Nicotiana setchellii Plant Care

Nicotiana setchellii (Nicotiana setchellii) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Nicotiana genus. Nicotiana setchellii is native to Peru.

Nicotiana setchellii displays an upright, branching growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Nicotiana setchellii produces tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, white, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Nicotiana setchellii every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Nicotiana setchellii thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Nicotiana setchellii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Nicotiana setchellii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Nicotiana setchellii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Nicotiana setchellii every 3 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Nicotiana setchellii is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Nicotiana setchellii can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Nicotiana setchellii 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 shrub in one year.

Nicotiana setchellii 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.

Nicotiana setchellii can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nicotiana acaulis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Nicotiana setchellii is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, tobacco hornworms. 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.

Nicotiana setchellii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Nicotiana setchellii is native to Peru. In cooler regions, grow Nicotiana setchellii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.