How to Grow and Care for Arabian Jasmine Plant

Arabian jasmine, or Jasminum sambac, is an evergreen shrub celebrated for its intensely fragrant white flowers. These blossoms are famous for their use in creating jasmine tea, perfumes, and ceremonial leis. The plant, native to tropical Asia, can be grown as a sprawling shrub or, with support, a climbing vine.

Essential Growing Conditions

Light

Proper light exposure is a primary factor for a healthy Arabian jasmine. The plant thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade, which translates to receiving at least four to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. When planted outdoors, a location that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade can be ideal, especially in hotter climates, to prevent leaf scorch. For indoor plants, a south or west-facing window is the best placement to receive adequate bright, indirect light. If natural light is insufficient, supplementing with a grow light can prevent the plant from becoming leggy and encourage more prolific flowering.

Water

Arabian jasmine prefers soil that is consistently moist but never waterlogged. A reliable method is to water the plant when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. For outdoor plants, this might mean watering once a week, increasing frequency during hot, dry periods. Potted indoor plants require watering every one to two weeks, allowing the potting mix to dry out about halfway down between waterings. It is important to reduce watering during the winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Soil

The right soil composition supports healthy root development and provides necessary nutrients. Arabian jasmine grows best in loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. For garden beds, amending the native soil with a generous amount of compost can improve both its structure and nutrient content. When cultivating the plant in a container, a high-quality potting mix is recommended. A blend of equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand creates an ideal medium that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain away freely.

Temperature and Humidity

As a plant native to tropical regions, Arabian jasmine flourishes in warm and humid conditions. It performs best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. While it can tolerate temperatures as low as -7°C, it is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-11. Gardeners in cooler climates should grow it in containers that can be moved indoors for the winter. The plant appreciates high humidity, so for indoor specimens, especially in dry homes, misting the leaves regularly or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles with water can help increase ambient moisture and promote better flowering.

Fertilizer

Regular feeding during the growing season will encourage vigorous growth and a profusion of flowers. Fertilize your Arabian jasmine about once a month from spring through fall. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer is a good choice for this plant. Alternatively, applying a slow-release fertilizer annually can also provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. It is best to pause fertilizing during the winter months, as the plant’s metabolic rate slows down and it enters a period of rest.

Pruning for Health and Blooms

Pruning is an important maintenance practice for Arabian jasmine, directly influencing its shape, size, and flowering capacity. The primary goal of pruning is to encourage the development of new branches, as flowers form on new wood. Without regular trimming, the plant can become leggy and produce fewer blossoms over time. This process helps maintain a more compact and bushy form, which is especially desirable for container-grown specimens.

The best time to prune is immediately after a major flowering cycle has finished. This timing allows the plant to recover and put its energy into producing the new growth that will carry the next set of blooms. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, as this can remove potential flower buds for the upcoming flush. For plants grown in regions with distinct seasons, a significant pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

When pruning, use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts. Trim away any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation within the plant. To encourage bushiness, cut back stems by about one-third of their length, making your cuts just above a leaf node. Regularly removing spent flowers, a practice known as deadheading, will also redirect the plant’s energy into producing more blooms rather than seeds.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pests can occasionally bother Arabian jasmine, with spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs being the most likely offenders. These pests are more common on indoor plants where natural predators are absent. If you spot an infestation, you can manage it by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or spraying the plant with insecticidal soap. Regularly inspecting your plant allows for early detection and easier management of these pests.