Jasmine flowers are known for their soft, sweet, and strong aroma, which can even create a fresh and cool atmosphere around them.
In addition to their distinctive fragrance, many people are interested in growing jasmine because the process of planting and caring for it is not complicated.
You just need to know and understand the basics of how to take care of this plant. Let’s learn a guide to growing jasmine and get healthy plants with fresh flowers!
Even though it is considered an easy flower to grow, there are times when it can be a bit fussy, leading to common problems such as insufficient light, water, or temperature. Brown leaves on the plant indicate excessive heat or lack of water.
The stems can become thin and elongated due to minimal light, the leaves can turn yellow due to overwatering, and the plant will be reluctant to bloom if pruning is done at the wrong time.
Most varieties need about hours of sunlight every day to produce maximum flowers. Lack of light during the growing jasmine season will result in fewer flowers, sparse leaves, and leggy growth.
On the other hand, if you live in a very hot area, the intense midday sun will cause the leaves to quickly become stressed or scorched. Therefore, adequate lighting is crucial to avoid failure in the growth of this flowering plant.
Watering plants cannot be done carelessly; there is a technique to it. For jasmine flowers, the right steps in growing jasmine require the right amount of moisture, but not too much.
Too little of water causes the leaves to wilt, while too much water causes the roots to rot, ultimately inhibiting plant growth. In addition, to water plants properly, you need to pay attention to seasonal changes and the heat of the weather.
For example, during the summer, growing jasmine requires watering 1–2 times a week, while during the rainy season or when the temperature drops, less water is needed. If planted in pots, the soil tends to dry out faster, so it may need to be watered more often.
Keep in mind to check for drainage holes in the pot so that water does not stagnate and the soil becomes too wet. An effective step you should take is to check the top layer of soil. If the top layer feels dry to a depth of 2–3 cm, you need to water it.
Pruning is quite important in the process of growing jasmine in order to make the shape neater so that it does not grow randomly and to support the growth of new flower buds. The right time to prune is after the flowering period is over.
The proper way to prune is to cut dead branches, including the stems that are too long, and branches that cross each other. You can also pinch the tips of the stems with your fingers to make the plant grow more bushy.
An easy way to propagate jasmine is by using stem cuttings. Stem cuttings are done by selecting healthy stems that are 10-15 cm long, removing the lower leaves, then planting them in a porous medium that is moist and bright with indirect sunlight.
This porous planting medium is excellent for preventing plant roots from rotting by providing drainage to help the roots breathe and stay nourished.
Although jasmine flowers are not too picky about soil, a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, loose, and slightly sandy is the perfect combination for producing successful plants.
Even if your soil tends to be clayey, you can also mix in husks, compost, or perlite to make it more airy. As for temperature adjustments, growing jasmine is most comfortable when planted in areas with a range of 15–24°C.
If planted indoors, you need to maintain room humidity, especially when the air is dry, by spraying a fine mist or using a pebble tray occasionally. In addition, extreme cold temperatures or frost can stop growth and damage the stems of growing jasmines.
Pests such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies often appear when humidity is too high and air circulation is poor when growing jasmines.
You need to check the underside of the leaves regularly, spray with mild soapy water if there are pests, and maintain humidity levels so that fungi do not easily develop.
Also read: Plan for Vegetable Garden: A Beginner’s Guide
Classified as a tropical plant that likes heat and humidity, jasmine has a lot of varieties that are suitable to grow. Including Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine) and Jasminum officinale, which continue to bloom profusely in warm climates.
Jasminum sambac becomes my favorite because of its strong aroma and ease of care. Avoid winter jasmine for it needs a cold season to trigger flowering.
Growing jasmine is quite easy once you understand its basic needs: bright light, regular watering, and proper pruning and propagation methods. With this practical routine, you won’t be overthrown by caring for this fragrant plant. Let’s go make your home feel more alive!
