Madagascar jasmine
Stephanotis floribunda
Plant’s characteristics
- Stephanotis floribunda : Madagascar jasmine
- Family : Apocynaceae
- Origin : Madagascar
- Height in its natural environment : 5 m
- Hardiness: 5°C
- Flower colour : white
Height : about 10 to 20 cm (depending on seasons)
Fast grower
Description of the plant
This Stephanotis is a real charmer, making you look on the bright side of life!
It is considered to be a lucky plant and is therefore used in bridal bouquets to bring good luck.
You are sure to fall under the spell of its starry trumpet-shaped flowers, with a wonderful scent reminiscent of lilies and gardenias... It can flower for many months, from spring to September... And, after flowering, its funny mango-shaped fruits will amuse you!
It was Marilyn Monroe's favourite plant, soon yours?
Also known as : Madagascar jasmine, Waxflower, Hawaiian wedding flower
[Deyrolle board]
Growing tips
Repotting
When you receive your plant, repot it in a pot slightly larger than the bucket, which must be well pierced. Avoid pot covers which prevent residual water from draining away and encourage fungal diseases. Choose a fine potting soil, ideally with added perlite or sand to lighten the substrate (do not use garden soil or acidic soil such as heather). Then plan two repottings per year (spring and autumn), gradually increasing the size of the pot and adapting it to the size of the root network (the roots must have room, but not too much as the plant must be able to dry out its substrate between waterings). This avoids having to add fertilizer, which always risks burning the fragile roots of the plants and making the plant wither as soon as the fertilizer is stopped.
Watering
Copious watering: when watering, the entire root ball should be wet, then wait for the substrate to dry on the surface before watering again. These plants are greedy in water, but you should not drown the roots either. Always water at the base of the plant, and do not mist it, because stagnant water in the armpit of the leaves favors cryptogamic diseases. If your atmosphere is too dry, put bowls of water nearby (above radiators for example), so that evaporation humidifies the air.
For an indoor planting
A true houseplant, place it in a warm and bright place, like a veranda or behind a window, direct sunlight suits them perfectly.
For an outdoor planting
This plant is not frost and/or cold resistant and should not be planted outside except in limited parts of Southern Europe.
Pruning
This plant is very easy to prune, which will make it branch out.
Fertilizer
Our plants are grown naturally, without chemical fertilizers, so we advise you to repot them regularly (twice a year) rather than adding fertilizer.
In case of pest attack
If your plants are under attack by aphids or other pests, the best way to control them is by hand. Change their soil, remove as many undesirables as possible by hand and then shower your plants with a strong stream of water to eliminate any eggs that may be present. Spray them (insist on the underside of the leaves) with liquid black soap diluted in water. Repeat the operation several times at a few days interval. Take them outside in good weather, rain, sun and wind will kill most of the aggressors!