Stephanotis floribunda
TAXONOMY
FamilyApocynaceae
GenusStephanotis
Zone11
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Stephanotis floribunda, commonly called Madagascar jasmine, wedding vine, or waxflower, is an evergreen woody climber (liana) in the Apocynaceae native to seasonally dry forests of Madagascar. It bears glossy opposite leaves and intensely fragrant, waxy white tubular flowers often used in bridal work. It twines and needs support, forming long vines over time. While it doesn’t undergo a true dormancy, a cooler, slightly drier winter rest helps promote heavy blooming. It is frost-sensitive and best grown indoors or in frost-free climates.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Bridal Wreath
Hawaiian Wedding Flower
Isaura Allicia
Madagascar Jasmine
Wedding Flower
Marsdenia floribunda
Stephanotis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature22° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Provide very bright, filtered light with a little gentle morning sun, steady but not extreme warmth during the growing season, and a cooler, slightly drier rest in winter. Keep the potting mix evenly to moderately moist while actively growing, allowing the top layer to dry a bit between waterings; reduce watering in the cool season. Maintain moderate to high humidity and good air movement. Train on a trellis, avoid cold drafts, and try not to relocate the plant once buds form to prevent bud drop.Soil
Use a rich, well‑drained, airy mix such as peat- or coir‑based potting soil amended with perlite and a small amount of fine bark for structure. Aim for slightly acidic conditions and avoid limey/chalky substrates. Ensure excellent drainage and a pot with ample drain holes; the plant prefers to be slightly rootbound rather than overpotted.Fertilizer
Feed lightly but regularly during active growth with a balanced, dilute fertilizer (e.g., 10‑10‑10) every few weeks. Reduce or stop feeding in the cooler rest period. A bloom‑supporting formula slightly higher in phosphorus can be used as buds form. Flush the pot periodically to prevent salt buildup.Repotting
Repot in spring only when roots have filled the pot, stepping up just one size to avoid excess moisture retention. Handle roots gently; Stephanotis dislikes root disturbance. Refresh the top layer of mix annually if not repotting, and secure stems to a trellis or hoop during the process.Propagation
Propagate from semi‑ripe stem cuttings in late spring to summer. Take 2–3‑node cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, and place in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light and bottom heat if available. Keep evenly moist, not wet. Seed propagation is possible but uncommon and slow.Pruning
After flowering, lightly prune to shape, removing weak or tangled growth and shortening overly long shoots. Pinch tips during the growing season to encourage branching and more flowering spurs. Avoid heavy pruning just before or during bud formation, as this can reduce blooms.Toxicity
Generally regarded as non‑toxic to cats and dogs, though ingestion of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Milky sap can be a skin and eye irritant for sensitive individuals. Keep out of reach of pets and children as a precaution.Additional
Common causes of bud drop include insufficient light, sudden temperature changes, drafts, overly dry air, uneven watering, and moving the plant while in bud. Provide a sturdy trellis, use low‑alkalinity water if possible, and avoid sudden environmental shifts. For best flowering, give a cool rest with bright light in winter and avoid letting the root ball either dry out completely or remain waterlogged.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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