Wreath loops develop aesthetic growth forms and enchanting flowers. In order for the plant to bloom profusely, special conditions must be present. The plants have somewhat higher requirements in terms of location and care. If you pay attention to your requirements, you can enjoy the beauty for a long time.
What is important when caring for the wreath sling?
The wreath sling (Stephanotis floribunda) is a climbing plant with twining shoots that produces white, fragrant flowers. It requires a bright, warm location without direct sunlight, consistent watering and regular fertilization. Cuttings or seeds can be used for propagation.
Origin
The wreath sling has the scientific name Stephanotis floribunda and belongs to the milkweed family. Their homeland is in the mild mountainous regions of Madagascar. Because of this distribution area, the plant has the common name Madagascar jasmine. Further deposits are in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
Growth
The evergreen shrub develops tendrils and climbing shoots that wrap around supports and other plants in the area. Thanks to this growth characteristic, the wreath loop can grow between four and five meters high. Flowering and non-flowering shoots are formed.
leaves
The foliage is leathery, coarse and dark green in color. The leaves are up to nine centimeters long and contrast with the flowers. Their surface is surrounded by a shiny layer. The leaf blade is oval in shape and tapers to a point. It is traversed by a light midrib. The leaves sit on short stalks in opposite leaf pairs on the shoot.
Bloom
The leaf axils produce umbelliferous inflorescences consisting of white flowers. The petals are protected by a waxy coating. They exude an intense scent that is reminiscent of jasmine. The flowers can be seen between spring and late summer. Wreath loops bloom as houseplants from June to September.
Fruit
After successful fertilization, plum-like fruits emerge from the flowers. It takes a year for the fruit to ripen, which is why the plant has to convert a lot of energy during this time. When the fruits are ripe, they crack open and release the brownish seeds. Their surface is covered with silver flakes. Houseplants rarely develop fruit because pollinators are missing.
Usage
The shoots of the wreath loops are woven into the wreath and sold commercially as potted plants. You can cultivate the plant in this form for one to two years. You should then provide the plant with a trellis or climbing aid on which the shoots can climb. The pots decorate indoor window sills and can be placed in temperature-controlled winter gardens. With its climbing shoots, the wreath loop is suitable for planting hanging hanging baskets right next to the window.
Is wreath noose poisonous?
Stephanotis floribunda is highly poisonous in all parts of the plant. The plant sap can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin. Consumption leads to symptoms of poisoning. You should not place the wreath loop in the children's room and out of the reach of pets. Fallen leaves, flowers and fruits should be disposed of regularly.
The scent of flowers can cause headaches and dizziness. Especially in small rooms, the air smells intensely during the flowering period, so you should ensure regular ventilation.read more
Which location is suitable?
The exotic plants prefer a bright location without direct sunlight. A year-round illuminance of 1,000 lux is optimal. If the room is too dark, the shoots grow long and sparse. The flowers are less lush. During the summer months, wreath loops enjoy a spot on an east- or west-facing window. If your plant is in a south-facing window, you should reduce the sunlight with curtains or light-hungry plants. In winter, place the plant under a plant lamp so that the lighting conditions remain even.
Once you have found the optimal location, the wreath loop should not be relocated. A change of room can cause the plant to lose leaves and flowers.
Ideal conditions:
- airy place without cold drafts
- warm location without heat accumulation
- in summer between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius
- from October to March 13 to 16 degrees Celsius
What soil does the plant need?
Commercial potting soil is sufficient for cultivation. Make sure you have high-quality soil, because cheap soil (€10.00 on Amazon) compacts quickly. Wreath loops require a substrate with good water and nutrient regulation. They place high demands on buffering power. For he althy growth, the pH value should be between 5.5 and 6.5.
The buffering power of the substrate prevents:
- Increasing or lowering the pH value
- excessive water evaporation from the earth
- Variations in nutrient content
- S alt accumulation at the root tips
Mix substrate
You can mix your own substrate with two parts of compost-based potting soil, two parts of field soil with a loamy portion, one part of quartz sand, perlite, lava granules or grit. In this soil, the wreath sling remains he althy and resistant to pest infestation and disease.
