Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) Indoor Care, Propagation and Problems
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Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) grows best in bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting soil coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Jasminum polyanthum also called Winter Jasmine, Star Jasmine, French Perfume or Chinese Jasmine is among the popular flowering plants on account of its characteristic, fragrant flowers which occur in clusters and its resistance to pests and diseases.
There are several Jasmines that can be grown as in the home. The most popular ones have white blooms with a delicious fragrance. The easiest to grow is Jasminum polyanthum, (Pink Jasmine) whose pale rosy buds open into starry, white flowers borne in groups of 20 or more.
The species name, 'polyanthum', means many-flowered in reference to the numerous starry white flowers which also give this plant the common name, 'Manyflowered Jasmine'.
Botanical name: Jasminum polyanthum
Family: Oleaceae
Common names: Pink Jasmine, Winter Jasmine, Star Jasmine, French Perfume, Chinese Jasmine, Manyflowered Jasmine
Origin
Jasminum polyanthum (Pink Jasmine) is native to southeastern China.
Size
Chinese Jasmine is a vigorous climber whose stems can reach 10 feet if left unpruned. It can be grown on a trellis, in a hanging basket or even on a fence where the stems can grow freely. It is one of the best flowering plants for hanging baskets.
Related Plants
Jasminum officinale, (White Jasmine) is another common Jasmine that can be grown indoors. It bears twining stems, much divided leaves and long-tubullar white flowers with a strong fragrance.
Jasminum primulinum, (Primrose Jasmine) is the odd one out in that the yellow flowers are non-fragrant, and the stems do not twine. The flowers are semi-double with 6 or more petals.
Toxicity
Pink Jasmine plants are non-toxic to humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. Pink Jamine plants are safe to grow indoors.
Where to Buy
If you are looking to add these plants to your collection, Pink Jasmine plants are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Jasminum polyanthum Care Indoors
Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) does well in bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth of 18-240C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Jasminum polyanthum has no need for frequent repotting as it blooms best when pot-bound. Regular pruning is necessary to keep it neat and also encourage a bushy growth. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to provide them.
Watering
Water Pink Jasmine thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moist at all times.
Cut down on watering during the cold period as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and eventual loss of the plant.
Light Requirements
Pink Jasmine grows best in bright light with at least 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunshine; a spot infront of a large, brightly-lit window.
It will not bloom if the light is not enough. Therefore, where the natural lighting is too low, consider using grow lights to supplement it. Take a look at these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Regularly turn the pot to ensure the plant receives adequate light on all sides to promote even growth and prevent the plant from getting leggy.
Temperature and Humidity
Pink Jasmine thrives in an average warmth of 18-240C during the growing season. Keep it cool at about 150C during the dormancy period (cold season). Keep the Winter Jasmine away from cold and hot drafts to prevent sudden changes in temperatures as they can cause reduced growth and leaf drop.
Pink Jasmine has no need for extra humidity; average room humidity of 50-55% is ideal for the plant. However, where the air is too dry, the plant will respond with curling leaves. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom or other moist areas in the home.
Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest and disease infestations. Ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Pink Jasmine with a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to promote flowering. Do not feed during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time.
Potting Mix
The best potting medium for Pink Jasmine should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Pink Jasmine once a year at the beginning of the growing season only when the plant is pot-bound as it blooms best when slightly pot-bound.
Use a pot 1 size larger than the current one and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from becoming soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease. Check out these pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Pink Jasmine is easy. Remove dead flowers and leaves to maintain the plant tidy as well as discourage pests and diseases.
Pinch off the growing tips to encourage compact growth and prevent the plant from getting unruly. After flowering, cutback the stems to rejuvenate growth and to keep the plant compact.
Propagation
Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem-tip cuttings.
How to propagate Pink Jasmine from stem-tip cuttings
Take a 4-5 inches stem-tip cuttings from a healthy Pink Jasmine plant. Strip off the lower leaves.
Insert the cuttings in moist free-draining soil and place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight.
Maintain the soil moist through out until the new plants are well established.
Allow the new Star Jasmine plants to be well established before transplanting after which routine care can begin.
Jasminum polyanthum Problems
Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) problems include yellow leaves, leaf drop, flowerbud drop, lack of blooms, pests and diseases. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Pests
Pink Jasmine is prone aphids and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with appropriate products like neem oil or insecticidal soap as directed by the manufacturer.
Diseases
Pink Jasmine diseases are related to poor cultural practices. The common diseases are leaf spot and leaf rust. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it appropriately for the diseases.
Losing (dropping) leaves
Loss (dropping) of leaves in Pink Jasmine is due to two possible reasons. One possible cause of loss (dropping) of leaves is incorrect watering; either underwatering or overwatering.
Water the Star Jasmine liberally during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out slightly to maintain it consistently moist but not soggy. Decrease watering in the cold period and keep the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely. Learn more on how to water indoor plants the right way.
The second possible cause of loss (dropping) of leaves in Pink Jasmine is sudden drop in temperature due to cold drafts Keep the plant away from cold drafts like breezy windows and doors to maintain an average room warmth 18-240C.
Curling leaves
Pink Jasmine curling leaves are due to the air being too dry (too low humidity); you need to raise humidity to prevent the leaf curl To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Read more on how to increase humidity for houseplants.
Dropping flowerbuds
Dropping flowerbuds in Pink Jasmine are due to three possible reasons. One possible reason is underwatering. Maintain the soil consistently moist during the growing season and slightly moist in the cold season but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
The second possible reason for dropping flowerbuds in Star Jasmine is underfeeding. Feed it every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a phosphorous-rich, water-soluble fertilizer to promote flowering. Learn how to feed houseplants.
The third possible reasons for Winter Jasmine dropping flower buds is sudden change in temperature. Protect it from drafts to prevent sudden changes in the temperature and maintain an average warmth of 18-240C. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
No blooms
Lack of blooms in Pink Jasmine is due to too little light. Position the plant in a brighter spot and ensure it is receiving bright light with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or instal a grow light where natural lighting is not sufficient. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Yellowing and dropping leaves
Pink Jasmine yellowing and dropping leaves are due to overwatering or soggy soil which means too much water in the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season but not soggy. Reduce watering in the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist. Always ensure that the soil is free-draining and that pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
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