Orange Jasmine: Complete Care Guide To Grow Murraya Paniculata

Orange Jasmine of the Rutaceae family is a popular shrub that is well loved by hobbyists and gardeners from across the globe. This plant, also called “mock orange,” is known for its fragrant flowers and good looks apart from being easy to care for.

If you wish to include this delightful Murraya genus plant in your home and garden then this is the guide that you should be reading right now. Our experts set out the complete process of caring for, growing and propagating the plant in a hassle-free manner, so wait no further and read on to know it all.

Orange Jasmine Care

Murraya paniculata or Orange Jasmine care is easy and you will not find yourself spending hours to maintain it. All you require is a few basic pieces of information about the right kind of soil, the of warmth, the right humidity and water requirements and you will surely be able to grow this delightful plant. In the section below we cover each of the care aspects to help you understand the specific requirements, so read on.

Water Requirements

The orange jasmine is drought-resistant to a certain extent and does not require frequent watering. However, if you want to see healthy blooms do not let the soil completely dry out. The best way to decide if it requires water or not is to push your finger at least an inch into the soil and feel for the level of moisture.

Overwatering is equally disastrous to the health of the plant so never let the soil remain soggy, or the roots stay in water for a long time. Scale back on the watering in colder months and increase the frequency in hot and dry summers. Always water your Jasmine plant below the foliage level to prevent water from sitting on the leaves as this can lead to fungal infections such as sooty mold.

Light Requirements

The ideal light situation for the Orange Jasmine is bright, yet indirect, light. Being a flowering plant it can tolerate exposure of only up to six hours a day. Overexposure to direct light from the sun can scorch its delicate leaves. Thus the plant prefers the morning light as it aids it to produce flowers. 

You can also grow this plant indoors by placing it near a window where it can receive as much morning sunlight as possible. Choose an east-facing window and place it behind sheer curtains protecting it from the harsh rays of the sun. The plant can tolerate low light conditions to some extent. However, in that case it may not produce blooms.

Soil Requirements

The plant requires well-draining soil that is slightly moist at all times and so it will not fare well in soggy, clayey, or heavy soils as these tend to retain water at the base of the plant. 

Keep the pH of the soil slightly acidic between 6.5 to 7.0. You can mix in perlite along with bark to increase the aeration of the soil and also to ensure all of the excess water drains out fast. Additionally, you could also throw in some organic compost to boost the nutrient value in the soil.

Temperature Requirements

The plant requires tropical to subtropical, moderate temperatures to sustain its foliage and blooms. The ideal range is between 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 32 degrees Celsius). Over-exposure to heat will prevent it from producing orange jasmine flowers. 

At the same time, exposure to an excess of cold and chilly winds can dry the leaves and wilt the blooms early. The plant does not tolerate frost conditions hence in the winter months move the plant indoors and grow them under artificial grow lights.

Humidity Requirements

The plant requires a moderately humid environment to be able to produce its blooms. The ideal level of moisture needs to be above 50 percent which will help to keep the plant healthy. Along with humidity in the air surrounding it, you should also ensure that there is proper ventilation for the plant. Air circulation keeps the plant safe from pests and fungal diseases. 

If you are growing your plant in dry conditions you could occasionally mist the plant to kick in some moisture around it. Alternatively use a humidifier or pebble tray filled with water, below the plant, especially if you are growing it indoors. The humidity levels around the plant will increase as the water in the tray evaporates.

Fertilizing Requirements

The Orange Jasmine plant is a heavy feeder and you will need fertilizers to retain its dark green foliage and blooms. A typical routine can include fertilizing the plant once every three or four weeks during the warmer months when the plant will see maximum growth. 

Do not fertilize in the winter months when the plant is in a state of dormancy as fertilizer use in this season can result in excess salt buildup on the roots. Use an organic compost or a water-soluble balanced fertilizer

Pruning 

Pruning the Orange Jasmine is advisable to boost growth and control its vigorous and bushy stems. The plants may often grow suckers at the base of the trunk which needs to be regularly snipped away otherwise they become a wild growth.

Pruning helps to keep the orange jasmine bush in shape. Gently snip away dead and diseased stems and leaves regularly with a sterile knife or garden shear to aid the growth of new foliage and fresh blooms.

Propagation

The plant can be propagated easily without any expert gardening skills via stem cuttings, air layering, and seeds. The right season to propagate it is in the warm months of spring and summer when the plant tends to grow rapidly. Avoid the winter months as the rate of success tends to be slow when the plant enters a state of dormancy.

