Propagation of Stephanotis Floribunda

Collecting Seeds

• The seeds of the Stephanotis floribunda grow in small pods that sprout from the vine around the same time the flowers do. After the flower bloom is over and the spent blooms begin to fall from the vine, you will be able to see the seed pods easier. Collect the dried out pods before they fall from the vine. Harvest the seeds by breaking open the pods. Germination for Stephanotis floribunda seeds isn't a sure thing, so collect at least two or three seeds for every plant you want to grow.

Germinating Seeds

• Unlike many plant seeds, Stephanotis floribunda seeds need no stratification in order to germinate. Therefore, store your seeds in a refrigerator for the winter and get ready to plant in the spring for a summer bloom. Wait until temperatures reach 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit to plant the seeds, for faster and more certain germination. Sow the seeds1/16 inch deep in quick-draining soil and keep the area completely moist until the seeds begin to sprout, usually within two to three weeks. If multiple seeds sprout but you want only one plant, you can simply weed out the others.

Taking Cuttings

• The best time to take a cutting from the Stephanotis floribunda is in the summer. These semi-hardwood cuttings will produce a new vine identical to the one from which you cut, so only use a fully-healthy vine as a parent plant. Cut off a healthy stem that measures 4 to 6 inches long. The stem should be at least the diameter of a pencil to thrive well on its own. Make sure you make the cutting with clean, sharp scissors or shears to avoid damage to the plant or the new cutting.

Rooting Cuttings

• Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and then plant it immediately into quick-draining soil. You can start cuttings indoors, or plant them directly outdoors. If planting outdoors, make sure to keep the area around them consistently moist. Since you are planting the cutting in the summer, this can be difficult with high heat, so check on your cutting at least twice a day to make sure it is moist.

Other Tips

• Try to keep newly planted cuttings or young seedlings shaded from direct sunlight, as this will cause them to dry out faster and can reduce the chance of germination or healthy root development. Water anytime the top 1/2 to 1 inch of soil around the new plant feels dry. Remember that these are vines; as they start to grow, you will need to provide some type of trellis or support system on which they can climb.