Madagascar Jasmine

The Madagascar Jasmine is an attractive climbing vine species; grown outdoors and indoors for its clusters of scented blooms and shiny oval-shaped leaves.

When Stephanotis Floribunda (botanical name) is purchased to be grown indoors – it’s usually supported with a wire frame (see picture).

Stephanotis Origin

Native to Madagascar, this species experiences a sub-tropical to tropical climate which consists of hot, humid, rainy, and cooler periods. Indoors it can be difficult to mimic the conditions this plant thrives in, although the main problem will be it flowering and growing well rather than surviving.

Not to be confused with the jasmine plant – which is another species from a different genus, although its flowers are similar and fragrant.

The Jasmine plant is commonly used for bridal bouquets and wreaths. This is because of the small white attractive blooms which match the white wedding look needed, and the stems winding around wire hoops, create a perfect wreath.

Flowering

Waxy white star-shaped tubular flowers appear in clusters from a peduncle and cluster of pedicles (a group of small stems each producing a flower attached to one larger stem). These can bloom at any time of the year indoors with enough light, warmth, and humidity, although they bloom most often during spring and summer, especially outdoors.

The Madagascar Jasmine can be fairly difficult to get blooming in temperate regions “indoors and outdoors”. The best chance it has of blooming is by providing it with a cool rest period during the winter and a warm and bright spring-summer, with above-average humidity. Unfortunately, you will often see these produce buds and then drop before or after turning yellow with unopened petals. Moving them to a new colder location can cause flowers to drop before blooming fully.

To have successful blooms – many growers have to work at getting the conditions just right, so don’t give up when no flowers appear straight away. The flowers will last for a few days or so.

Foliage

The handsome foliage alone makes this vine well worth growing, even when a grower does have flowering issues. For a climbing vine, the leaves are quite large, even while the plant is small and young.

These leather-type oval-shaped leaves grow to about 4 inches or longer and have a glossy appearance. The underside of the leaves is also visually appealing (the backs show when the plant is attached to a wire frame). Stems are thick and woody – but flexible enough to shape around wire, which produces a petiole per leaf.

Level of Care

Because these can be tricky bloomers they are not the easiest of plants to grow. However, if you can provide suitable conditions and have patience, a plant will eventually bloom.

Vine

Stephanotis vine is one of the five to ten species identified with the genus of twining vine-like shrubs and is the most popular among indoor gardeners.

Facts About Madagascar Jasmine

Madagascar Jasmine Care

In order for your Madagascar Jasmine plant to grow healthy, as a plant owner you should consider the following:

Temperature

Temperatures from 65 – 80°F (18 – 26°C) are ideal during spring and summer. Try around 55 – 60°F (13 – 15°C) for a month or two during winter (before spring) but no lower than 45°F (7°C) which may encourage blooms for late spring-summer.

Light

Plenty of bright light is needed during the active growing season. Direct sunlight during the day is fine for a couple of hours or so, but do avoid the hot summer sun. A spot close to a window with the right balance of sunlight and shade is ideal.

Watering

While the plant is actively growing you’ll need to water the plant thoroughly (once the topsoil has started to dry out). Just top the water up slightly during the winter, only when the first top inch of soil becomes quite dry. Rainwater or distilled is best used for watering, especially in hard water areas.

Soil

A peat moss-based potting mix with 2 parts peat moss and 1 part perlite is suggested.

Re-Potting

In this type of plant, you need to re-pot the plant once every 2 years.

Humidity

During the summer extra humidity may need to be provided if the air becomes dry, with misting or a humidity tray. If you can, also avoid dry air from artificial heating during the winter.

Propagation

Non-flowering stem cuttings are best taken during summer and need to have at least two nodes present to propagate. A propagator or pot with a plastic cover is required to provide enough humidity and heat (temperature needs to be about 70°F – 21°C or more). Bottom heat mats or heated propagators will improve your chance of success, and use rooting hormone on the cut.

The stephanotis can also be propagated by seed – if you are lucky enough to have the pear-shaped fruit appear (containing the seeds). Propagating seed is a long process of waiting for the fruit to mature and preparing them for sowing, and then providing enough warmth for germination. You’re most likely to be propagating using stem cuttings.

Pruning

Not a lot of pruning should be done; it won’t encourage new growth very much at all, unlike many other vines. Any shoots with leaves not doing so well can be removed during spring.

Common Problems of Madagascar Jasmine

In taking care and growing of this plant, there are a lot of problems that need to be addressed and should take into mind for prevention.

Not Flowering

See the section above (flowering) about applying the care instructions precisely. The cause could be a lack of light, warmth, or humidity. Another possible cause is not providing the winter rest period.

Flowers Drop

Flowers drop before they open quite often when a plant has just been sold or moved. Moving to a new location and the change in lighting and temperature will cause flower drops. Over or under-watering can also cause buds to drop.

Leaves Turn Yellow and Fall

This happens naturally for the odd lower leaf, but if more than one or two are turning yellow and dropping – check your not over-watering it, or that it’s had sudden drops in the temperature. Another cause could be using hard water, which is easily put right by flushing the soil with rain or distilled water – then continuing use for each watering.

Pests

Mealybugs seem to like Stephanotis Floribunda a lot, and scale can also take a liking to it. As part of routine maintenance, it’s worth checking for these pests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

There you have it! Growing and taking care of the Stephanotis plant is easy with the help of this guide. This houseplant will give you a great smell wherever you place them. It is recommended to place them in your living room, balcony, at your kitchen, wine countertop, and even in your bedroom.

Elyssa Goins

Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four.  She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants.  For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you.