Stephanotis (Marsdenia floribunda)

Stephanotis Plant Features

Elegant and beautiful, stephanotis is an exotic tropical climber that shows off beautiful clusters of sweetly fragrant white flowers in spring and summer. Being a vine, it is a versatile plant to grow indoors. Allow it to climb up posts or wires (or make an invisible post with fishing line), trail from hanging baskets, or ramble along a mantle or other surface. The shiny, dark green foliage is attractive all year long.

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Stephanotis Growing Instructions

Despite its glamorous look, stephanotis is delightfully easy to grow. Just give it a bright spot (the more light it gets, the better it will flower; if the vine doesn't get enough light, it won't flower) and water when the top inch or two of the potting mix dries to the touch. This may be as often as once a week or it may be once every 10 or 14 days, depending on conditions such as light, temperature, and humidity. 

In frost-free areas, the plant can be grown outdoors as an evergreen perennial that flowers throughout spring and summer. It thrives in full sun or part shade and can climb to 20 feet or more.

Fertilize stephanotis once or twice a year in spring and summer. You can fertilize more frequently if you'd like; it will encourage the vine to grow faster and bloom better. 

Prune stephanotis whenever it starts to grow out of bounds. Because it is in the milkweed family the vine has a milky-white sap that drips when it's cut. Use an old rag or towel when pruning so the sticky sap doesn't fall on floors or furniture. 

Note: Stephanotis is also sometimes called Madagascar jasmine and is not intended for human or animal consumption.

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

  • Colors

    White

  • Special Features

    Fragrant flowers/foliage

    Purifies the air

    Super-easy to grow

Complement your Stephanotis

Orchid, Phalaenopsis
Grow stephanotis with beautiful phalaenopsis orchids for a stunning flowering combo!

Hoya
Stephanotis and wax plant are closely related. They love the same conditions and both offer fragrant flowers.