Madagascar jasmine leaves turn yellow and flowers fall off. Stephanotis - indoor flowers. The main problems of stephanotis

Stephanotis is an indoor flowering plant whose name comes from two Greek words, meaning "crown" and "ear". This indicates the ear-shaped arrangement of the stamens of its white, fragrant, five-petaled flower. It also looks like jasmine, hence its other name - Madagascar jasmine. And due to the fact that this delicate flower often appears at weddings as a decoration for the bride, it is also called the “bride’s flower” or “veil vine.”

Appearance and homeland of stephanotis

Madagascar jasmine actually found in Madagascar, it also grows in Japan, China and other subtropical and tropical regions. This small climbing shrub has been known in home gardening for more than two centuries. In nature, a powerful vine is capable of climbing to a height of five meters. Domestic specimens require special supports to support their own weight. The dark emerald oval ten-centimeter leaves of the vine are dense, glossy with pointed ends. They are separated in the middle by a lighter vein.

The main value of the plant is its snow-white,, arranged in clusters, each of which has up to 7 three-centimeter wax stars. These delicate flowers It is customary (along with orange blossom) to be woven into brides’ hairstyles. After the fancy stars fade, elliptical seed pods filled with flying seeds similar to dandelion seeds ripen in their place.

The ability of liana-like exotics to bend along guides is used to create bizarre flower arrangements in the form of hoops, balls, hearts and other shapes. They decorate window openings, arches, and walls. But most often it is grown in greenhouses and winter gardens.

Optimal conditions for indoor cultivation of Madagascar jasmine

Stefanotis is best kept in rooms facing the south, east and west. But direct sunlight causes burns, so you should stick tracing paper on the southern windows or shade them with curtains. In the northern direction, plants do not have enough light; they have to be additionally illuminated with phytolamps. The flower loves to bright lighting lasted at least half a day.

An important condition comfort for the vine is permanent place its location. Otherwise, the buds that have not yet blossomed will fall off. To avoid accidentally turning the pot, thereby creating inconvenience for the plant, a light mark is placed on the flowerpot.

The temperature in the room where the Madagascar jasmine is located should be at least 18 degrees in the warm season, but not more than 24, since it does not tolerate heat. In the cool season, this figure should be 4-8 degrees lower. This will lead to the formation of flower buds in the plant. Liana does not tolerate drafts and sharp temperature fluctuations.

How to care for stephanotis (video)

Description of Stephanotis species

About one and a half dozen varieties of stephanotis are known, but the profusely flowering stephanotis tolerates indoor conditions best, which is what is often meant when talking about these plants. Brief characteristics species grown at home look like this:

1. S. profusely flowering or Stephanotis floribunda has snow-white star-shaped flowers, up to 6 cm in size. Its variation (variegata) is distinguished by the fact that its leaves are not plain, but patterned. They have light or golden spots and dashes.
2. S. acuminata(S. Acuminata) with cream-colored flowers.
3. S. grandiflora(S. grandiflora) with magnificent large inflorescences, on which up to three dozen greenish flowers bloom.
4. S. thorsii(S. thouarsii) is famous for its flowers of a delicate lilac-pink hue.

Stephanotis propagation methods

Madagascar jasmine is propagated at home mainly by cuttings and seeds. Both methods are not simple and require careful adherence to technology.

Propagation by cuttings

This method preserves all the species qualities of the mother plant. This procedure is carried out in the spring and consists of the following stages:

1. A one-year-old petiole with two pairs of leaves is separated from the main plant.
2. The cut sites are pollinated with stimulating powder.
3. A hole is made in the earthen mixture filling the pot, into which it is firmly installed. planting material. The lower leaves should be slightly higher than the ground.
4. The cutting is covered with a film with a wire frame.
5. The improvised greenhouse is cleaned daily while watering and ventilating the seedlings.
6. They should be kept at a temperature of 18 degrees in bright (indirect) light for at least three weeks.
7. After rooting, the greenhouse is removed, and the plant with root soil is transplanted into another pot.

Propagation by seeds

The sequence of growing new plants is as follows:

1. The seeds are soaked in water for two days.
2. Prepare a container filled with a disinfected (soak for a couple of tens of minutes over steam or a couple of minutes in the microwave) and moistened peat-sand mixture. Its bottom is lined with fine expanded clay.
3. The seeds are pressed into the ground and covered with glass.
4. For seed germination you need a sunny, warm place with a temperature of 26 degrees.
5. The soil must be sprayed with a spray bottle, but the moisture should not stagnate in it.
6. To prevent condensation from falling on the seedlings, it is better to install a container with a slight slope. Then excess moisture will flow to the edges of the vessel.
7. After a couple of months, seedlings appear, when leaves bloom on them, the seedlings are transplanted into five-centimeter separate pots with an earthen mixture as for adult plants.

