Propagation
There are two methods of propagation that work well with stephanotis:
Cuttings
Stephanotis can be propagated from cuttings at any time of the year, but it is usually most succesful between April to June.
- Take 10cm (4in) cuttings with two or three nodes, from non-flowering shoots, produced the previous season. Cuttings of stem tips also do well
- Insert cuttings into a mixture of equal parts peat-free compost and sand
- Maintain at 18-21°C (64-70°F) with high humidity and shade in warm weather to prevent scorch. A heated propagator is useful for this task. Alternatively, try placing cuttings in a plastic bag loosely tied at the top and positioned on a bright (not sunny) windowsill
- When rooted (four to six weeks), plant into 10cm (4in) pots using John Innes No 2.
Seed
Stephanotis occasionally produce pear-like fruit 10cm (4in) long. These may take 12 months to ripen and, if necessary, can be picked and placed in a warm spot to ripen.
- When the seeds are ripe, the fruit will begin to split. Ease the two halves apart to reveal a silken sheath enclosing the seeds in the centre of the fruit. Even after several months, the plume-attached seeds may be a little moist, but will soon dry when exposed to the air and can become airbourne with the slightest movement
- Sow the seed fresh using a general-purpose, seed compost and maintain at 21-24°C (70-75°F). If you are unable to provide heat and good light (such as in winter), keep the seed cool and sow in April
- When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into John Innes No 1 compost or other good potting medium