From our perspective as jasmine plants, thriving indoors in the USA is entirely possible if you understand our fundamental needs. We come from warm, bright environments, and replicating that comfort is the key to a happy coexistence. Here is what we require to fill your home with our fragrant blooms.
Light is our lifeblood. To photosynthesize, grow, and most importantly, produce our cherished flowers, we need an abundance of bright, indirect sunlight. A south-facing window in the USA is ideal, but east or west will also suffice. Please, avoid the intense, direct afternoon sun of a south window in summer, as it can scorch our delicate leaves. If natural light is limited, especially during the shorter days of a northern USA winter, supplementing with a grow light for about 6-8 hours a day will keep us from becoming leggy and sad. We also prefer consistent warmth, between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Keep us away from cold drafts from doors or windows in winter and away from direct blasts from heating vents, which can dry us out.
Watering is a delicate dance. Our roots despise sitting in waterlogged soil, which quickly leads to root rot. The goal is consistently moist, but never soggy, soil. Before watering, please check the top inch of our soil with your finger; if it feels dry, it's time for a deep, thorough drink until water runs out the drainage hole. Always empty the saucer afterward. Equally critical is humidity. The dry air common in many USA homes, especially with central heating, is challenging for us. We thrive in 50% humidity or higher. You can help by placing our pot on a pebble tray filled with water, grouping us with other plants, or using a room humidifier. Misting our leaves occasionally is also appreciated.
During our active growing season (spring and summer in the USA), we are working hard and need extra nutrients. Feeding us every two to four weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength will support healthy leaf growth. To encourage the blooms you love, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (the middle number on the package) as flowering time approaches. Furthermore, many of us are natural climbers or vines. Providing a small trellis, hoop, or other support for our tendrils to grasp will allow us to grow in a healthy, structured way and display our flowers beautifully.
Our life cycle includes a period of rest, typically in the late fall and winter. During this time, you will notice our growth slows significantly. Please reduce watering, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings, and stop fertilizing altogether until spring returns. This rest is crucial for us to gather energy for the next season's bloom. Regular pruning is also beneficial. After a flush of flowers has faded, gently prune us back to maintain our shape and encourage bushier, more compact growth. Always use clean, sharp shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node.
