Trachelospermum jasminoides is a very pretty evergreen, twirling vine with fragrant flowers. Its propagation is indeed very easy and this article will teach you exactly how you can successfully take star jasmine cuttings via two methods – in water or in the ground.
Star jasmine cuttings: when is the best time of year?
Indeed, the best time to get a cutting is late summer or fall (August-September). This is the period during which the flowers will die and you will have to prune your climbing jasmine.
In fact, star jasmine is very easy to root in water. A cutting that has rooted will have a better chance of surviving transplanting into the ground than a cutting that has not rooted. So it’s worth a try if the upper you’re working with feels supple and healthy.
However, the process is a bit more complicated than seed propagation. The new plant can also be grown in water, but it is best to transfer it to soil a few months following taking the cutting. If you wait any longer, the roots may rot.
The ideal temperature for this tropical plant is between 18 and 27° C, which is worth keeping the cutting indoors. So here’s how to do it!
1. Fill a clear glass jar at least 570ml half or two-thirds full with clean water.
2. Cut a branch from a vigorous and healthy jasmine. Choose green wood from the current season’s growth.
3. Then cut the branch into a 15 cm section. Make the bottom cut at a 45 degree angle and the top cut straight. Make the bottom cut just below a leaf node and the top cut just above a leaf node.
4. Remove all but two or three leaves from the top of the cutting. Wrap the bottom 5 cm of the cutting inrooting hormone.
5. Place the cutting in the pot and place the pot on a sunny windowsill. Replace the water in the jar weekly with fresh, clean water.
6. Leave the cutting in the jar until it has developed a root system that extends at least 5 cm.
If you prefer to propagate a jasmine plant by rooting in the ground, start by taking cuttings from the ends of a healthy stem. Take cuttings regarding 15cm long, and cut each one directly under a leaf. Remove the leaves from the lower part and dip the stem in a rooting hormone powder.
The best soil for propagating star jasmine plants includes a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and sand. Place each cutting in a moist hole in a planter, and place the planter in a plastic bag to retain moisture. Keep the container in a room at 24°C, out of direct sunlight. Once the roots have developed, you can transplant the jasmine plants into potting soil to strengthen their root system before putting them out in the garden.
Star Jasmine Cuttings: How Long Do Cuttings Take to Root?
Jasmine cuttings typically take four to six weeks to root, but this time frame can vary. If, for example, you decide not to use rooting hormone, it may take longer for your cutting to root. Factors such as lighting and watering will also determine the speed of growth. Bright indirect light and consistently moist soil are essential for successful propagation. To encourage growth and increase humidity, you can likewise make a mini greenhouse by placing a supermarket bag or a clear plastic milk jug on top. Moreover, this technique can be particularly useful during the dry and hot months.
How to care for your jasmine following rooting and transplanting it? Above all, give it the optimal conditions for it to develop. Jasmine plants thrive in bright light, which helps them produce flowers. Jasmine prefers cooler temperatures, but generally does best in conditions above 15°C. Throughout the growing season, keep your soil consistently moist and apply a standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks. In fall and winter, let the plant dry out a bit and water as soon as the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.