‘Madagascar Jasmine’
With attractive fragrant flowers Stephanotis floribunda is one of those plants that you might move the tropics just to grow. The perfume is that good. If you live in the northern parts of Queensland it is a fairly easy plant, in cooler areas you do need to have just the right position.
You will find it growing well in protected positions in Sydney and as far south as Melbourne, so it is well worth a try.
Also known as the Hawaiian Wedding flower, this is a climbing plant originally from Madagascar and Northern Africa. It is evergreen and is highly perfumed, in summer the sweet fragrance will fill the air on a warm evening.
Flowers are white and waxy, trumpet shaped and sought after for floral arrangements and bouquets. The new flowers have a sweet fragrance, as they age they loose this. The foliage is green and glossy and it is an evergreen plant.
How to Grow Stephanotis floribunda
In warm temperate climates you could try growing these wonderful climbers in containers in a sheltered warm position in a courtyard. This will work from Sydney to the north, further south you may need to take a little extra care and grow them indoors. You will need extra warmth, and it is the winters that tend to make them difficult.
A frost free position is essential and fertiliser applied regularly during active growth is also essential.
Use a climbing frame or trellis around 2m tall with a similar width. Prune back as needed.
Light
Good filtered light is essential, hot direct afternoon sun can cause leaf burn, low light will inhibit flowering.
Watering
From spring through summer when the plant is is active growth regular water is required, once or twicw a week depending on conditions. Just don’t let the soil dry out.
In winter months, let the soil dry out almost completely watering once every 10-15 days should be adequate, however the soil should never dry right out.
Humidity
For a tro[ocal plants Stephanotis is fairly forgiving with humidity, it will grow well in average humidity. HOWEVER, it will perform much better with higher humidity levels,
Fertiliser
From spring through summer, a liquid fertiliser every 2 – 3 weeks will help promote good growth. In winter no fertiliser should be used at all.
Temperature
Warm summers and a cooler winter (not cold).
- Summer temperatures from 15C to 25C. – No hot winds and keep away from heating ducts
- Winter Temperatures from10C to 16C – No frosts, no cold draughts.
Propagation technique for Stephanotis floribunda
- In temperate climates, or indoors Stephanotis rarely set seeds, however, sometimes they do and this is when you need to act quickly.
- The fruit/seed pods of Stephanotis are largish and rounded, they start off green and as they ripen they turn yellow, this can take a number of months, and this is when you need to watch them.
- As soon as they turn yellow or begin to split the seeds tend disperse, so get to them straight away. Individual pods can contain around 100 seeds
- Wear gloves as the sap is an irritant.
- The seeds can be planted immediately.
- Use a normal seed raising compost.
- Use a plastic tray that will fit inside a plastic bag, this will help with moisture and keep them warm.
- The seeds can be spread on top and then a little horticultural grit, seed raising mix or vermiculite sprinkle over the top. This will hold the seeds in place.
- The advantage of the vermiculite is that it will help the seeds stay moist.
- The seeds are best mist sprayed and kept in a warm position.
- Germination can take 4 – 8 weeks so be patient.
- Once the seedlings appear let them get 3 cm or so tall and then prick them out into their own pots.
Problems
- Not Flowering – Usually caused by a lack of light.
- Leaves turning yellow – Often caused by overwatering. Also caused by temperature changes, especially if the plant if exposed to cold air.
- Plant starting to look sick or dying – This can be caused by either of the above, or simply by it being shifted to a different position if grown in a container.
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