Features of stephanotis transplantation

When transplanting floribunda, you must follow the following rules:

1. It is done in the spring, when there are no buds on the plant yet, no more than once every two years. In this case, transshipment is used while preserving the near-root earthen coma.
2. To stimulate plant flowering new pot should be only a couple of centimeters larger than the old one.
3. It is important that it is heavy enough. Otherwise, it will tip over under the weight of the massive plant.
4. Its bottom is filled with expanded clay balls in a layer of 5 cm.
5. The soil should be heavy, with a slightly acidic reaction. Its composition should be dominated by peat (almost half the volume), a third should consist of sand, and the remaining components - clay and leaf soil - should be contained in equal proportions. And when selecting ready-made soil mixtures, you need to focus on their acidity within 5-6 units with a nitrogen content of no more than 200 mg per liter.
6. Watering of transplanted plants should be normalized, it is advisable to replace it with frequent spraying as much as possible. It is recommended not to dissolve in water a large number of growth stimulants.

Caring for stephanotis at home

Caring for stephanotis is not easy and the process requires some knowledge and patience. And unskilled care weakens the plant, it gets sick more often and becomes vulnerable to pests.

Watering and spraying

The room should be high humidity, especially at temperatures above optimal. Frequent spraying of leaves is practiced, but moisture should not remain on the buds and flowers. The water should be warm and soft.

It’s good to place air humidifiers and water containers next to flowers. Flowerpots can be placed in other containers filled with wet pebbles, expanded clay, and moss. Leaves need dusting. If there are no buds or flowers on the vines, the leaves can be washed with a warm shower. In this case, the soil in the flowerpot is covered with film.

In warm weather, the bride's flower needs abundant watering with soft water several times a week. In cool weather their frequency decreases. Do not allow water to stagnate in the pot. Watering with rain or snow water is very useful. You can soften the water by placing a fabric bag filled with peat in a bucket of water overnight.

Varieties of indoor jasmines (video)

Fertilizers and fertilizing

Floribunda does not need to be fed frequently. It is advisable to do this twice a month. Potash fertilizers are preferred. A large amount of nitrogen stimulates the growth of the green part of plants to the detriment of flowers. A heavily overgrown crown needs serious pruning. This complicates the wintering of vines. Pruning also slows down their flowering, which may not occur in this year.

The formation of buds and their full blooming is promoted by fertilizing with potassium salts and superphosphates. Organic matter, such as mullein, is also useful. Fertilize twice in the middle and end of spring, combining it with watering the plants.

Plants are fertilized until the end of summer. IN winter time Lianas do not need feeding.

Pruning a houseplant

Stephanotis grows quickly, becoming (if all care rules are followed) a magnificent flowering vine. To adjust its size, direction of growth, and shape, it is necessary to trim the plants. Dry and damaged parts of the floribunda and weakened shoots are completely removed. Before transplanting, the stems are also partially trimmed.

It is known that buds appear only on new shoots, so Madagascar jasmine needs rejuvenating pruning. It should be gentle, but it is done in the depths of winter. In this case, the shoots are cut to half their length. They try not to disturb the central stem, because the plant doesn't like it. To prolong the flowering of the vine in the summer months, shoots are pinched.

Signs and superstitions associated with stephanotis

Madagascar jasmine is considered by some to be a muzhegon. This means that a woman who grows this flower dooms herself to loneliness. In addition, The jealous man drives husbands out of the house, breaking up families. But this is an unsubstantiated superstition.

In some European countries it is believed that blooming stephanotis promises a quick wedding in the house. It is not for nothing that snow-white flowers are an indispensable attribute of many weddings. Blooming vines, according to their lovers, bring happiness and financial stability to the house.

You should know that the caustic sap of a tropical plant, when it comes into contact with the skin and mucous membranes, causes burning and itching. For people with delicate skin, it is better to take care of it with gloves. Flowerpots with flowers should be inaccessible to children and pets.

In addition, these plants should not be placed with strong and persistent odor in the bedrooms. They can cause insomnia and headache.

Difficulties in growing Madagascar jasmine

Madagascar jasmine is a difficult plant to care for, so even experienced gardeners encounter problems and difficulties when growing it. We will talk about fighting them.

What to do if stephanotis does not bloom

In nature, stephanotis blooms most of the year. It is difficult to recreate the conditions familiar to him at home. For stable flowering, the tropical plant needs potassium supplements.

Reached three years old indoor plant usually blooms all summer. To achieve this, need to stick to following rules:

• Do not forget about its timely transplantation.
• Do not place the flower in a draft and do not allow sudden temperature changes in the room where it grows.
• Provide for its wintering in a cool environment.
• Ensure constant lighting of the plant.
• Do not change the position of the flower pot (in relation to the light) during the formation of buds and its flowering.

Why do plant leaves turn yellow and fall off?

