Jasminum sambac aka Arabian Jasmine

Taxonomy

Jasminum sambac, also known as Arabian jasmine or Sambac jasmine, is a species of jasmine native to tropical Asia. It can be found in various countries, including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of West Asia. This small shrub or vine can reach heights of 0.5 to 3 meters and is widely cultivated for its attractive and sweetly fragrant flowers. The glossy leaves and clusters of very fragrant white flowers, measuring 2.5cm across, adorn the plant in summer and occasionally throughout the year. The blooms emit a rich, heavenly fragrance that is highly valued in Asia, where they are used as a fragrant ingredient in perfumes and even to make a perfumed drink by soaking the flowers in water overnight. In the Philippines, it is known as sampaguita and is the national flower, while in Indonesia, it is called melati putih and is one of the three national flowers. This slow-growing cultivar thrives in warm, sunny locations, making it a favorite in many gardens.

Common names

Arabian Jasmine

How to care for Arabian Jasmine

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Arabian Jasmine, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Arabian Jasmine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Arabian Jasmine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Arabian Jasmine thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Arabian Jasmine.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Arabian Jasmine does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Arabian Jasmine has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Arabian Jasmine’s native range is Eurasia, Africa, and Oceania.


More info:
Wikipedia