Stephanotis floribunda or Madagascar jasmine

Care of the indoor plant Stephanotis floribunda or Madagascar jasmine

The genus Stephanotis, family Apocynaceae, includes 7 species of climbing plants native to Madagascar and Malaysia. Some species are: Stephanotis floribunda, Stephanotis grandiflora, Stephanotis longiflora.

Common names: Madagascar jasmine, Waxflower, Hawaiian wedding flower or Bridal wreath. This species is native to Madagascar.

They are tropical climbing plants with fickle stems that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length. The leaves are evergreen, opposite, leathery, oval and of a glossy dark green color. The scented flowers are white, tubular in shape and waxy in texture. They bloom in summer.

They are used as greenhouse and indoor plants in pots with a mossy stake or with a wire arch because they need supports for climbing. In tropical climates they are used to cover walls, pergolas and fences.

Stephanotis floribunda needs a light exposure without direct sun and a well-ventilated location. The ideal temperature is 21 ºC (69.8 ºF); it must never drop below 12 ºC (53.6 ºF) or exceed 30 ºC (86 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of 1/2 heather soil, 1/4 manure, 1/4 peat, and some coarse sand. Transplant every year in spring, renewing the substrate.

Water frequently with lime-free water throughout the year so that the substrate never dries out. It's important that the ambient humidity is high; Place a plate with damp pebbles under the pot and spray the leaves (not the flowers) with lime-free water every day in summer and periodically the rest of the year.

Fertilize with mineral fertilizer every 3 weeks in spring and summer.

Lightly prune the stems after flowering to control growth.

The main dangers for these tropical plants are sudden changes in temperature, drought and the limestone substrate.

They are propagated by cuttings in spring or early summer; use rooting hormones.