Stephanotis

      Also known as Madagascar Jasmine or Bridal Veil, Stephanotis is a genus of evergreen, climbing plants, gathering around 15 species and belonging to the family Apocynaceae. Other species belonging to the same family are: Stephanotis acuminata, Stephanotis floribunda, Stephanotis grandiflora, Stephanotis isaura, Stephanotis japonica, Stephanotis longiflora, Stephanotis lutchuensis, Stephanotis nana, Stephanotis parviflora, Stephanotis thouarsii, Stephanotis vincaeflora and Stephanotis yunnanensis.

      Stephanotis is a genus of garden plants very popular not only because of its delightful and strong fragrance but also because of its unusual waxy flowers shaped as stars. It is frequentely used in decorations or bridel bouquets and because of this many people know it as the flower of weddings.

      In the case of Stephanotis, the blooming period has two stages. The first blooming begins in January and lasts till May and the second one lasts from the beginning of summer till the beginning of autumn. Known as the most pleasant flower in the world in terms of fragrance, Stephanotis has flowers that can reach a diameter of 3 centimeters and that change their color from white to yellow after just a couple of days.

      Stephanotis is known to be related to one of the most popular wax plant and that is Hoya. Regarding the strong similarities between plants and in an atempt of explaining the name, Madagascar Jasmine, it is good to know that Stephanotis has a fragrance similar to that of Jasmine and that the plant is native to Madagascar.

      Stephanotis is not a very easy plant to grow. In order to maintain its health, the plant needs good light but does not stand total exposure to the sun as that might cause burnings to the leaves. The plant needs a temperature between 18 and 22 Celsius degrees and even though it can endure lower temperatures, they should never go under 8 Celsius degrees as cold is one of the most dangerous enemies.

      Regarding the watering process, it is strongly recommended not to exagerate as too much water may cause root rot and eventually death.

Stephanotis Pictures Gallery

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