– Propagation Through Stem Cuttings

Growing from stem cuttings is easy and all you need is a cutting from a healthy and mature mother plant. Here is how you go about it.

1. Pick a mature and healthy mother plant and snip a section of the stem in such a way that there is no flower growth on it. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and place it in a container filled with appropriate, well-draining potting mix. 

In some time, you will notice that the cut section will begin to develop its nascent roots and over time it will grow independently. Care for the new offset as per the ideal requirements of the plant.

– Propagation Through Seeds

You can also propagate the plant by using seeds. The process may not be faster, but it is equally easy and hassle-free. Here is how you go about it.

1. Pick out ripe fruits off the plant and gently empty the seeds from the pod. Dry the seeds for a few days. Plant multiple seeds in lightly moist soil placed a few inches apart. 

Germination should occur in a few weeks and you should be able to see tiny sprouts erupting. It may take several months for these tiny sprouts to grow their independent shoots. 

– Propagation Through Air Layering

Air layering is an easy and effective means to propagate the plant. All you need is a large mother plant and you will be able to propagate successfully in a hassle-free way. Here is how you go about the process.

1. Identify a healthy stem section of a large mother plant and make a snip of about two inches on this section. Insert a toothpick or stick to slightly separate this section from the main stem. Apply rooting powder to the section and cover this with sphagnum moss. 
2. Secure it firmly with a string and place a plastic sheet over it ensuring there is no air pocket. Within a few weeks, you will notice that the cut section would have grown juvenile roots. 
3. At this point remove the plastic sheet and gently snip out the entire section from the parent plant and transplant it into the appropriate potting mix. Your section now will grow independently into a healthy new offset.

Problems 

Growing the Orange Jasmine plant comes with its share of problems, however, you need not fear as these problems can be tackled in a hassle-free way. In this section, we help you identify the most important ones and give you solutions for each one of them.

– Nematodes

Nematodes are growth that occurs at the base of your plant. Some of them are beneficial for the plant while a few may not be as good. Nematodes pose a risk of spreading viruses and thus can make the plant sick. To prevent the occurrence of nematodes use nematode-free soil and snip them away as soon as these occur so that viruses do not spread. 

– Sooty Mold 

Sooty mold is the black fungus that commonly infects the plant foliage and makes it go weak in strength and growth. The best way to tackle sooty mold is to treat it with an organic fungicide or natural solution of neem oil. 

Prevention is the better way to deal with the problem. For example, avoid watering the plant from over the leaves. Instead, water at the base so that the delicate leaves do not retain moisture for long. This should prevent and reduce the occurrence of sooty mold.

– Pests Infestations

Common garden pests can attack the jasmine foliage and drain out its nutrients making them go weak and limp. Tackle them as soon as you spot them with an organic solvent such as neem oil. To prevent any infestations in the future, maintain plant hygiene by clearing debris around the plant and keeping it dust free.

– Yellowing Leaves

If you find the leaves of your Orange Jasmine turning yellow it is because of overwatering of the soil. The plant needs well-drained soil, so reduce the watering and ensure the soil is porous enough. This solution should successfully put the foliage back on track.

– Plant Does Not Produce Blooms

If you find your plant not producing adequate blooms, or the booms tend to fall off before time, it could be because the plant is either not receiving enough light or the soil is dehydrated.

Move the plant into partial and bright light for at least four to six hours a day and keep the soil slightly moist at all times and you should see blooms occurring on your plant soon.

FAQ

– Is Orange Jasmine Toxic?

It’s not known to be toxic but has limited food value anyway. It is, however, used in some traditional Asian dishes in small amounts.

– Will it attract animals?

The Orange Jasmine attracts bees and small, fruit eating birds.

– How Many Varieties of Jasmine Are There?

In total, there are more than 200. Most are native to tropical climates with warmer temperatures. 

Conclusion

In this article, you have learned how to care for, grow and propagate the Orange Jasmine plant in a hassle-free manner.

Let us summarize our findings below. 

• The Orange Jasmine is an attractive plant that produces tiny fragrant blooms. What makes the plant popular among gardeners is the Orange Jasmine scent. 
• The plant requires bright yet indirect light to grow and stay healthy, growing in well-draining soil. This will ensure there are enough blooms at most times.
• A moderate amount of humidity is required for it to grow so if you are in a dry zone, mist the plant regularly. 
• The plant is a heavy feeder thus fertilizing it during its growing months in spring and summer. 
• You can easily propagate the plant using seeds, stem cuttings and air layering. 

Having read in great detail about the plant you can now confidently grow them in your garden. So without much delay bring them in and enjoy the Orange Jasmine benefits as they charm you in every way.