From our perspective as jasmine plants, the most critical factor for thriving indoors is light. We are sun-worshippers at heart. To produce the energy required for our glossy green leaves and, most importantly, our famously fragrant blossoms, we need a very bright location. An east or south-facing window where we can bask in at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. Without this, our growth will become leggy as we stretch weakly towards any available light, and our flowering will be sparse or non-existent. We also need warmth, preferring temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). While we appreciate a slight winter cool-down to set buds, we are highly sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature shifts, which can cause us to drop our leaves in protest.
Our roots are the foundation of our health, and they demand a specific environment. We despise having "wet feet." Soggy, compacted soil suffocates our roots, leading to rot and a rapid decline. Therefore, we require a well-draining potting mix. A blend designed for acid-loving plants like azaleas is perfect, or you can create a mix with peat, pine bark, and perlite. The pot you choose for us must have excellent drainage holes. When repotting, which is only necessary every 2-3 years when we become pot-bound, select a new container that is only one size larger. A pot that is too big will hold excess water around the root ball, creating a dangerous environment for us.
Watering is a delicate dance. During our active growing season in spring and summer, we prefer consistently moist soil. Please water us thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing the excess water to drain away completely. In the winter, when our growth slows, you should reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out more between sessions. Along with water, we need nourishment. Feeding us with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season supports our vigorous growth. However, as we enter our dormant period in late fall and winter, we require a rest, so please cease fertilization.
Our blossoms are our gift to you, but they require specific conditions to form. As mentioned, ample light is the primary key. Additionally, the slight temperature drop at night during the fall helps signal to us that it is time to initiate flower buds. Pruning is also an important conversation. The best time to prune us is right after our main flowering flush has ended. This encourages us to produce new, bushy growth, which will bear the flowers for the next season. Please avoid heavy pruning late in the year, as you may accidentally remove the buds we have been carefully forming.
Living indoors can present some challenges for us. The dry air common in heated homes is not our preferred atmosphere and can make us susceptible to pests like spider mites, who thrive in such conditions. Regularly misting our leaves or using a pebble tray filled with water can increase the humidity around us and deter these pests. Please also keep a watchful eye on our leaves for any signs of yellowing, which often indicates overwatering, or browning tips, which can point to low humidity or a buildup of salts from fertilizer. We will communicate our distress through our foliage long before a more serious problem sets in.
