How to Grow White Jade Orchid: Master Light, Watering and Fertilizing to Get More Blooms

White Jade Orchid (Michelia alba) is an evergreen woody plant in the genus Michelia of the family Magnoliaceae, and some people also call it Burmese osmanthus. Its branches and leaves are fresh green, its flowers are pure white and elegantly simple, and its fragrance is delicate and long-lasting. Its flowering period is mostly concentrated in summer and autumn, and with proper care it can bloom in succession. It is both a common ornamental tree for courtyards and very suitable for growing in pots to enjoy the flowers and their scent.

To grow White Jade Orchid well, light and soil are the foundation. It likes a sunny environment, and if kept in shade for a long time it easily grows leggy with fewer flowers. For the soil, choose a loose, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy loam; when growing it in a pot, you can mix in leaf mold and river sand to ensure good aeration and prevent waterlogging.

Watering should follow the principle of letting the soil dry between waterings and then soaking it thoroughly: wait until the surface of the potting soil is dry, then water thoroughly once. Never let water accumulate for long periods, otherwise the roots rot easily, causing yellowing leaves and constant leaf drop. During the peak growing season, apply light fertilizer frequently, mainly rotted organic fertilizer combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Supplementing nutrients appropriately before and after the flowering period can make the blooms last longer.

White Jade Orchid likes warmth and is not tolerant of severe cold. In northern regions, after winter begins, move it indoors promptly or take measures to keep it warm, so low temperatures do not freeze and damage the branches and leaves. Also pay attention to ventilation at ordinary times; a stuffy, hot and humid environment easily triggers root diseases. Once root rot is found, remove it from the pot as soon as possible, trim away the rotted roots, and replace the soil with fresh, dry soil for replanting.

White Jade Orchid is suitable for planting in a sunny spot in the courtyard, and can also be placed on a balcony as a potted plant. If you want to keep it indoors for viewing, because the flowers are strongly fragrant, it is best to maintain good ventilation and preferably move it out of the bedroom at night, so the strong scent does not affect rest.