Bridal wreath Stephanotis floribunda

Water

The Madagascar jasmine requires consistent moisture, so water it once the top inch of soil feels dry, which usually equates to watering once or twice a week. The amount needed can vary with environmental conditions, but generally, it requires about 16 ounces per watering for a standard pot. During the growing season, in spring and summer, water more frequently to maintain soil moisture. In winter, reduce watering slightly, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between waterings, but never let it become completely dry.

Light

Madagascar jasmine thrives in bright, indirect light. It prefers a spot where it can receive several hours of sunlight but protected from harsh midday sun. An east- or west-facing window where the light is filtered through a translucent curtain is ideal. Avoid placing it in direct, hot sunlight which can scorch the leaves.

Temperature

The Madagascar jasmine fares best in temperatures between 60-85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 50°F, but growth may slow down. To ensure healthy growth, avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F and above 85°F, as extremes can damage the plant.

Pruning

Prune Madagascar jasmine to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back the vines sparingly and make sure to use clean, sharp shears. Pruning can be annual or biannual, depending on the plant's growth rate and desired size.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Madagascar Jasmine requires a well-draining soil mix, rich in organic matter. A blend of two parts peat or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part pine bark is ideal. The pH should range between 6.5 and 7.5.

Repotting

Madagascar Jasmine should be repotted approximately every 2 to 3 years. This ensures that the plant has enough room to grow and refreshes the soil, which gets depleted of nutrients over time.

Humidity & Misting

Madagascar Jasmine thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 40% to 80%. Maintaining adequate humidity is crucial for the health of the plant, particularly during the dry winter months.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and high humidity for indoor Madagascar Jasmine.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade with protection from harsh sun for outdoor Madagascar Jasmine.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Commonly known as Madagascar jasmine, Stephanotis floribunda begins its life cycle as a seed, which will germinate in warm, moist soil conditions, typically within a few weeks. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a young plant with lush, green foliage, and establishes a root system. As it matures into a woody vine, it requires support to climb, and it is at this stage it will begin developing flower buds. Flowering occurs in the warmer months, often in cycles, producing the plant's characteristic waxy, highly fragrant white blossoms. After pollination, which is often facilitated by moths attracted to the scent at night, the plant may produce seed pods containing seeds for the next generation. Stephanotis floribunda can live for many years, continually growing and producing flowers seasonally with proper care and environmental conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The Madagascar jasmine, known botanically as Stephanotis floribunda, can be propagated most successfully through stem cuttings, ideally in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate this way, a gardener should cut a healthy, non-flowering stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, ensuring that there are several leaves on the cutting. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cut end of the stem should be dipped in a rooting hormone for best results. The stem cutting should then be planted in a mix of half peat and half perlite or sand, providing good drainage and air circulation. It's important to maintain a humid environment for the cutting, often achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome, and to keep it in bright, indirect sunlight until roots develop, which typically takes several weeks. Ensuring that the cutting does not sit in waterlogged soil is crucial to prevent rot. Once rooted, the new Madagascar jasmine plant can gradually acclimatize to less humid conditions and eventually be moved to a more permanent pot or location.