Jasmine is not difficult to grow; get the light, water and fertilizer right and it will bloom all over its branches

Jasmine is an evergreen shrub of the genus Jasminum in the family Oleaceae, with fresh green branches and leaves, pure white flowers and a delicate fragrance, and it is a very popular flowering houseplant. It likes a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight; as long as it is cared for properly, it can bloom repeatedly in summer and autumn, so you can enjoy both its foliage and its scent.

When growing jasmine, the first thing is to ensure plenty of light. There is a saying among gardeners that jasmine cannot be killed by sun, so place it on a sunny balcony or windowsill; the more light it gets, the more it blooms and the stronger the fragrance, while a long period without light easily leads to leggy growth with no flowers. For the soil, choose a loose, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic potting mix, which can be made from garden soil and leaf mold with a small amount of river sand.

Watering should follow the principle of watering when dry and letting it dry out between waterings: wait until the surface of the potting soil is dry, then water thoroughly, and never let water sit for long periods, which causes root rot. In summer, when temperatures are high and water evaporates quickly, you can water a little more often and spray the leaves to keep them moist. Jasmine is a heavy feeder; during the growing and flowering periods, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer about once every ten days, and add extra phosphorus and potassium fertilizer before flowering to produce more flowers with a stronger fragrance.

Jasmine sets its flower buds on new shoots, so after each flush of flowers, promptly cut off the spent blooms and shorten the branches slightly to encourage new shoots, which is the only way to keep it flowering. In winter, protect it from the cold, move it indoors to a bright spot, reduce watering and stop fertilizing to help the plant overwinter successfully.

If the leaves turn yellow during care, it is usually related to overwatering, soil that is too alkaline or insufficient light; adjust the water and fertilizer in good time and improve the light conditions. As long as there is plenty of light, the right water and fertilizer, and regular pruning, jasmine will grow lush and bloom all over its branches.