
It isn't always easy for us to find suitable, reliably flowering indoor plants, so when we found we could get our hands on this beautiful stock of Cape Jasmine, we jumped at the chance. This is our luxury non-pet-friendly luxury plant of the month for March. Here are some tips for how to best care for this stunning flowering plant.
Native habitat
Originating in Asia, the Cape Jasmine is native to southern China and Japan.
Light and position in the home
Pick the position of your gardenia carefully, as it can get a little upset if moved around too much. It requires a full sun position, although you may find it prefers some shade in the more intense summer months.
Flowers and foliage
As an evergreen shrub, the thick, glossy, dark green leaves are to be admired all year long. Keep your gardenia happy and it will reward you with some of the most fragrant and exquisite white blooms in late spring and summer.
Watering and humidity
Try to keep the soil of your Cape Jasmine moist, watering when the top of the soil starts to feel dry. This plant prefers higher humidity to ensure healthy flowers, so try placing it on a tray of watered pebbles to increase humidity levels. Hard water can cause problems: use rainwater or boiled water that has been left to cool as a remedy.
Temperature
Ideal temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius, no lower than 13 degrees Celsius. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations, even slight ones, this plant appreciates consistency.
Did you know?
Your Cape Jasmine is part of the coffee family of plants and the natural oils found in its flowers are used in a range of products from perfumes to candles and are said to have aphrodisiac qualities.
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