In our country, with the name of jasmine, a widespread deciduous shrub is invariably associated, the flowers of which, gathered in a brush, have a sweet and rich aroma. In fact, this is a mocker who is very distantly related to representatives of the Jasmine family, it belongs to the Gortenziev family.
Real jasmines are graceful and evergreen shrubs with curly or erect stems. The genus has 198 species, many of them are of economic importance. In room culture, jasmine multiflorum is widespread. Caring for it can hardly be called simple. In order for the plant to develop properly and delight the eye with lush flowering, efforts will be required. Jasmine is demanding and moody. Inexperienced gardeners should pay attention to more unpretentious indoor plants in the care.
Jasmine multiflora: a description of the plant
Compared to other representatives of the genus Jasmine, this species stands out for its size and strong branching. A spectacular winding shrub can reach heights of one to ten meters in the natural environment, under indoor conditions the length of its lashes is more modest, as a rule, limited to 2 m. The leaves of the plant are complex, pinnate, located opposite on a short petiole (0.4-2 cm) , in length up to 5-7 cm.
Multi-flowered jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) is famous for its magnificent appearance during the flowering period, which lasts from February to August. At this time, the bush is covered with numerous star-shaped white flowers, which at the stage of the buds are painted in a saturated pink color. Their diameter reaches 2.5 cm. Attention is also drawn to their rich, thick aroma, which differs from that of a mock-up. Flowers are collected in apical or axillary inflorescences (panicle or brush). The fruits of the plant look like black spherical berries with a diameter of 6-11 mm.
Homeland of the plant
Information about where the plant comes from is useful in order to provide it with proper care at home. Multiflora jasmine is common in China in the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan. The plant can be found at an altitude of 1400-3000 meters above sea level.
In New Zealand and Australia, this species is considered invasive, that is, spread as a result of human activity and threatening the biological diversity of the place.
Location in the house and air temperature
Jasmine is home to Asian rainforests. He needs a lot of light throughout the year, and especially during the period of budding and flowering. However, direct sunlight should be avoided. South windows are not the best choice for jasmine, experts recommend giving preference to the eastern and western sides. The plant tolerates partial shade and shadow, and this affects its appearance.
The requirements for air temperature are not so high. The range of + 21 + 25º during the growing season and a little cooler in winter, but below + 10º in the room - this is what jasmine needs to be multi-flowered. The home microclimate is quite suitable for him in terms of temperature. It is allowed to grow this species in open ground. This is possible in the regions belonging to the 8-11th frost resistance zone (in Russia, Sochi refers to those).
Humidity requirements
The greatest difficulties in care are associated with providing high humidity. Jasmine is a child of the rainforests, and in dry conditions it will not only not bloom, but will also suffer from diseases and pests, it will be depressed, and it will slowly die. There are two ways to increase the level of humidity.
Firstly, it is the direct spraying of moisture onto a plant. To do this, it is enough to have a finely divided spray gun and well-maintained soft water. The procedure is recommended in the spring and summer to carry out daily. During the flowering period, the spraying does not stop, but only when it drops water drops on the flowers. During the period of winter dormancy, the plant is not sprayed.
Secondly, it is recommended to install an individual special humidifier or its own analogue for multi-flowering jasmine. In particular, the use of trays for plants with wet pebbles or moss is popular.
Soil selection and transplantation
The soil mixture for jasmine should have a neutral or slightly acidic environment. The plant also makes special demands on the composition of the substrate. It should be light, loose and nutritious. When preparing the mixture for planting on their own, experts recommend using disinfected turf and leafy soil, as well as sand and peat in a ratio of 2: 3: 1: 1. It is important to provide a 3-5 cm thick drainage layer when planting.
When indoor jasmine is grown in multiflorum, only young plants are transplanted annually. Adult specimens are in vain better not to disturb. Once every 2-3 years they are transshipped in containers 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the previous pot. The presence of a large amount of free substrate is a risk of acidification of the soil, which as a result can lead to a violation of breathability and stagnation of moisture. Jasmine develops better when the cache-pot is completely filled with roots.
Watering and fertilizing fertilizers
Timely watering is one of the main aspects of care. At home, multi-flowering jasmine (photo in the text) has a pronounced period of winter dormancy, accompanied by a partial or complete fall of the foliage. This fact must be taken into account when building a plant watering system. Volume and periodicity directly depend on the conditions in which the plant resides, its growth rate and age. In the spring-summer period, watering should be plentiful. It is carried out as soon as the topsoil dries. To control the degree of soil moisture, you can use special systems.
In the autumn-winter period, watering should be careful, especially with a cool wintering. An excess of moisture in the soil must not be allowed. Watering should be reduced gradually, however, as well as increased as spring approaches.
Fertilizing is carried out during the period of active growth and flowering weekly with a complex mineral fertilizer for flowering plants (with a high content of potassium).
Diseases and Pests
The main guarantee of plant health is proper care. Multi-flowered jasmine is vulnerable to pests. Most often on it you can find aphids, scutes, leaf weevils and spider mites. Recommendations for preventing their occurrence: proper care, preventive treatment with insecticides and fungicides, removal of parts of the plant damaged by insects.
Fungal and bacterial diseases are less common on jasmine. The main factor that can provoke them is a low air temperature in combination with waterlogging and drafts.
Jasmine propagation
Multi-flowered jasmine is easiest to propagate vegetatively. Two methods are popular. The first is cuttings. The most optimal time for the procedure is spring or summer. For cuttings, semi-lignified, mature and strong shoots are used, cutting them off with three internodes. Sections are recommended to be treated with a growth stimulator, since this significantly increases the ability to form roots. Then the cuttings are planted in a substrate prepared from equal parts of sand and peat. In a room or a small greenhouse, it is necessary to maintain the temperature not lower than + 20º. Roots appear after about a month. Immediately young plants are planted in individual containers.
The second method of vegetative propagation of jasmine is the formation of layering. On a separate section of the shoot in the internodes, a shallow cut is made, then this place is wrapped with wet moss. A month later, roots are formed at the site of the wound. An important condition is constantly wet moss, it must not be allowed to dry out.
Plant pruning
Like most evergreen vines, multi-flowered jasmine is easy to shape. It can be easily guided along the supports, giving the desired shape and size to the bush, and a “haircut” of the plant is acceptable. The main pruning should be done before intensive growth begins. Shoots shorten by 1/2 or 1/3 of the entire length. Due to this, the plant releases a larger number of young shoots on which buds are formed.
When sanitary pruning, remove all elongated, ugly damaged and dry twigs, with deformed and small leaves. In a young plant with shoots, the length of which does not exceed 50-60 cm, only pinch the tops to stimulate tillering.
Use in medicine
For medicinal purposes, use all parts of multi-flowered jasmine (photo in the text). Leaves are used as a healing agent by applying hot compresses for skin ulcers, as well as a decoction or infusion to reduce lactation. In the countries of the East, it is believed that the jasmine root, infused with wine, can lower the pain threshold, so it is often used before surgery.
Jasmine essential oil is recommended as an antidepressant in aromatherapy. It is used when taking therapeutic baths, added to massage oil for muscle pain.
Plant flowers - this is a well-known natural component of tea, giving it a unique aroma.