Indian Jasmine

Indian jasmine prefers the soil to stay barely moist at all times. Water thoroughly when the top inches of soil become dry, and avoid allowing the soil to become completely dry between waterings. Indian jasmine also benefits from occasional misting, especially during the summer, however this should not replace regular watering. As with most plants, be sure to allow the excess water to drain away, as Indian jasmine doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged soil.

Indian jasmine can tolerate anything from bright, direct light to indirect light, however it prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing Indian jasmine in direct sunlight or in a very poorly lit spot, as both will cause the leaves to turn yellow. If grown indoors, a spot near an east or west-facing window is ideal to receive plenty of indirect light. It’s important to rotate the pot every few weeks to ensure even growth, as Indian jasmine will naturally grow towards the light.

Indian jasmine prefers temperatures between 55F-85F (13-30C). It is quite hardy and can tolerate colder temperatures, but will suffer damage if temperatures drop below 50F (10C). Indian jasmine cannot tolerate temperatures above 90F (32C) for too long, so avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this could cause temperatures to increase to damaging levels.

Indian jasmine appreciates higher levels of humidity and will thrive with 40-70% humidity. If this kind of humidity isn’t found naturally in your home, you can mist the leaves regularly or group the plant with other varieties to benefit from the humidity generated by the plants. Be sure to monitor humidity levels cosily to make sure that the air is not too dry or too moist around your plant.

Indian jasmine prefers well-draining soil with plenty of rich organic matter. To make your own potting mix, mix equal parts of sandy loam, peat moss and perlite with some added compost. As an alternative, use an all-purpose potting soil, but make sure to add some organic material to help condition the soil.

Indian jasmine should be fertilized monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. During the winter months, it’s best to give the plant a break and reduce fertilization to every 6-8 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause problems with the growth and development of your plant. Look for a fertilizer labeled for general use or specific for flowering plants.

Indian jasmine can be prone to attack by aphids, spider mites, scale and mealy bugs. Fortunately, these pests can be easily managed with a few household items. To reduce spider mite damage, mist the plant regularly with a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dish soap. To remove scale and mealy bugs, simply wipe away the bugs with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Finally, an insecticidal soap solution can help control aphids. To make the solution simply mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and spray onto the plant until the bugs have disappeared.

Indian jasmine should be repotted every one or two years, depending on how quickly it’s outgrowing its current pot. Look for any signs of root overcrowding in the form of stunted growth and yellowing of leaves, if you notice these signs then its time to repot your jasmine. A good time to repot your jasmine is late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant.

Although Indian jasmine can tolerate quite a bit of neglect, its best to prune your plant from time to time to help it stay healthy and in shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as you notice them, as they can weaken the rest of the plant. To reshape the plant or encourage bushier growth, you can prune back the stems, but it important to avoid cutting too many stems off, as this can cause the plant to go into shock. It’s best to prune Indian jasmine in the late winter or early spring months.

To help the soil retain moisture and prevent weed growth, mulch your Indian jasmine with a layer of organic material such as bark chips or compost. Avoid using synthetic mulches, as these can cause root rot and other diseases.

Indian jasmine can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in late winter or early spring. Take a healthy 4-6” stem cutting and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Dip the cut end into some garden soil or rooting hormone and stick it into some well-draining soil in a pot. Set the pot in bright but indirect light and keep the soil moist and the plant warm. In 4-6 weeks, you should have rooted cuttings that can be transferred into a larger pot.

Indian jasmine can grow quite large, so its best to provide the plant with some support so it doesn’t collapse under its own weight. As the plant grows, you can use a stake to help keep it upright, or you can attach it to a trellis or other upright piece of furniture.

Indian jasmine doesn’t require a rest period, however, the plant will benefit from a few weeks in a cool, dark area in the fall and winter to keep it from growing too quickly. Doing this can also promote better blooming in the spring and summer.

Indian jasmine is not toxic to pets, however, it should not be ingested by animals or humans as it can be mildly toxic.