Jasminum polyanthum characteristics: Commonly called pink Jasmine or many-flowered Jasmine is one famous variety of the Jasminum genus. It is native to Asia, especially Myanmar and China.
Its strong fragrance, pink to white petals, and twining vines are characterized. It could reach 6 meters in height and grow invasively.
They thrive indoors and outdoors. The right Jasminum polyanthum watering and care are easy. Its bloom time is during winter.
It flowers well and grows fast, making it one of the most famous house plants in Europe and the US. It has fewer pest and disease problems.
Moreover, propagating the Jasmine is simple too. The key to growing this plant is the moist and well-drained soil. Hence proper watering is a must.
Ideal Jasminum polyanthum watering schedule
The goal is to provide moist and well-drained soil, so the ideal watering schedule could vary depending on the environment. Yet, averagely gardeners water it weekly at normal temperature.
Watering more than once a week is okay when temperatures rise, and the soil gets dried easily.
It also applies when winter or lower temperatures come, water the plant less often is necessary to avoid rotting roots.
Jasminum polyanthum watering should not result in soggy, wet, and flooded soil. If it is planted in the ground, also consider the rainfall.
Gardeners could skip the watering schedule if the rain comes. For the potted Jasmine, always check the drainage or the holes to let the excess water go.
Jasminum Polyanthum watering tips
- Always check the soil before watering to see the soil and humidity condition of the plant.
- Use fingers to check and feel the soil, whether it is dry or not
- During spring to autumn or the growing season, water only when the soil is dried up to a half-inch below the surface.
- While during winter, gardeners can water only when the dried soil reaches two inches below the surface.
- For the ground-planted pink Jasmine, reduce the watering six weeks before the first frost date. It is aimed at preventing new growth. Then, days before the first frost, water thoroughly to prepare it for winter.
Signs of Jasminum polyanthum watering is too excessive or lacking
- Root rot: this is the clearest sign of excessive watering. As high humidity prompts the fungal growth, Jasmine’s roots will be the first part to get infected by the fungi.
- Brown leaves: many factors could cause this condition, one of which is over-watering.
- Falling and yellowing leaves: when the stems look okay but the new leaves are falling and yellowing, it is caused by overly stored aqua in the Jasmine.
- Edema: lesions or blisters in the plant result from expanding cells to store the abundant water.
- Wilting stem: not only caused by lacking water, but over-watering also triggers stem to be wilting
- Falling buds: there are two causes; either it lacks water or needs more nutrients.
Ideal temperature and humidity for Jasminum Polyanthum
Watering the soil is also influenced by temperature and humidity. Originally the plant loved warm temperatures ranging from15 to 24 degrees Celcius, even though it could be hardy to 40 degrees Celcius.
It is highly suggested to plant it in a frost-free area. The plant also loves moist leaves. Hence, Jasminum polyanthum watering slightly to leaves only should be done, especially during hot temperatures. Warnings: do not water the flowers.
In USDA, it belongs to climate zone 8 to 10. Some could survive to -6 degrees Celcius, although the stems might get damaged.
Add several inches of pine needles or straws on the base during winter to protect the plant from cold temperatures.
Soil and light for Jasminum Polyanthum
Just like other plants from a tropical area, Jasminum Polyanthum also thrives under full sun. Averagely it needs 4-5 hours of sun at a minimum each day.
It also grows under shade but will not look as healthy as the under-sun one. Putting it in front of a southern to face the window is recommended for the indoor one.
The soil ideally has a pH range of 5.5-7. Outdoor Jasmine grows well in loose, well-drained, and humusy soil. Meanwhile, the indoors prefer coir-based or peat-based potting mix and drainage material.
Both outdoors and indoors require good drainage for the right Jasminum polyanthum watering.
Fertilizing, pruning, and repotting Jasminum Polyanthum
This flowery plant prefers high potassium and phosphorus fertilizers as they could extend the bloom time. The indoor one requires more fertilizing at least twice a year.
As it is a fast-growing plant, fertilizing could trigger overcrowding growth, so decent fertilizing will do.
Regular pruning is a must to make it back to its desired size to keep its beauty. Use the sharp and toxic-free by-pass pruners and prune them during late summer or spring.
Also, check the root density, and consider repotting or propagating once it is crowded. Those are the ideal care besides Jasminum polyanthum watering to get the plant’s best and most fragrant bloom.