Stephanotis floribunda, known as Jasmine from Madagascar, is a climbing plant of tropical origin that is highly appreciated both outdoors in warm climates and in bright interiors. Its white, waxy flowers They give off a intense and sweet aroma, making it one of the most elegant and popular species for decorating gardens, terraces and homes.
Characteristics of Madagascar Jasmine
- Scientific name: Stephanotis floribunda.
- Family: Apocynaceae.
- Other names: Stephanotis, Wax Jasmine, Stephanota.
- Origin: Madagascar Island.
- Type: Evergreen climbing plant.
- Level: In its natural habitat it can reach up to 20 meters, although in pots or domestic cultivation it is usually around 3 to 5 meters.
- Sheets: Large, oval, leathery, dark green, and very shiny. They persist year-round.
- Flowers: Waxy, tubular, white, and clustered in bouquets. Their intense fragrance is highly appreciated, especially in floral arrangements and bridal bouquets.
- Increase: Moderate, but can become vigorous if it has optimal light and humidity conditions.
Its climbing nature requires offering it supports or guides to direct its development, especially when grown indoors. In warm outdoor conditions, it can cover walls and pergolas, creating a spectacular ornamental effect.
Location and Light
Madagascar Jasmine requires lots of natural light, but direct exposure to intense sunlight should be avoided, as this can burn the leaves and reduce flowering. Ideally, place it in a bright location with filtered light or semi-shadeIf it receives direct sunlight, let it be only during the first and last hours of the day and never more than two hours a day.
Indoors, place it near an east- or west-facing window, avoiding drafts that can stress the plant. Outdoors, it's essential to protect it from frost and extremely low temperatures, as cannot stand intense cold.
Temperature and Humidity
This jasmine thrives in hot and humid environmentsIt tolerates temperatures between 16 and 28°C, but should not fall below 10°C. Dry environments, caused by heating or air conditioning, are particularly harmful to this plant. To maintain humidity:
- Spray the leaves (never the flowers) with demineralized water.
- Place the pot on a plate with wet pebbles, avoiding direct contact of the bottom of the pot with water.
- Use humidifiers during particularly dry times.
Irrigation and Substrate
Watering should be regular and moderate, keeping the substrate always slightly moist, but avoiding puddles, since excess water can cause root rotDuring flowering, watering should be more abundant, and in autumn and winter, it should be reduced to respect the dormant period.
The ideal substrate should be nutrient-rich, loose and with excellent drainageA mixture of peat, coarse sand and a little perlite is perfect. The use of earthworm humus provides extra nutrients and stimulates healthy growth.
Avoid using limescale-laden water, which can cause chlorosis and flower drop. If you use tap water, let it settle or add a few drops of vinegar to neutralize the limescale.
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Madagascar Jasmine benefits from regular fertilizers during the growing season (spring and summer). Ideally, add a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, containing essential macro- and micronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Never fertilize in fall or winter, as the plant is dormant.
Pruning and Transplanting
La pruning Pruning is done after flowering or in early spring. Only cut excessively long or damaged stems and pinch out buds to promote greater density. Never over-prune, so as not to eliminate buds that will flower the following season.
El transplant It is recommended to fertilize every 2 or 3 years, when the roots have filled the entire pot. The optimal time is early spring. If the plant has already reached a considerable size, simply renew the top layer of the substrate and continue fertilizing regularly.
Propagation by Cuttings
The simplest multiplication is by stem cuttings, taken in spring from secondary branches. Take cuttings about 8-10 cm long just below a node, remove the lower leaves, seal the cut with cold water, and apply a rooting agent. Plant them in moist soil, cover with plastic, and keep at about 21°C in the shade. New roots will appear after 2-3 months.
It can also be multiplied by layering very flexible branches.
Common Pests and Problems
Some most frequent pests These include mealybugs, aphids, and mites. Spider mites may also appear if the environment is too dry. Remove mealybugs manually with cotton soaked in alcohol or wash with soapy water and rinse well. Increase ambient humidity to prevent mites. Use specific products only for severe infestations.
Other common problems:
- Yellow sheets: lack of light or inadequate watering.
- Discolored leaves: excess lime in the water or lack of fertilizer.
- Bud shedding: Avoid moving the plant when buds begin to appear.
- Dried buds: lack of irrigation water.
