Madagascar jasmine
Stephanotis floribunda · Apocynaceae
📷 Lenore Edman from Sunnyvale, CA · CC BY 2.0
The gardener's calendar
Madagascar jasmine is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Stephanotis floribunda
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Plant type
- Tropical climbing plant
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy green
- Flowering
- April to September, fragrant white flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 3 meters tall
- Light exposure
- Bright light, partial shade, no intense direct sun
- Water needs
- Moderate, regular
- Origin
- Madagascar
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Keep the soil preferably moist but avoid waterlogged conditions. Increase ambient humidity (especially indoors in winter) as it suffers from dry air.
The common mistake
Growing it in a pot without adequate drainage or forgetting it in direct afternoon sun: it wilts quickly and leaves turn brown.
The pro's trick
A spot near a window is ideal—morning sun exposure without harsh midday rays: this balances light and protection.
Seasonal watch
September-October: gradually reduce watering and lower the temperature if possible to trigger winter dormancy and ensure proper rest.
Care
Light Exposure
Madagascar Jasmine prefers bright, indirect light, ideally near an east or west-facing window. Avoid harsh afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. Light partial shade also works well, but flowering will be less abundant. For indoor cultivation, choose a bright location away from cold drafts.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the growing season (spring-summer). In autumn and winter, reduce watering and let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Use soft or filtered water if possible, as this plant dislikes excessive lime. Always ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
Pruning and Training
Perform light pruning in late winter to control growth and encourage branching. Remove weak or poorly oriented stems and spent flowers to stimulate flowering. Train climbing stems onto a stake, trellis, or suitable support structure to make the most of its climbing habit. Severe pruning may reduce flowering in the following year.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced or potassium-rich fertilizer during the growing season (April to September), approximately every 15 days. In autumn and winter, reduce or stop fertilizing. Prefer diluted liquid fertilizer to avoid overdosing, which can damage roots.
Substrate and Repotting
Use rich, light, well-draining potting soil (mix of peat, peat moss, and perlite). Madagascar Jasmine prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Repot in spring every 2 to 3 years into a slightly larger pot. Good drainage is essential to prevent root suffocation.
Pests and Problems
Watch for spider mites and mealybugs, particularly in heated indoor environments. Excess humidity or poor air circulation encourage fungal diseases. If problems occur, isolate the plant, increase ventilation, and if necessary, wipe leaves with a soft cloth. Flower bud drop often indicates poor lighting or irregular watering.
Did you know?
Madagascar Jasmine is highly prized for bridal bouquets in English-speaking countries because its graceful small white star-shaped flowers symbolize grace and elegance. Originating from the island of Madagascar, it conquered Victorian gardens in the 19th century and remains today one of the most beloved tropical vines for adorning verandas and bright interiors.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Lesser periwinkleVinca minor
- Greater periwinkleVinca major
- OleanderNerium oleander
- Asiatic jasmineTrachelospermum asiaticum
- Star jasmineTrachelospermum jasminoides
- AmatunguluCarissa macrocarpa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.