Increase wreath loop
Pruning produces material that you can use to grow fresh young plants. The fruits are suitable for obtaining seeds, which, with a little patience, produce young plants. The seeds are capable of germinating when the fruit has fully ripened.
Sowing
Collect the fruits from the plants in the fall and remove the seeds from the pulp. Allow the seeds to air dry and store them in a dry place at room temperature until next spring. The seeds are sown when the time for repotting and pruning comes.
Use special potting soil for sowing. Scatter the seeds evenly and cover them thinly with soil. The planters are placed in a bright place at room temperature. The seeds take several weeks to germinate. The young plants then need a lot of moisture and consistent warmth to grow.
Cuttings
Between spring and early summer you can take top cuttings from a he althy mother plant. The shoots should be between eight and twelve centimeters long. Remove the bottom pair of leaves and insert the cut end into a moistened mixture of sand and peat.
Cover the container with a plastic bag and place it in a bright place with temperatures between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. It takes eight to ten weeks for the first roots to develop. To promote root formation, you can brush the cutting site with a rooting hormone.
Pouring the wreath loop
The water requirement is high during the growth phase. The pot ball must not dry out between spring and autumn. Short drying times damage the wreath loop. Water as soon as the top layer of substrate has dried slightly. If water seeps out of the drainage holes, stop watering. After 20 minutes you should pour the collected water out of the saucer. During the rest period, watering is carried out more sparingly. Allow the root ball to dry halfway before the next watering session. Avoid waterlogging.
Fertilize the wreath loop properly
Between March and August, wreath slings are fertilized every three to four weeks. Use a liquid complete fertilizer in a low concentration. Alternatively, you can stick a fertilizer stick into the substrate so that the plant is supplied for a longer period of time. During the rest phase, fertilization is completely stopped.
Cut the wreath loop correctly
Before the new shoots appear, you can cut back the wreath loops. This measure is possible from February to April. If individual shoots have become too long, they are shortened to a third. Cut non-woody shoots with a sharp knife. Woody tendrils are cut off with secateurs.
How do I transplant correctly?
In the spring, shortly before the new shoots begin, wreath loops are repotted. Completely free the root ball from the substrate and remove dead roots with a sharp knife. If possible, living roots should not be shortened as injuries can damage the plant. The new container should be one or two sizes larger than the old pot. Once the plant grows in a 20 centimeter diameter planter, it no longer needs to be moved annually.
When repotting becomes necessary:
- Plant is top heavy
- Substrate has become heavily compacted
- Roots grow out of the drainage holes
- Roots are visible on the surface
Wintering
The resting phase begins in September, when wreath loops stop growing. The plants are watered sparingly until February so that the pot ball does not dry out completely. In the winter quarters the temperature should be between twelve and 15 degrees Celsius. A frost-free and unheated room or a place near the north window is ideal. The plants place high demands on the light. A bright location is necessary even in winter.
How to provide the plants with light:
- Attach the bulb 20 centimeters above the plant
- fluorescent tubes or LED lamps are suitable
- no light source is necessary at window locations
Pests
The plants are occasionally attacked by pests that multiply in the winter quarters under conditions that are too dry. Spray solutions made from water and soft soap have proven effective for combating it. Spray the mixture onto the plant and allow the solution to work for about 30 minutes. The plant is then cleaned with clear water.
Spider mites
These pests settle in leaf axils and indented leaf edges. They leave behind fine webs that become visible when sprayed with water.
Mealybugs
The insects leave webs on the leaves of the wreath loop that are reminiscent of cotton balls. They attach themselves to the leaves and stay in one place for a long time.
Scale insects
Check the plant regularly for scale insect infestation. They sit under their curved shield and are well camouflaged by their coloring.
Yellow leaves
Care errors quickly lead to leaf discoloration. If the foliage of the wreath loop turns yellow, the cause may be too high a lime content in the irrigation water.read more
Tip
Wreath loops are solitary plants that look particularly good individually. Tie the long shoots onto a bent wire. The more lush the plant grows, the more it blooms.
