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Madagascar jasmine care guide

Stephanotis floribunda

Quick answer

Water your Madagascar jasmine when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.

  • WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
    Every 11 to 17 days · winter
  • LightBright light, some sun
  • Climate13–30 °C (55⁠–⁠86 °F)
  • Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda)
Madagascar jasmine · Stephanotis floribunda
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When and how to water

3 cm (1.2 in)

Watering by month (northern hemisphere)
  • Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
  • Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days

Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.

Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.

Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.

Light and placement

Bright light, some sun

Madagascar jasmine needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.

Feeding

Feed your Madagascar jasmine every 21 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.

When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.

Temperature & humidity

Climate13–30 °C (55⁠–⁠86 °F)

Humidity50–70%

During leafy growth, aim for 13–30 °C (55⁠–⁠86 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.

It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.

Common problems

Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.

Find what’s wrong

Toxic to pets?

No. Pet-safe.

Madagascar jasmine is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.

Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.

Common questions

How often should I water a Madagascar jasmine?

Water your Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.

How much light does a Madagascar jasmine need?

Madagascar jasmine needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.

Is Madagascar jasmine safe for cats and dogs?

Madagascar jasmine is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.

Why is my Madagascar jasmine turning yellow or drooping?

Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.

Sources

Last reviewed:

All Madagascar jasmine guides