Yellowing of leaves occurs for several reasons:

• From watering with hard water with chlorine. In this case, first water with special solutions with absorbed iron, and then with soft water.
• Lack of light, when moved to a suitable place, the condition of the flower improves.
• The influence of the red spider mite. You get rid of it by wiping the leaves with denatured alcohol.
• Excessive watering of the vine. In this case, you should focus on spraying, reducing watering.

Stephanotis diseases and pests

Blooming vines at improper care get sick and even die. When the roots rot, which results in the plants wilting, they need to be replanted, replacing the soil, removing the affected parts and processing weak solution foundation. Powdery mildew, manifested by the appearance of a white coating on the leaves, can be prevented by spraying 2-3 times with a weak solution of potassium permanganate at intervals of several days. If this does not help, then the vines are treated with Skor, Topaz, and Fundazol.

Stefanotis is also attacked by the following pests:

• A spider mite that weaves a web around it.
• Scale insects and aphids suck the juices out of it, which leads to yellowing of the leaves.
• A mealybug that envelops plants in a cotton-like coating.

Wedding flower stephanotis (video)

In the fight against them and other insects, washing the plants with a weak solution of soap or vinegar helps. The heavy artillery is the drugs Actellik, Fitoverm, Decis.

To properly care for the rare tropical stephanotis plant, an inexperienced gardener needs to learn a lot. But after considerable effort has been spent on it, Madagascar jasmine will delight household members for many years decorative leaves, which can be given any shape, and fragrant exotic flowers.

Among the many presented on the modern floristic market ornamental plants, Madagascar jasmine stands out for its special exotic plant shape and excellent aesthetic characteristics. This flower is valued for its beauty and elegance, as well as for its ability to decorate any interior. Versatility from an aesthetic point of view makes jasmine attractive to decorative design interior

Madagascar jasmine is widely known by modern gardeners and florist lovers. Moreover, the advantages of this plant have made it known to most ordinary people who are not professionals in plant growing. In Latin, the flower is called Stephanotis and, according to the accepted classification, belongs to the large family of swallowtails. On this moment More than 10 types of jasmine are known, which are common on the Japanese Islands, China, Madagascar and the Malay Islands.

All flowers that belong to this species, are curly. For a long time they were considered difficult to care for, which limited their spread. Now you can easily grow a full-fledged flower if you follow the simplest rules of care. The variety most commonly grown at home is jasmine, which is known to bloom profusely. The foliage of this plant is oval in shape and dark green in color. The main advantage that guarantees the popularity and fame of jasmine is the beautiful flowers, which at the moment of flowering acquire a white tint and a persistent bright aroma.

An interesting fact is that snow-white Madagascar jasmine is a popular component of bridal bouquets around the world.

Of course, jasmine is not only white - depending on the variety, it can also be cream, lavender and yellow. The flowers themselves grow on the branches in peculiar bunches, and there can be 7 flowers in an inflorescence. An important feature of the plant is its long flowering. Under natural conditions, jasmine blooms for up to 10 months, decorative varieties also have a long period.

Jasmine in the form of an evergreen vine, popular for decoration winter gardens. This plant needs a sufficient amount of light, which requires the gardener to make certain placement calculations. If the air temperature on the site during the cold season does not fall below plus 10 degrees Celsius, then growing the plant in open ground is allowed. The plant has a very caustic sap, which, if it comes into contact with exposed skin or mucous membranes, causes quite unpleasant irritation. Therefore, when working with jasmine, it is recommended to use gloves.

Growing conditions

For the harmonious development of jasmine, compliance will be required certain rules in plant care:

1. Lighting and location. Jasmine is one of the plants that requires sufficient light to grow and bloom. The best choice at home is to place the flower on a south window. If in summer there is extreme high temperatures, then you should temporarily move the plant to the east or west side. Growing in tropical latitudes determines the need for long daylight hours. Therefore, in winter the plant experiences the greatest stress. If you place the plant on the north side of your home, you will need to organize additional space.
2. Jasmine is having a hard time low temperatures. Sudden changes in ambient temperature and drafts should not be allowed. It is also worth remembering for the gardener important point: once buds have formed on the plant, it cannot be moved, moved, or rotated. Such, even the most insignificant movements, limit the development of flowers. Subsequently, the flowers simply do not bloom. Therefore, you should not buy jasmine in florist shops - here they usually sell jasmine already with a bud.
3. Temperature. When growing stephanotis, you must carefully monitor the ambient temperature. Moreover, the temperature regime in winter and summer should be different: in summer, overheating should not be allowed and should be maintained at 20-24 degrees above zero. In winter, it is allowed to keep the vine in cool conditions - 14-16 degrees Celsius. Such conditions make it possible to guarantee abundant flowering during the period. At home, it is important to avoid sudden changes in temperature, because jasmine suffers greatly from such events.
4. Humidity. For the growth of jasmine it is important to provide high humidity air. Therefore, the pot should be placed away from the radiators, and an artificial increase in humidity should be provided with the help of auxiliary devices.

