Stephanotis floribunda

Stephanotis floribunda is a tropical evergreen, woody vine from the Apocynaceae family of plants. They also call it Stephanotis jasminoides, Madagascar Jasmine, Bride’s Flower Hawaiian Wedding Flower, Bridal Wreath, Waxflower, Clustered Wax Flower, or Wax Flower. It is native to Madagascar.

Stephanotis floribunda is a climber that grows to 20ft or 6m. The foliage is leathery, glossy, oval, and green. It produces clusters of white, waxy, tubular flowers. The flowers are auxiliary umbels and are very fragrant and they last a few days. It flowers on new growth from spring to autumn. Stephanotis floribunda is a food host for the Tiger Butterfly.

How to grow Stephanotis floribunda:

To ensure the successful growth and blooming of Stephanotis floribunda, also known as Madagascar jasmine, follow these guidelines:

Sun and Shade Requirements: Stephanotis floribunda thrives in full sun to partial shade. When grown indoors, place it near a sunny window where it can receive bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing it to harsh, direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

Soil and Drainage: Plant Stephanotis floribunda in rich, well-draining soil. A mixture of loam and peat moss provides an ideal growing medium. It’s important to maintain adequate moisture without allowing the soil to become soggy or waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Indoor Care: If you live in colder climates, it’s advisable to bring Stephanotis floribunda indoors when temperatures drop. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 39ºF or 4ºC, but it thrives in warmer conditions. Provide it with a stable indoor environment and protect it from cold drafts.

Support Structure: Stephanotis floribunda is a climbing vine that benefits from a support structure such as a trellis, stakes, or a moss pole. This allows the plant to climb and showcase its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. Regularly train the vines along the support structure for a tidy appearance.

Root Bound Growth: Stephanotis floribunda tends to perform better when slightly root bound. Avoid repotting it too frequently, as it prefers to be slightly pot-bound. Repot only when necessary, typically every two to three years, using a slightly larger pot to accommodate root growth.

Acclimating to Sunlight: When moving Stephanotis floribunda from a shaded area to a sunny location or vice versa, do so gradually. Sudden exposure to intense sunlight may result in leaf blisters or sunburn. Slowly acclimate the plant to the new light conditions over a few days to prevent any damage.

By following these guidelines, you can create an optimal growing environment for Stephanotis floribunda. With its glossy leaves and fragrant, star-shaped flowers, this vine adds a touch of elegance to both indoor and outdoor spaces.