Stefanotis bouquetis a climbing pot plant with shiny leaves and lovely white flowers that give off an intense fragrance. Unfortunately, we will not be able to enjoy these flowers if we do not provide the plant with appropriate growing conditions. See what the correctcare for Stephanotisin a pot, how toreproduce Stephanotisat home and what diseases can threaten this plant if not taken care of about her actually.
Stefanotis bouquet
Stefanotis bouquet (Stephanotis floribunda)is an evergreen climber from Madagascar belonging to the Asclepiadaceae family, which also includes the hoja (Hoya). Stefanotis produces stiff, flexible shoots covered with alternating dark green, leathery, glossy leaves. Foliage is particularly interestingbouquet steppe 'Variegata'- this variety has two-colored leaves.
The main ornament of Stephanotisare the white star-shaped flowers appearing in May, giving off an intense aroma similar to that of lily of the valley flowers. The fragrant white flowers of Stephanotis are often used in wedding bouquets.
At homethe stems of Stephanotis grow up to 2.5 m in lengthand can climb over supports or wrap around a bar in the pot. Unfortunately, this beautiful plant is not easy to grow. Inadequate care for Stephanotis leads to the shedding of flower buds and diseases.
Stefanotis bouquet - cultivation and care
Bouquet Stefanotis requires a lot of lightIt should be grown on a sunny window sill, but avoid direct sunlight in the summer, as it may burn the leaves. Insufficient light can cause yellowing and grinding of the leaves and can inhibit the development of flower buds.Stefanotis bouquet grows best alone , not shaded by other plants.
The most commonmistake in the care of Stephanotis is too high temperature in winterThe optimal temperature in this period is only 14-16 ° C. At higher temperatures, the stems of Stephanotis stretch out excessively, and as a result, the gaps between successive pairs of opposite leaves are very large. Flowering may also be inhibited at a later stage. In summer, the temperature should not exceed 24 ° C.
Bouquet Stefanotis 'Variegata'
During the flowering periodstephanotis needs plentiful watering(2-3 times a week). Watering too rarely causes the flowers to dry out. From the end of August, we gradually reduce watering, and during the rest period (in winter) we water a maximum of once a week - just enough not to dry the root ball. For watering, use only lukewarm water, preferably if it is decalcified. Excess calcium in the water causes chlorosis, i.e. yellowing of the leaves. In summer,sprinkle the leaves of Stephanotis with soft water every day , taking care not to soak the flowers.
Stefanotis is grown inhumus soil, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6) or compost soil mixed with coarse sand. Put a layer of drainage at the bottom of the pot. During the flowering period, from May to August, we fertilizestephanotis bouquet every two weeks with liquid fertilizer , using half of the dose recommended by the manufacturer. Too high doses of fertilizer completely inhibit flowering.If necessary,stefanotis we replant at the turn of February and MarchIt is therefore a typical time to transplant potted plants.
Drafts , temperature fluctuations and moving and turning the pot are very harmful to Stephanotis. These can cause the shedding of flower buds.
The strong growth of the shoots makes it necessary to prune them annually. In this way, we maintain the shape of the Stephanotis crown and remove the bare and overstretched shoots.Stefanotis should be trimmed at the beginning of March , even before flower buds begin to form.
Stefanotis bouquet - reproduction
Stefanotis bouquet is propagated bycuttings, which are obtained during spring pruning. The seedling should be 8-10 cm long, with 2 pairs of leaves and a growth cone. Remove the lower pair of leaves and trim the end of the shoot diagonally with a sharp knife. Sprinkle the wound with charcoal or dip the tip of the cuttings into the rooting agent.
Then we place the cuttings in a substrate consisting of peat mixed with sand (1: 1). Place the seedlings deep, up to the leaf base. Water the planted plants abundantly, cover them with foil or a glass dish and place them in a bright place. The substrate must be constantly moist, and the optimal temperature for rooting cuttings is 21 ° C. Every day, the cover should be removed for 5-10 minutes toventilate the rooting cuttings of StephanotisAfter about 4 weeks, remove the cover.
Stefanotis bouquet - diseases
Chlorosis- this is a disease that develops as a result ofincorrect care of StephanotisChlorosis is manifested by yellowing of the leaves, usually the youngest. Itsreason is watering the plant with calcium-rich waterTo restore the he alth of the plant, water it with fertilizer with an increased dose of iron. During further regeneration,water Stephanotis with decalcified (boiled and standing) water
Pests- too high temperature in winter makes stephanotisa easy to attack pests of houseplants, such as mealybug, spider mite and scales. Foraging pests cause yellow spots on the leaves, cover their surface with honey dew (mealybugs, scales) or with spider webs (spider mites). Their presenceinhibits the growth and flowering of stephanotis
Tofight pests on stephanotis , spray the plant with an aqueous solution of gray soap or denatured alcohol. Additionally, for further protection, we can use the natural Agrocover preparation. Mealybugs and scales can be effectively removed mechanically by wiping the surface of leaves and shoots with a cotton swab soaked in denatured alcohol. Providing a temperature of 13-14 ° C during the dormant period is effective in reducing the growth of these pests.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
