Stephanotis sinensis
Stephanotis sinensis · Apocynaceae
⚠️ Stéphanotis : contient glycosides toxiques. Ingestion par animaux/enfants = troubles digestifs, nausées, potentiellement graves.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around stephanotis sinensis and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Chinese Stephanotis
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Plant type
- Climbing plant
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to July
- Adult height
- Up to 3 m
- Origin
- China
- Hardiness
- Tropical plant, not frost-hardy
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability low.
Expert tips
The key tip
Chinese Stephanotis flowers best with gentle warmth and consistent light atmospheric humidity (no chaotic watering). In cool climates, it stays attractive but flowers less; in a temperate greenhouse or conservatory, it thrives.
The common mistake
Growing it in too cold conditions or alternating between dry and very humid causes flower buds and leaves to drop.
The pro's trick
Keep it slightly acidic in soil or pot with rich potting mix: it develops faster and flowers more generously.
Seasonal watch
September-October in cool regions: this is when it tests your hardiness limits.
Care
Light exposure
Place your Chinese stephanotis in partial shade or bright, filtered indirect light. Avoid intense direct sun which would scorch the leaves, but ensure the plant receives enough light to stimulate flowering. A window facing east or west is ideal.
Watering
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but well-drained, especially during the growth and flowering period. Reduce watering in winter. Check that the substrate dries slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer and nutrition
Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in phosphorus to promote flowering. Stop feeding in fall and winter.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a harmonious shape and encourage branching. Guide the stems along a stake or structure to shape its climbing growth. Remove any dead or deformed branches as needed.
Substrate and repotting
Use rich, light, well-draining potting soil, ideally made up of universal potting mix mixed with some perlite or peat. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring into a slightly larger container, being careful not to compact the soil excessively.
Pests and diseases
Watch for mealybugs and red spider mites, particularly in dry conditions. Good air circulation and adequate humidity help prevent infestations. In case of infestation, clean the leaves and isolate the plant if necessary.
Did you know?
Stephanotis owes its scientific name to the Greek words 'stephanos' (crown) and 'otis' (ear), as its small flowers resemble tiny ear crowns. This exotic plant, native to China and tropical regions, is particularly appreciated in the West for the beauty and delicate fragrance of its white flowers, making it a prized wedding and celebration flower.
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.