The Jade Vine: A Spectacular Bloom in My Garden

There’s a new star in my garden, and it’s none other than the Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys). This tropical beauty has just bloomed for the first time, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. The Jade Vine is known for its cascading clusters of vibrant turquoise or greenish-blue claw-shaped flowers. It’s a sight to behold, and I’m thrilled to share my experience with you.

The Jade Vine is a leguminous vine endemic to the Philippines. It’s a popular ornamental plant in botanical gardens and conservatories due to its striking appearance. The vine’s flowers hang in large clusters, resembling claws in a remarkable turquoise color. They’re aggressive growers that can easily swallow trees and supporting structures in their natural environment. But with the right conditions, they can be grown in greenhouses or conservatories.

Growing the Jade Vine requires specific conditions. It needs as much sun as possible to thrive, preferring full sun or the filtered light of a bright greenhouse. It doesn’t have a rest period in winter. The Jade Vine is a water hog, growing best with ample and copious water. Lack of water will cause leaf browning and slow and stunted growth. It needs a rich, peat-based potting soil with excellent drainage and should be fed with a weak liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season.

Propagation of the Jade Vine can be done by seed or vine cuttings. It’s a very prolific grower and can be rooted from stem tip cuttings. For best results, take the cuttings early in the season, when the weather is warmest, and use a rooting hormone. Place the cutting in seedling starting soil and put it in a warm location with plenty of humidity and moisture. New growth should emerge within a few weeks.

As with most vines, repotting a jade vine indoors can be a challenge. Ideally, the plant will be grown in the largest container possible, to minimize the need to repot. Once the vine is established, instead of repotting, change the surface soil once a year or so by scrapping out the old soil and replacing the top few inches of soil.

There are about 20 species of Strongylodon, all of them native to Southeast Asia and throughout the South Pacific. In their native environment, many species of Strongylodon are endangered due to habitat destruction, so there is a dedicated effort among the world’s botanical gardens to preserve these magnificent plants.

The trick with jade vines is usually more: more heat, more light, more water, and more fertilizer. Because jade vines grow rapidly and have pendant flowers, be sure to provide them with sturdy support. Ideally, the flowers are best viewed from underneath, but the plants can also be grown up a vertical structure and the flower clusters will hang down among the leaves as bright splashes of color.

Jade vines are not particularly susceptible to pests but can be affected by mealybugs, aphids, and mites. Signs of infestation include tiny webs on plants, clumps of white “powdery” residue, or visible insects on the plant. Treat infestations as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading to the rest of your collection.

In conclusion, the Jade Vine is a truly spectacular plant. Its vibrant turquoise flowers are a sight to behold, and its aggressive growth habits make it a fascinating addition to any garden. If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching plant to add to your collection, the Jade Vine could be just what you’re looking for.