Stephanotis Floribunda

Stephanotis floribunda also called Madagascar Jasmine, Waxflower or Hawaiian Wedding Flower is a flowering climbing plant very popular in wedding bouquets. Stephanotis grows best in sunny, tropical conditions, or inside. It can reach between 2 and 6 meters, and is widely cultivated as a garden plant.

The genus name Stephanotis has Greek origins, made up of two words; stephonos meaning crown and otos which is ear; a 'crown of ears' which it faintly resembles with the flower trumpet as a meatus surrounded by five "ears." The scent of the flowers is strongly reminiscent of the true jasmine.

Stephanotis Wedding Bouquets

Stephanotis is a traditional bridal flower that doesn’t get as much attention as the rose. With blossoms shaped like a star, the flower is often seen in bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages.

The Stephanotis flower matches perfectly with stark white wedding dresses, as they only come in a pure white color. While holding a stepanotis bridal bouquet the slight scent of jasmine can be detected.

Rose is a favourite in love & stephanotis is a favourite in weddings. Put red rose & white stephanotis together in one bouquet make the bouquet looks contrast & make your wedding in colorful love. It's a good match.

Pure white and as fragile as snowflakes, the Stephanoris blossoms, are traditional bridal favorites. Pearl-topped corsage pinscan be inserted into the bell of each flower, either a teardrop or three small round-headed pins in each. A row of pins finishes the satin handle. A single blossom can make a captivatingly simple boutonniere.

You must be careful not to touch or handle the bouquet any more than necessary.The flowers brown and wilt easily when exposed to the oil on your fingers or the warmth of a room.

Stephanotis, The Good Luck Flower

Though the Stephanotis is most widely used in wedding bouquets and bridal arrangements, its traditional meaning of Good Luck makes it a great flower to give at a time when someone is facing a big life change. Certainly a new marriage qualifies to be included in this category, but here are other occasions where the Stephanotis may be appropriate:

- When someone is leaving a job for a new opportunity

- When someone is moving away

- When someone is starting something new

Stephanotis Care Instructions

Stephanotis thrives with bright but indirect lighting. Also, try to provide some humidity as this plant will do better then although this is not critical for the plant's survival. Stephanotis is a vine with twining growth habit so you need to provide a support for it. One important point to remember is to not move the plant when in bloom, not even twist it around in the window as then the buds may fall.

Temperature

The temperature should be moderate 60-85F (16-28C), preferable at the cooler end during the rest period. Temperatures below 40F (7C) should be avoided.

Watering

Even watering throughout the growth season, March - September, especially if your plant is in bud or bloom. Keep somewhat on the dry side during the rest period.

Feeding

Feed with a fertilizer suitable for tropical plants during growing season.

Winter rest

Please note that if you want lots of flowers you need to give your Stephanotis a rest period during the winter months, October -February. Some of the longer, tender shoots might wither down during this time which is normal.

Pruning

Prune back soft wood in spring to encourage flowering. Also remove all dead or damaged wood. While doing this you may carefully straighten up the tangle of branches Stephanotis often creates. Fasten branches to the support and help to plant twine the right way.