Stephanotis Floribunda
Care and Pictures

Madagascar Jasmine

Difficulty

Medium

Size

Small to Large

Soil

Well Draining Soil

Water

Keep Soil Moist but not Waterlogged

Light

✗ Low Light
✓ Medium to High Light
✓ Gentle Direct Sunlight

Temperature

18-27 °C
65-80 °F

Toxicity

Cats - Toxic
Dogs - Toxic
Humans - Toxic

Humidity

Ideally
60 - 80 %

Propagation

Stem Cuttings

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Stephanotis Floribunda Plant Care Guide

Stephanotis Floribunda is a beautiful, fragrant houseplant that can add a tropical flair to indoor spaces.

Stephanotis Floribunda’s popularity as an indoor plant is in the rise and it is not hard to see why.

With proper care, the Madagascar Jasmine will reward you with its beautiful, dark green, leathery leaves, and stunning, jasmine-like white flowers and their intoxicating fragrance.

Common Name(s)

– Stephanotis
– Madagascar Jasmine
– Bridal Bouquet
– Wedding Flower

The plant’s common names are largely inspired by its native origin, its striking white blooms, and its prevalence in bridal bouquets.

Latin Name

Stephanotis Floribunda.

The name Stephanotis comes from the Greek words “stephanos,” meaning crown, and “otis,” meaning ear, a reference to the shape of the flowers.

The species name “floribunda” comes from Latin, meaning “abundant flowers,” highlighting its prolific flowering habits when grown in suitable conditions.

Family

The Madagascar Jasmine belongs to the Apocynaceae family, a group of plants that also includes other tropical and subtropical plants like oleanders and frangipanis.

This family is known for its predominantly woody vines, shrubs, and trees, many of which produce aromatic and ornamental flowers.

Country of Origin

As its name suggests, the Madagascar Jasmine is native to Madagascar, an island off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Madagascar’s tropical climate provides a warm and humid environment, which is ideal for the Madagascar Jasmine.

In its native habitat, the plant thrives in the heat and humidity of the region, with rainfall occurring regularly. While it can tolerate some temperature fluctuation, it requires warmth and consistent humidity to flourish. As such, when grown as a houseplant, it requires conditions that mimic the tropical environment of Madagascar.

Varieties

The Madagascar Jasmine is primarily cultivated in one main variety, Stephanotis floribunda, but there are some differences in the plant’s appearance depending on its cultivation.

Some varieties may have slightly larger or smaller leaves, or variations in flower size, but they are all generally similar in appearance.

There are no major cultivars of Stephanotis floribunda widely recognized in the horticultural world, though specific varieties might emerge through selective breeding, particularly focused on flower size or fragrance intensity.

Care Rating

Medium.

Looking after Stephanotis Floribunda is not overly difficult, but the plant does require specific conditions to thrive.

It demands a warm environment, high humidity, and well-draining soil.

Additionally, it needs consistent attention in terms of watering, light, and feeding.

For an average gardener, it may require some effort to maintain its beauty and health, but with patience, it can reward you with a wealth of fragrant blooms.

Mature Size

The Madagascar Jasmine can grow to a significant size, particularly when provided with enough space to climb and spread.

When grown as a houseplant, it typically reaches a height of 120-180 cm (4-6 feet) and can spread about 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) wide.

A trellis o climbing frame is advised.

Watering Needs

The Madagascar Jasmine prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate some dryness between waterings.

Generally, it is best to keep the soil moist, ensuring it never becomes soggy. It is recommended to allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil and that excess water can escape.

During the growing season, the plant should be watered more frequently, while in winter, the watering can be reduced, as the plant’s growth slows.

Ideal Humidity Levels

60% to 80%

The Madagascar Jasmine thrives in environments with high humidity levels, typical of its tropical origins.

If you live in a dry climate, it is beneficial to increase humidity around the plant by using a humidifier, placing a tray of water near the plant, or grouping it with other plants to create a microclimate.

Low humidity levels can cause the plant to become stressed and may lead to the wilting or dropping of leaves and flowers.

Ideal Temperature Levels

The Madagascar Jasmine thrives in warm temperatures and prefers a range of 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F).

Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause the plant to stop growing or become dormant, as it is not frost-hardy.

It is important to protect the plant from cold drafts, as this can lead to damage, particularly in winter. A consistent warm temperature, along with good humidity, is key to encouraging healthy growth and flowering.

Light Needs

Madagascar Jasmine requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

It is sensitive to intense direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves and flowers. However, insufficient light can cause the plant to produce fewer blooms.

Ideally, the plant should be placed near a window with filtered light, such as through sheer curtains. During the growing season, it may tolerate slightly more light.

Recommended Soil Mix

The Madagascar Jasmine thrives in well-draining soil that retains some moisture but does not become waterlogged.

A good soil mix would consist of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and pine bark or orchid bark.

This mix helps provide both drainage and moisture retention. You can also add a small amount of sand to ensure good drainage.

It is essential to avoid heavy soils that can hold too much water, as they can cause root rot.

Toxicity

The Madagascar Jasmine is considered toxic to both humans and animals, especially when consumed.

The plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset in humans if ingested, and it can be toxic to cats and dogs as well.

Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

As a precaution, it is important to keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Propagation Method

The Madagascar Jasmine can be propagated through stem cuttings.

To do this, cut a healthy stem from the plant, ideally one with a few leaves, and remove the lower leaves to expose the stem. Place the cutting in water or a damp potting mix to root.

It is best to keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment to encourage root development. After a few weeks, the cutting will form roots and can be transplanted into a larger pot. Propagation can also be done by air layering, where a section of the stem is encouraged to root while still attached to the parent plant.