit growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Brazilian Brunfelsia produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that change color from purple to white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Water a young or newly planted Brazilian Brunfelsia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Brazilian Brunfelsia Need?
Brazilian Brunfelsia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Brazilian Brunfelsia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Brazilian Brunfelsia Prefer?
Brunfelsia brasiliensis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Brazilian Brunfelsia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for Brunfelsia. Good drainage is essential for Brazilian Brunfelsia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Feed Brazilian Brunfelsia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for Brunfelsia. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Brazilian Brunfelsia is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Brazilian Brunfelsia can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Prune Brazilian Brunfelsia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Brazilian Brunfelsia in Winter?
Brazilian Brunfelsia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Brazilian Brunfelsia can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lady's slipper plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Brazilian Brunfelsia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Brazilian Brunfelsia?
Brazilian Brunfelsia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Brazilian Brunfelsia Need?
Brazilian Brunfelsia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Brazilian Brunfelsia is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Brazilian Brunfelsia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Brazilian Brunfelsia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Brunfelsia genus — compare its care with other Brunfelsia species on PlantoScan.
Brunfelsia is part of the Solanaceae plant family — browse all Solanaceae genera and species.
Brazilian Brunfelsia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Brunfelsia Species
Other Brunfelsia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Brunfelsia brasiliensis (Spreng.) L.B.Sm. & Downs, family Solanaceae (first published in Fl. Ilustr. Catarin. ,pt. 1, Solanac. 303. 1966) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Brazilian Brunfelsia is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