Gardeners value jasmine for ample opportunities to create original floral designs. If you perform accurate and competent plants on different stages its development, it is possible to form unusual bushes. Depending on your preferences, you can grow either a compact bush or an elongated vine of great length.

Jasmine can be bred at home in two ways - seeds and. Reproduction is one of the reasons that limits its spread - it is too difficult to do it yourself without sufficient experience. For the development of shoots, special means are used that serve as growth stimulants. As for the seeds, they develop rarely and germinate very poorly.

As for cuttings, they are cut from healthy shoots, which must have 2-3 leaves.

Cuttings should be cut approximately 2 centimeters below the node. The harvested cuttings must be planted in specially prepared soil, which is mixed equally with clean sand.

After this, the cutting is covered with polyethylene or glass to create comfortable conditions humidity and temperature. At correct execution work, the first root shoots should appear after 2 or 3 weeks.

Care: watering, fertilizing and replanting

Tips for caring for a houseplant:

• To water Madagascar jasmine in the summer, pre-prepared and settled water is used. Water the plant abundantly to saturate the root system with moisture. In winter, watering is suspended and the plant switches to a gentle feeding regime.
• In the warm season, jasmine needs to be fed with fertilizers about 2 times a month. At the same time, choosing the type of fertilizer is especially important: if there is a high concentration of nitrogen in the fertilizing, this leads to the development of the stem and leaves, to the detriment of the growth of flowers. Therefore, when purchasing fertilizer, preference should be given to fertilizers aimed at enhancing flowering. For plant nutrition and growth, it is necessary to use soil made up of a mixture of deciduous, turf and humus soil with the obligatory addition of sand. Optimal indicator acidity is approximately 5.5 - 6.

Madagascar jasmine should be replanted in the spring, even before the first buds form. As the bush develops, it is necessary to replant it so as not to restrict the conditions for the growth of roots, and therefore the bush as a whole. Mature and mature bushes can be replanted once every 3 years.

It is important to choose the right pot for: it should be large and preferably made of ceramic. Such a pot will create enough strong support, which is necessary for jasmine. Do not forget about creating high-quality drainage and a well-functioning system for draining excess moisture at the bottom of the pot.

Jasmine is attacked by numerous diseases and pests, but is resistant to such attacks. The greatest danger among pests for jasmine are the following insects: greenhouse aphids, spider mites, scale insects. The plant owner should periodically carry out a visual inspection to identify possible damage and take the necessary measures for protection.

Timely preventative treatment bush allows you to prevent the development of such problems and ensure excellent development of jasmine.

In gardening stores you can easily find suitable chemicals that will provide reliable protection jasmine and promotes the development of flowers in the proper size and form.

More information can be found in the video:

Madagascar jasmine is also called Stephanotis. The name comes from the feminine form of the word "crown" in Latin, and is inspired by the shape of the crown-like stamens tightly packed around the pistil. snow-white flower. The island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean - the fourth largest island in the world - has a unique exotic flora. Stephanotis, with flowers perfect form and the charm of a subtle aroma, is its worthy representative. The conditions for keeping this wonderful plant at home and all the nuances of caring for it will be discussed.

Origin and appearance of stephanotis

The main place of origin of stephanotis is considered to be the island of Madagascar. It was first discovered in 1806 and immediately received a second name - Madagascar jasmine.

However, there is evidence that today it is found in natural conditions in the Pacific Islands, in Central Asia and in Cuba. Stefanotis is a heat-loving liana characteristic of tropical latitudes. Under natural conditions, in open ground, the initially herbaceous shoots become woody over time and reach up to 6 meters in length, densely entwining tree trunks, fences and houses.

Photo gallery: Madagascar jasmine growing in open ground

There are a total of 15 species of Stephanotis. However, in artificial conditions only the abundantly flowering stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda) is kept, since this is the only species that tolerates well home maintenance- the biology of the plant, accustomed to warm and wet conditions tropical forest.

In addition to the abundantly flowering stephanotis, three more of its species are described in sufficient detail. This is Stephanotis acuminata with cream-colored flowers, Stephanotis grandiflora, with large flowers up to three dozen in one inflorescence and a greenish tint of the bud tube, as well as the very beautiful Stephanotis thouarsii, whose bud lilac shade, and the throat of the flower is pinkish. However, these types of stephanotis are rarely found in gardeners' collections.

Read also about what you can plant in your dacha in the summer in our article -

Photo gallery: varieties of Madagascar jasmine

Stephanotis acuminata Stephanotis grandiflora Stephanotis thouarsii

Despite the variety of forms, it is recommended to keep only the abundantly flowering stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda) as a houseplant, so that the flower lover does not suffer disappointment when the vine does not take root at home.

