Stephanotis floribunda aka Madagascar Stephanotis

Stephanotis floribunda is a woody vine from Madagascar. It stays green all year. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Its home has a tropical climate with a dry season. Gardeners call it Madagascar jasmine or bride's flower. In cooler areas, they grow it as a houseplant. It also grows outdoors or under glass where it is warm.

Its stems twist round supports as the plant climbs. Garden plants reach about 13–26 feet [4–8 metres] tall. They spread about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres] wide. The RHS says plants take 10–20 years to reach full size. NC State reports vines over 20 feet [6.1 metres]. The plant grows at a medium pace and needs a trellis. Its tough stems bear dark green leaves in pairs. The leaves feel like leather and have a shiny surface. They range from oval to oblong, a longer oval shape.

White flowers grow in groups and have a strong scent. Each waxy flower has a narrow tube. Its tips spread out to form a star shape. The RHS gives flower lengths near 2 inches [0.05 metres]. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowers from March through October. Growers can get blooms year-round by controlling the growing conditions. Florists use the blooms in bridal bouquets and other flower displays. The plant suits gardens that grow flowers for cutting. It also suits pots and hanging baskets. Its green fruit has an oblong shape.

Give it strong light, but shade it from hot sun under glass. A sudden move to full sun can scorch or blister leaves. Use rich compost that drains well but holds some moisture. For plants under glass, the RHS suggests peat-free compost. Give plenty of water while it grows. Keep the air moist, with high humidity. Feed with balanced liquid fertiliser every two to three weeks. Give less water in winter, more so when cold slows growth. NC State says plants seem to prefer crowded roots. Chicago lists USDA zones 10–11; the RHS gives H1B. In Britain, it can spend summer outside. It still needs shelter for growing there.

This vine needs close care, not a low-care routine. The RHS reports few diseases when growing conditions suit it. Too much water can still cause root rot. Scale insects, spider mites, and mealybugs may attack it. Root mealybugs can cause trouble below the soil surface too. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. This does not mean that people can eat it. The supplied sources list no food use for this species.