Stephanotis

The genus Stephanotis unites about 15 shrubby lianas with climbing shoots, but most often one species is grown-Stephanotis profusely flowering (Stephanotis floribunda), native to Madagascar. Oblong-oval dark green glossy leathery leaves are arranged in pairs on a very long stem. The main attraction of the plant is given by white tubular, very fragrant flowers about 4 cm long collected in axillary racemes and blooming in the period from May to October. The corollas of beautiful wax flowers consist of five perianth lobes.

The genus Stephanotis unites about 15 shrubby lianas with climbing shoots, but most often one species is grown-Stephanotis profusely flowering (Stephanotis floribunda), native to Madagascar. Oblong-oval dark green glossy leathery leaves are arranged in pairs on a very long stem. The main attraction of the plant is given by white tubular, very fragrant flowers about 4 cm long collected in axillary racemes and blooming in the period from May to October. The corollas of beautiful wax flowers consist of five perianth lobes.

Cultivation

At home, this plant is not very easy to grow. The ideal environment for it is a greenhouse. They are usually cultivated in pots with supports: wire arches, reed sticks, trellises, pipes with moss-to which shoots are tied until they have tendrils and aerial roots. In summer, the plant can be taken out into the open air, in a lighted, but protected from the wind place. Of course, as soon as the temperature outside the window drops below 10 °C, the plants should be removed to the house. It is recommended to periodically add liquid fertilizer to the water for irrigation at the rate of 5 g per bucket.

Location

Bright lighting is necessary, but away from direct sunlight. The ideal place to promote flowering is by the window. However, you should carefully monitor that there are no drafts, to which this plant is quite sensitive.

Temperature

The optimal summer temperature is 18-20 °C: winter - about 13 °C, and below 10 °C it should never be lowered.

Watering

Watering in summer is frequent, at least 2-3 times a week, but not excessive. In winter, it is enough to keep the soil in a slightly moist state. Stephanotis is quite sensitive to lime. Therefore, if possible, avoid using hard tap water. Rainwater is optimal.

Transplant

Young plants are transplanted annually in the spring, using pots slightly larger than the previous ones. After you have used a pot with a diameter of 25-30 cm, it is recommended to limit yourself to replacing the surface layer of the soil when transplanting.

Care

To maintain the gloss of the leaves, periodic spraying is sufficient. They can also be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge. Lustrating solutions are not recommended.

Reproduction

Stephanotis is propagated by cuttings. In April-May, approximately 10-centimeter cuttings are taken from the side non-flowering shoots and rooted in a soil of sand and peat, maintaining a temperature of 18-20 °C and high humidity. After the appearance of the roots - after about 6-8 weeks-the cuttings are treated as adult plants, and they are transplanted into new spacious pots.

Diseases

Yellowing of the leaves can be caused by excess lime in the water (in this case, you are dealing with chlorosis), insufficient lighting, or drafts. Stephanotis is particularly susceptible to both brown and powdery worms, which cause yellowing and discoloration of the leaves and then death of the plant. They get rid of pests by wiping parts of the plant with a rag or cotton swab soaked in alcohol. After that, the plant can be treated with appropriate (anticoccidal) drugs. Preventive treatments with systematic insecticides can be particularly useful. Gradually merging yellowish specks on the leaves and cobwebs are symptoms of the presence of mites. In this case, the plant is treated with the appropriate preparation and monitor the maintenance of high humidity in the environment.

Acquisition

Stephanotis can be purchased at the best flower shops and gardening centers. Usually there are sold plants with supports-floral grids. Keep in mind: when buying in early May, you will receive a plant that has been kicked out of the greenhouse, and in subsequent years it will bloom later than usual varieties.

Stephanotis, when cultivated in a pot at home, requires an arc support, which can be made from wire or flexible reed. 1. Push both ends of the wire or reed arc into the soil to 2/3 of the pot height. Connect the stem to one end of the arc and wrap it around the arc. 2. Fix the plant with a raffia thread, the end of which is tied to one end of the arc, and then wrap it around the stem without pulling it tight. The plant will develop in an arc, and when it completely passes it, you can start the stem in a circle or in the opposite direction. 3. As large supports, use a pair of connected reed stalks, fastened on top with a strong wire.

Stephanotis, when cultivated in a pot at home, requires an arc support, which can be made from wire or flexible reed.

1. Push both ends of the wire or reed arc into the soil to 2/3 of the pot height. Connect the stem to one end of the arc and wrap it around the arc.

2. Fix the plant with a raffia thread, the end of which is tied to one end of the arc, and then wrap it around the stem without pulling it tight. The plant will develop in an arc, and when it completely passes it, you can start the stem in a circle or in the opposite direction.

3. As large supports, use a pair of connected reed stalks, fastened on top with a strong wire.