Homemade stephanotis profusely flowering (floribunda)

Leaves

Stephanotis leaves are succulent, oblong, up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide, slightly curved down the central vein, rich green, glossy and shiny.

Important! The juice of the stems and leaves is poisonous, so the plant must be placed in inaccessible place for children and animals.

When and how does Madagascar jasmine bloom?

IN room conditions Stephanotis usually blooms from early summer until September. Flowers are collected in inflorescences. Each of them contains up to 10 fragrant flowers. The corolla of each flower consists of five petals of white or cream color. In addition to the graceful shape of the petals, the flowers have a subtle, but clearly perceptible, scent of jasmine. Therefore, the plant received a second name - Madagascar jasmine.

Cut flowers collected in a bouquet do not fade for 1–2 days and retain their original color. Therefore, in some countries, for example, in America, they are used during wedding celebrations. Hence another name for them: “bride’s flower.”

It is a monoecious plant, meaning it does not require a second plant to pollinate and produce fruit. Artificial pollination of flowers for the purpose of further collection of seeds is carried out with a thin artistic brush (a round linear or calligraphic brush with long hairs with a very thin nose). It can transfer pollen from the stamens of some flowers to the pistils of others. This procedure should be carried out very carefully, disturbing the flower as little as possible. Otherwise, the flowers may fall off.

Attention! Stephanotis has a wonderful aroma, but the flowering plant should not be placed in the bedroom, as prolonged inhalation of this aroma causes headaches and discomfort.

After a certain period of time, pollinated stephanotis flowers produce fruits - berries that ripen for 9 months. The berry is large (up to 10 cm in length), green in color. Then it turns yellow, wrinkles and contains ripened seeds.

Photo gallery: fruits of the Madagascar vine

The ripening fruit has green color The fruit size is large, up to 10 cm
The opened ripe fruit contains ripe seeds

When the seeds ripen, the fruit cracks and the seeds are scattered in different directions. Each seed is equipped with a fluffy parachute, which in nature helps them to fly in the wind over long distances. If you want not to lose the seeds, put a light nylon bag on the almost ripe fruit, in which all the seeds will remain. On average, each fruit contains up to 100 seeds.

Attention! Stephanotis fruits are considered poisonous.

Stephanotis is very demanding regarding living conditions:

• Quite fast growing stems that produce a large number of branches require a lot of space.
• The plant needs a lot of light, which means long daylight hours - at least 11–13 hours.
• Along with this, the midday rays of the sun can burn the foliage, so it is better to place stephanotis in such a way as to avoid direct exposure to it. sun rays.
• The air temperature depends on the season of the year, but it should not exceed +25°C or be lower than +15°C.

Length of daylight in average and northern latitudes it is insufficient, so additional lighting should be organized from autumn to spring, taking into account the length of daylight in the tropics of the southern hemisphere, where the island of Madagascar is located.

In the conditions of our northern hemisphere, pots with stephanotis are placed on the windowsills of eastern and southern windows.

Table: lighting, temperature, watering by season

Important! When spraying, water should not get on flowers and buds, as this may damage them. The water temperature should be between +22° C and +25° C. You should only use water that has been well settled for two to three days.

The period of rest and emergence from hibernation

In winter, the temperature can be reduced to +15° C. In this case, stephanotis, in the future, blooms profusely and much longer. If in winter the air in the room is warmed and dried out by heating devices, the pot is simply placed on a tray with damp moss to prevent the negative impact of dry air on the plant.

In early spring, the liana awakens from winter dormancy, and at this moment, moderate pruning of old shoots is carried out. This is due to the fact that only young shoots are peduncles, which receive more nutrition and begin to grow actively.

Later, at the beginning of summer, the tops of these shoots are pinched to prolong the flowering of stephanotis.

During the spring period of active growth, the shoots are still grassy and quite flexible, so they should be distributed over the support, tied to it and set the direction of further growth.

Closer to summer, the shoots become coarser and become less elastic. Forming a bush on a support becomes difficult.

From March to August, the plant is fed with organic and mineral fertilizers with a frequency of 2 times a month. In the autumn-winter period, stephanotis is not fed.

At mineral fertilizing preference is given to potassium fertilizers, since nitrogen fertilizers cause too active growth of shoots, which slows down the flowering of the plant. In May, when budding usually begins, fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is used, including a solution of potassium salts with superphosphate. This feeding will ensure full and long-lasting flowering of the plant.

Flowering time

After the first buds appear on stephanotis, under no circumstances should the plant be moved from place to place, rotated, or changed the position of the shoots! The buds and flowers cannot withstand this and fall off.

For Madagascar jasmine, the so-called light mark is relevant. This is a strict location binding flowering plant to the light source. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to change the position of the flower pot during the flowering period; even twisting it, turning the other side towards the light, is not recommended. Otherwise, the buds or flowers may fall off.

