Clustered Wax Flower Stephanotis floribunda

Stephanotis floribunda, or Madagascar Jasmine, is an evergreen woody vine commonly grown as a houseplant. It is a climber that can grow to more than 20 feet with glossy, leathery oval leaves and clusters of pure white, waxy, intensely fragrant tubular flowers.

When grown commercially with sufficient light, water, and climate control, Madagascar Jasmine produces trumpet-shaped blooms year-round that are a popular component of bridal bouquets. It is a vigorous climber that grows best in sunny, tropical conditions, or inside. It can flourish for years, grown indoors on a sunny windowsill. Plants can be moved outside or into a greenhouse during the summer, but must return indoors when the temperature approaches 39 °F. They do best in the 68 to 90 degree range. During the summer growth season, this vine requires full sun, abundant water, high humidity and a balanced fertilizer. The vine will need to be trellised due to the vigorous growth habit. If the temperature in the home is on the cool side, the vines slow in their growth and thus should be watered very infrequently. Kept on the cool, sunny and dry side, the plants will "rest" until the outside temperatures begin to rise again, at which time they may be eased back into full sun.

Stephanotis floribunda appears to do best if root bound. The soil mixture used should have a high content of loam and peat moss with generous drainage material such as perlite or coarse sand. Too much water will lead to root rot.

Disease, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

Sudden full sun exposure too quickly will result in leaf blister and sun burns on the plant.