Stephanotis – Trellis Plant with Fragrant White Clusters of Flowers
We’ve received quite a few requests for information on caring for the Stephanotis vine, but haven’t found too much information that is available.
The Stephanotis has grown in popularity over the past few years along with some of the other spring flowering vines. It is known by a few different names such as the “Madagascar Jasmine” and the “Bridal Veil”.
Stephanotis is an evergreen vine that can grow naturally to a height of 15 to 18 feet, although we find it growing more outward than upward. The leaves are thick and leathery.
It produces a fragrant white cluster of flowers, from spring to autumn, which are commonly used in bridal bouquets, hence the name “Bridal Veil Vine”.
We usually find the Stephanotis grown as a potted trellised plant, although I have seen the plant grown as a basket. Stephanotis can have a tendency to grow all over the place. To produce a compact plant it is recommended that you prune and train around the supporting trellis or basket.
Stephanotis is produced from cutting and seed. The seedpod reaches the size of a medium to large pear and remains on the vine for over 6 months before it is ready to harvest the seeds. You will not see an abundance of seedpods on a vine. In fact, in over 20 years I have only seen 3 pods produced on a rather large vine.
The Bridal Veil enjoys a lot of light especially in the winter months when light levels are low. In the summer months provide much light as you can but it may be necessary to give some shade from the direct hot sun.
When the wonderfully scented flowers appear do not turn your plant around as the flowers have a tendency to drop off.
As with many tropicals use a well-drained soil if you are going to repot because these plants can be very sensitive to over watering. When the plants are in full growth (summer time) watering moderately and sparingly during the winter. You are more likely to harm your plant from over-watering it than under-watering.
The real beauty of this plant is the scented white flowers against the deep green leaves. It is very responsive to warm temperatures, good, fertile, well-drained soil, and requires a minimum of 55 degrees.
My thoughts were expressed a few weeks ago about fertilizing plants indoors; outdoors is altogether different. The flowering will be forcing the plant to use up a lot of food, so a good well balanced fertilizer will help in keeping the plant(s) healthy and flowering longer.
The Stephanotis has not been in the marketplace very long, and one question we get as winter approaches has to do with winterizing the Stephanotis. We would like to hear from anyone who has successfully over wintered his or her Stephanotis. This isn’t just staying alive but bringing it back into flower the next year. I suspect that the Stephanotis vine will over-winter better than a mandevilla.
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