Strongylodon macrobotrys, commonly called jade vine, is a perennial woody vine that grows an average to about 10 meters long. It is particularly noted for the unique jade colour claw-shaped flowers which bloom in huge, showy, pendant, grape-like, clustered racemes that can droop up to one meter in length. Each raceme has 75 or more flowers, and each flower is typical about 4-5cm in size. Sometimes the unusual flower color of this vine is also referred to as aquamarine, neon blue green or seagreen-turquoise. Flowers are papilionaceous, meaning that it is “butterfly-like” as the flowers resembles a butterfly with closed wings. It's not hard to see why the Jade Vine is considered one of the most magnificent vines in the world.
Jade vine is perfect for our coastal region as it loves hot and humid climates. Prefers organically rich, consistently moist, neutral to acidic soils in bright filtered sun, but will be just as happy in full sun with part shade conditions during the afternoon heat. This is a perfect plant to grow on a trellis, inside a greenhouse, as an indoor plant, to crawl up tall trees or to train over an arch or pergola, as long as it is sheltered from strong winds. For indoors, terracotta pots and hanging baskets are ideal. Jade vine can be a vigorous grower if the conditions is right and will typically bloom in late spring to early summer.
Jade vine originate from the rainforest in the Philippines, but in the wild it is now close to extinction in large part due to deforestation which has destroyed much of its natural habitat. Even in cultivation this plant is very rare and scarce to find.
How to care for your Jade Vines Indoors And Ou
As a houseplant
If growing jade vine as a houseplant, the best option will be to grow your plant in a clay pot that allows the roots to breathe. Use a potting mix that drains easily. Provide a sturdy trellis for the vine to climb. Alternative option is to place your plant in a large hanging basket. Water only when the top 3cm of the soil is visibly dry, then water slowly until excess moisture drips through the drainage hole.
Although the plant thrives in high humidity, it tolerates normal room humidity. However, if your room is very dry, you can increase the humidity around the plant with a humidifier or by setting the pot on a tray with a layer of damp pebbles.
When planting your jade vine in the garden, mix in a good amount of compost around the roots. Add a slow release fertilizer or a good handfull of bone meal.
Jade vine plants aren’t heavy feeders and a mixture of ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml.) of water-soluble fertilizer such as Nitrosol or Guanoboost per 5 litres of water is plenty. Feed the plant twice a month during spring and summer and withhold fertilizer during fall and winter.
Trim your jade vine plant after blooming but be careful of hard pruning because the plant blooms on both old and new growth; hard pruning will delay blooming. Keep in mind that you may not see blooms until the second year; the vine won’t bloom until the base of the stem is at least 2 cm in diameter.