Video: “light mark” of Madagascar jasmine

Transfer

Soil: which one to choose or make yourself

Transplantation is usually carried out once every two to three years, in the spring, using the method of careful transshipment. There is no need to disturb the vine; replant it when the roots begin to peek out from the top layer of soil. However, it is not recommended to significantly increase the capacity of the pot, so as not to delay flowering. Since stephanotis prefers heavy soils, a mixture is prepared for replanting in the ratio “peat: sand: clay: leaf soil = 3 parts: 2 parts: 1 part: 1 part.”

In this case, a layer of drainage material (expanded clay balls) with a thickness of at least 3–5 cm must be placed on the bottom of the pot. They can be purchased at any flower shop.

The soil should have a slightly acidic reaction, that is, a pH from 5.6 to 6.0. The packaging of the finished soil will have a mark on the pH level.

Take a pot that is massive enough so that the growing and gaining strength of stephanotis shoots will not knock it over.

To plant stephanotis, you can also use purchased ready-made soils, such as:

• soil “Flower” (Nitrogen - 200 mg/l; acidity pH = 5–6) produced by OJSC Udmurttorf;
• nutrient soil “Garden of Miracles” (Nitrogen - 200 mg/l; acidity pH = 5.5–6.5).

Other universal primers will also work. The main thing when buying ready-made soil is to familiarize yourself with its composition based on the main elements (N, P, K - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, respectively), which should be printed on the packaging, and acidity (pH in the range of 5–6).

If possible, choose soil with less nitrogen than other components.

Making a support

As already mentioned, stephanotis is a vine with a long creeping stem capable of entwining various objects. Young shoots are flexible and lend themselves well to laying on a support. The laid shoots must be fixed on a support. Thanks to the shape and reliability of the support, a beautiful bush is formed, which, when flowering, will become a real decoration of the interior. The material for support is wooden, metal or plastic structures of various configurations.

Since in the spring-summer period frequent spraying of foliage with water is provided, wooden supports the least practical and will quickly fail. The most popular supports are in the shape of a circle, on which stephanotis shoots are strengthened.

Photo gallery: options for weaving small and long vine shoots along a support

The spiral weaving of stephanotis stems looks great if the flower is still young. Weaving stephanotis stems along a volumetric support is justified for an overgrown vine. Stephanotis stems on a round support are a classic of the genre

Stephanotis propagation: instructions with photos

Stephanotis propagates by cuttings, seeds, and air layering. The first method is most often used, as it is easier and faster. Germinating seeds requires much more effort.

Important! Madagascar jasmine is not propagated by leaf cuttings.

Stem cuttings with a pair of leaves

Sequence of actions when cutting:

Important! It is better not to cut cuttings from young shoots, since inflorescences are still formed on these shoots. The water in which the cuttings are germinated should always be settled and warm (up to +25° C).

How to propagate a liana by seeds

Sequence of actions when growing stephanotis from seeds:

1. Soak stephanotis seeds for two days in settled water at room temperature.
2. Take a shallow bowl (ceramic or heat-resistant plastic) with small holes in the bottom.
3. Place expanded clay balls in one layer on the bottom of the bowl.
4. Fill the bowl with a mixture of perlite and peat (1:1) to two-thirds of the height.
5. Sterilize the prepared bowl with soil in microwave oven, for 1–2 minutes, or pasteurize over steam for 20 minutes.
6. After 2 days, place the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them into the soil.
7. Place the bowl with seeds in a sunny, warm place (air temperature at least +26° C)
8. During seed germination, the soil should not be over-moistened, as it will inhibit. And at the same time, the air above the soil, with the seeds tucked into it, must be very humid. This is achieved either by frequent spraying with warm water or by placing the bowl in a greenhouse under glass or cellophane.
   

   It is imperative to ensure that condensation does not collect on the glass or cellophane and drip onto the soil. To do this, you can slightly tilt the greenhouse so that the condensate flows towards the wall.

   A greenhouse for seeds can be made using film or glass

9. After the seeds germinate in 1–2 months, when the first pair of leaves appears on the seedlings, replant them.
10. Plant the seedlings in small pots with a diameter of 5 cm, filled with regular stephanotis soil.

How to do air layering

Sequence of actions when growing stephanotis by air layering:

1. Choose last year's woody shoot.
2. Peel the bark on it to 2 cm in length, at a distance of 1–1.5 m from the crown of the stem.
3. Prepare a nutrient substrate (peat: vermiculite: coconut fiber, in a ratio of 2:1:1).
4. Sterilize the resulting substrate.
5. Moisten it with settled water at room temperature.
6. Wrap it around the cleaned area of ​​the stem.
7. Wrap the structure in plastic film and secure its lower and upper ends to the stem using a loose tie.
8. Expect the appearance of roots that will grow through the substrate and film in 2–3 weeks.
9. Cut off the shoot from the plant below the emerging roots.
10. Sprinkle the cut area on the plant with charcoal.
11. Plant the air layer in a small pot with regular stephanotis soil.

