Plant guide
シルクジャスミン
Watering rhythm
Every 5–7 days
Silk Jasmine is an evergreen shrub native to Madagascar, prized for its delicate white star-shaped flowers and lovely fragrance. Despite its jasmine name, it actually belongs to the Apodocephalum genus. It's wonderfully heat-tolerant and thrives indoors, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
This plant loves bright, indirect light. A south-facing window is ideal, though you'll want to shield it from direct sun. It grows best between 15–25°C and should never be exposed to temperatures below 10°C. Average humidity suits it just fine. During winter, keep it in a warm room indoors.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 4–6 days
Summer
Every 3–5 days
Autumn
Every 5–7 days
Winter
Every 8–12 days
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom once the soil surface feels dry. Silk Jasmine is sensitive to overwatering, so aim for slightly drier soil rather than soggy. Always empty the saucer afterward. If the leaves look thin and start to droop a little, that's your signal it's time to water.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves turn yellow and drop off | Overwatering and root rot are the usual culprits. Too-frequent watering or soil that doesn't drain well will damage the roots. | Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet and reduce watering frequency. If root rot seems likely, consider repotting the plant. |
| Leaves become thin and pale, flowers won't appear | The plant isn't getting enough light. In dim conditions, photosynthesis slows and growth stalls. | Move it to a brighter spot—a south-facing window where it gets plenty of light is your best bet. |
| New leaves are small and the whole plant looks sluggish | The plant may be undernourished or root-bound. Skipping repotting for too long will slow its growth. | Feed it with diluted liquid fertilizer during spring and summer. Repot in spring every 1–2 years for best results. |
| Sticky bugs appear on stems and leaves | Scale insects or mealybugs have moved in. Warm indoor conditions help them thrive. | Wipe away any visible bugs with a damp cloth. For heavier infestations, consider using an insecticidal spray. Regular leaf cleaning helps prevent problems. |
| Leaves turn brown and feel crispy | Cold temperatures or dry air are to blame. In winter, cold drafts from windows or hot air from heaters can stress the plant. | Keep it away from temperatures below 10°C and direct heating vents. Move it to a warm spot inside your home. |
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