Stephanotis

These evergreen scented Stephanotis or Madagascan Jasmine make a rewarding and fragrant houseplant.

These are plants of the forest – they like some light, but don’t like to be scorched. A light spot in a cool room or north facing windowsill is ideal. They also like some humidity and often do best in kitchens or bathrooms where the air is damper. If this is not possible you can always give the foliage a light mist every week or so.

How often you need to water will depend on the room conditions. Typically, about a teacup a week but make your own judgement by feeling the weight of the pot. Try feeling the weight when dry and when well-watered and then try and keep it half-way in between. Water from the top and let the excess drain out through the lightweight compost.

Problem Solving:

The most common problem with Stephanotis is dramatic changes in temperature, they do like a steady cool temperature out of any draughts and away from radiators. Stephanotis tend to flower for several weeks producing waxy white star shaped flowers in succession in late winter/ early spring. Once the scented flowers have finished, trim them back to keep your plant neat and keep it somewhere cool ready for repeat display next year.

Stephanotis are not too greedy feeders but if you notice the new growth becoming pale or mottled in anyway feed with a general purpose houseplant food according to the manufacturer’s instructions.