The difference between air layering and cuttings is that a full-fledged plant is formed from a cutting much longer than from air layering, since in the second case the vine is actually already formed.

Why problems arise and how to solve them

The most common pests for stephanotis are spider mites, mealybugs, greenhouse aphids and scale insects.

Table: stephanotis pests and their control

If any mistakes are made when caring for stephanotis, this will immediately affect the condition of the plant, and it will let you know about it.

Table: buds fall off, leaves turn yellow - consequences of mistakes in caring for stephanotis

Stephanotis is well known to lovers of exotic indoor flowers as Madagascar jasmine. First of all, it's worth noting that these are not exactly the same thing. The name "stephanotis" refers to a separate species of plants from the Lastovnevye family. There are about 16 of them in total, and almost all of them grow in natural conditions. These are semi-shrub vines with evergreen leaves and beautiful flowering.

In indoor conditions, most often only one variety of vine is grown - floribunda or stephanotis profusely flowering. This type is also called Madagascar jasmine for the characteristic aroma of flowers.

Thus, it is one of the varieties of stephanotis that is most adapted to indoor conditions.

What does Stephanotis floribunda look like?

Stephanotis Madagascaris, like other representatives of this species, grows in the form of a vine - its strong shoots can reach a length of up to 5 meters. All year round, waxy leaves up to 9 cm long and up to 5 cm wide adorn the branches. dark green, very dense structure and slightly pointed at the tips. They are located opposite on the shoot.

At the beginning of summer, beautiful inflorescences appear on the vine: five slightly curled petals are located on a thin tube-like stalk, and the flower itself resembles a white crown on a stalk (sometimes there is a cream color in the color). total length the flower reaches 4 cm, they are collected in inflorescences of up to 7 pieces each. Under natural conditions, stephanotis blooms almost all year round, but indoors flowering ends with the arrival of autumn.

The inflorescences stay on the branch for a long time, and even after cutting long time do not fade. Because of this, they are used to create flower arrangements, in particular, wedding bouquets.

After flowering ends, fruits similar to plums form in place of the inflorescences. When they are fully ripe, they burst. Inside the fruit are seeds in the form of small parachutes. When they fall into a nearby pot, they germinate and form a new plant.

What does Madagascar jasmine like?

When growing stephanotis, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. Flower loves good lighting. This is especially important in winter, when daylight hours are shorter. At this time, you may need to install additional lighting. In summer, the pot must be shaded so that the plant does not get direct rays, which cause burns on the dark leaves.
2. Jasmine needs to be created comfortable temperature: V summer time it should not be higher than 25 degrees Celsius, and in winter the flower needs coolness (up to 15 degrees). This contributes to more lush flowering next year.
3. Watering should be regular; the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. In addition, you should additionally spray the leaves frequently to maintain moisture. During the heating season, the flowerpot can be placed on a tray with pebbles.
4. With the onset of spring (when growth processes are activated) and throughout the summer, jasmine should be fed twice a month with mineral preparations with a predominance of potassium. You can also use organic matter, but alternate fertilizers.
5. Every year in March it is necessary to prune the bush, and during the summer - pinch the tops of the shoots. Madagascar jasmine blooms only on new branches.
6. To give the flower a beautiful appearance and prevent damage to long vine branches, you need to install a support. This can be either an arch or stretched ropes. It is better to lay the branches while they are young and not woody, because then it is very difficult to do this.

Features of growing Madagascar jasmine at home - video

Madagascar jasmine (stephanotis) is an evergreen vine that blooms with snow-white flowers resembling sea ​​stars. Jasmine stephanotis looks gorgeous and smells nice. But the plant is not so easy to care for. It belongs to rather capricious cultures. To grow Madagascar jasmine, you need to devote time to it.

Description of culture

Stephanotis belong to the family Lastovnevye. These plants are climbing and need support. In nature, they twine around trees. Flowers native to the subtropics and tropics. The variety of stephanotis most often grown in apartments is Madagascar jasmine. It is most adapted to life in enclosed spaces. Gardeners love this exotic for its unusual snow-white flowers. The peculiarity of the species is the abundance of buds. There can be from 4 to 7 pieces in each inflorescence. During flowering, the apartment is filled with a pleasant aroma, similar to the smell of jasmine. It is because of this feature that this variety of stephanotis got its name. The plant may also be called Stephanotis profusely flowering.

Madagascar jasmine

Flowering is usually long lasting and lasts throughout the summer. By autumn, plum-shaped fruits appear on the crop. There are seeds inside. They resemble parachute-shaped dandelion seeds and can migrate, that is, fly away in different directions.

