How to grow star jasmine variegated (Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum) well? A detailed guide to care methods
Star jasmine variegated, also known as Chuxue ge, spotted-leaf star jasmine, etc., is an evergreen woody vine of the genus Trachelospermum in the Apocynaceae family. It likes light and is strongly shade-tolerant, and prefers environments with relatively high air humidity. It can be used as a year-round “flowering” plant for various flower border arrangements, and it is also an excellent material for potted plants. Now let us take a look at how to grow star jasmine variegated well!
Growth habits of star jasmine variegated
Star jasmine variegated is suitable for growing in well-drained acidic and neutral soil environments. It is vigorous and has strong disease resistance, grows vigorously, and has relatively strong drought tolerance, resistance to short-term waterlogging, and cold resistance. The change in its leaf color is related to light and growth conditions, and brilliant color expression requires good light conditions and vigorous growth conditions. The change in leaf color is related to light and growth conditions, and brilliant color expression requires sufficient light conditions and vigorous growth conditions, but at this time the plant does not grow quickly, and the growth amount in a growth month is mostly around 3 cm. It is a light-loving and slightly shade-tolerant plant, prefers environments with relatively high air humidity, and well-drained acidic and neutral soil. It is vigorous and grows relatively quickly, and the monthly growth amount in a growth month can reach more than 4 cm. At the same time, it also belongs to a relatively drought-tolerant and cold-tolerant variety.
Propagation methods of star jasmine variegated
1. Cuttings: Star jasmine variegated can be propagated by cuttings in all four seasons, but spring, summer, and autumn are relatively ideal. Using full-substrate cuttings, the rooting rate is above 95% in all cases. Container cuttings are preferable, and plug trays or small nutrient pots are mostly used. For potted star jasmine variegated, cuttings in small nutrient pots are relatively ideal, with 3 to 5 plants inserted per pot, which can avoid root damage during transplanting in the propagation and cultivation process, improve the survival rate, and benefit the growth and shaping of the seedlings.
2. Layering: Star jasmine variegated layering propagation is generally carried out in early spring or summer. Layering of old branches is carried out in early spring, and layering of tender branches is suitable in summer. Press the branches into the soil 2 to 3 cm. When roots form at the nodes or internodes and new shoots grow to 8 to 10 cm, separate them from the mother plant to form new plants. Compared with cutting propagation, layering has a smaller propagation coefficient and requires more labor, making large-scale production difficult.
3. Tissue culture: For star jasmine variegated, considering trait separation during the culture process, rapid propagation by the method of buds producing buds is often adopted, with an annual multiplication rate of 200 to 300 times. However, due to limitations in facility conditions and technical requirements, and because the operation process is more complex than cuttings and layering, its promotion is subject to certain limitations.
How to grow star jasmine variegated well?
1. Fertilizer: Star jasmine variegated likes fertilizer, but is not demanding. Various fertilizers can be used, and it can still bloom without fertilization for a year, but the number of flowers will be somewhat fewer. If you want potted star jasmine variegated to bloom abundantly, you can apply more bone meal and phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, and use less nitrogen fertilizer. For ground-planted star jasmine variegated, applying a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer once each in spring and autumn is sufficient, and no fertilizer is applied in winter and summer.
2. Watering: Star jasmine variegated likes moisture. During the growing season, the potting soil should be kept slightly moist. In spring and autumn, water once every two days; in summer, water once a day; in winter, water about once every half month. The potting soil should be slightly moist and not dry, and it must never become waterlogged at any time. For potted star jasmine variegated placed on rooftop gardens or in courtyards, attention should be paid to draining accumulated water during the rainy season. Ground-planted star jasmine should not be planted in low-lying land, otherwise it is prone to root rot. During the growing season, it is not too late to water again after the soil dries. In winter, ground-planted plants may not need watering.
3. Pruning: Star jasmine variegated is tolerant of pruning and remains evergreen all year round. It can also be combined with golden privet and red-leaf barberry for color-band and color-block greening. By pruning to control vine length, branching can be promoted, which helps produce a full plant shape. For the first pruning, when the vine reaches 8 cm, leave about 6 cm and cut off the rest. After that, prune every time it grows 4-5 cm. Usually, pruning 2-3 times is enough to achieve a good pot shape.
4. Light: Star jasmine variegated is a temperate-zone flower and likes warmth and light. Ground planting should be in a sunny spot; growth is poor in shady places, with fewer flowers and a faint fragrance, or even no flowers. For potted plants, place them in a spot with sufficient sunlight in spring, autumn, and winter. In midsummer, if placed in a semi-shaded spot where it can see the sun in the morning or evening and avoid direct strong sunlight at noon, it will bloom continuously. If it is too sunny at noon, the flowers will be sparse or even absent. Star jasmine is relatively cold-tolerant. In the Yellow River basin and areas to its south, it can overwinter safely outdoors. In the north, it is still better to move it into a low-temperature room for the winter.
5. Pests and diseases: The main diseases of star jasmine variegated include anthracnose and leaf spot, etc. Use 50% thiophanate-methyl 600-800 times solution or 70% mancozeb wettable powder 800-1000 times solution for control. For damage by red spider mites and other mites, and moth larvae, use 15% pyridaben 1000-1500 times for control. For aphids, use imidacloprid 25% wettable powder 1500 times solution or 48% chlorpyrifos EC 2000-3000 times solution for control.