The stem of the crop is climbing. Jasmine vine wraps around any support. You can use the plant to decorate arched compositions. The leaves are large (about 8-10 cm), glossy, elongated with sharp tips. Color – dark emerald.

Important! The sap of the plant is caustic. When it comes into contact with the skin, it causes mini-burns. It is allowed to work with the plant only with gloves.

Features of cultivation

Care

Vessel for stephanotis

Experienced flower growers advise taking large containers. Cultivation of exotics should be organized in ceramic pot. This is the kind of container that can support a powerful plant. There must be drainage holes at the bottom. Pebbles or expanded clay are placed on them.

The soil

The soil that is ideal for the plant is a substrate of peat, sand, clay and humus. The pH level should be between 5.5-6.

Top dressing

The luxurious plant is responsive to fertilizers. It is recommended to feed him mineral mixtures, in which potassium must necessarily prevail. You should not apply fertilizers with a large amount of nitrogen, since nitrogen will give the plant strength to form greenery, but not flowers. It is permissible to feed jasmine stephanotis with special nutrient solutions for flowering ornamental plants.

Watering

A plant that was born in the tropics needs moisture. But overwatering the vine is not beneficial. Watering is organized once every 5-7 days. In this case, after each watering, the water accumulated in the pan is poured out. This is done to prevent it from rotting. root system. In summer, the plant is sprayed with a spray bottle. Spraying is carried out carefully so that moisture does not get on the flowers. Otherwise they may turn black. The water is taken to be settled and lukewarm.

In winter, watering is carried out no more than once every 14-20 days. The soil should be loosened carefully and not too often.

Note! Climbing jasmine stephanotis can be grown on open space to decorate the garden. However, this is only acceptable for regions with a southern climate. In Siberia, the Urals, and the central part of Russia, this flower is not a garden flower at all.

Reproduction

The plant can be propagated in two ways:

• Seeds;
• Cuttings.

Instructions for propagation by seeds

1. The seeds are placed in warm water for 48 hours.
2. A drainage layer is placed at the bottom of the container. The container is filled with peat substrate with sand.
3. The soil mixture is watered.
4. The seeds are laid out on the surface of the substrate and gently pressed into the ground.
5. The container is covered with glass to create a greenhouse effect. Next, she is taken to a room where it is +25 degrees.
6. Every day the glass is removed for 15 minutes to ventilate the soil.
7. The soil is moistened every 2-3 days.

Additional Information. Sprouts should be expected after 6 weeks. As soon as they have several leaves, each plant is transplanted into a separate pot. Care consists of timely watering, protection from direct sunlight, compliance temperature regime summer and winter, spring-summer fertilizing.

Instructions for propagation by cuttings

1. In the spring, a cutting is cut from the bush, which is one year old and has 4 leaves. The cut is washed with a growth stimulator.
2. The cuttings are placed in a soil mixture (as for seeds). The leaves should be on the surface.
3. The container is covered with a bag. The greenhouse is opened and ventilated every day.
4. The soil is moistened once every 2-3 days.
5. In order to root the planting material, it is kept in a room where it is about +17...+19 degrees for 25 days.
6. After rooting, the plant is transplanted into a larger pot. You need to care for a new specimen in the same way as an adult plant.

Transfer

Climbing jasmine needs to be replanted every 2-3 years. This is done in order to place the plant in a more spacious pot. It is recommended to perform the procedure in the spring, until stephanotis is preparing to bloom. Experienced flower growers use the transshipment method. The plant is taken out along with a lump of earth in which the roots are located and placed in a prepared pot with soil mixture.

Planting jasmine

Problems after transplant

If the planting of a flower in a new container was carried out with violations, then the flower will notify you of this with its appearance. During transplantation, the roots should not be injured. If this happens, the plant will look frail, the leaves will begin to wither and fall off.

You can help the plant survive after all the handling manipulations by frequent spraying or creating greenhouse conditions. Greenhouse conditions are created using a package that will act as a greenhouse.

Diseases and pests

Among the pests dangerous to Madagascar jasmine are the following:

Spraying Zolon, Decis, Actellik, Karbofos will help against scale insects. In order to defeat spider mites, the leaves are treated technical alcohol. Experienced gardeners suggest using hydrogen peroxide or red pepper tincture against aphids.

It is believed that indoor Madagascar jasmine has good immunity against various diseases. However, he can be overcome powdery mildew. Among effective means Skor, Fundazol are listed against the disease. According to reviews, the disease can be defeated with a solution of manganese. In this case, the plant is treated with water and potassium permanganate once every 3 days. At least three such procedures must be performed.

Madagascar jasmine care at home involves thorough and systematic care. Exotic plant if handled correctly, it will annually delight the owners of the apartment with long-lasting, fragrant flowering.