Beach Jasmine
guettarda speciosa
Also known as: ["Beach Gardenia","Seaside Gardenia"]
Overview
A tropical shrub or small tree known for its fragrant white flowers and glossy leaves, typically found in coastal regions.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Guettarda |
| Botanical Name: | Guettarda speciosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens, beachfront plantings, or indoor containers in bright, humid environments
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"20–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done every 2–3 months; major pruning once a year in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, depending on desired shape and growth habit.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. Adjust exposure based on intensity and season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to prevent scorching. Place in filtered sunlight outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors. Avoid direct midday sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense midday sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; refresh soil every 2–3 years.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures, 65–85°F (18–29°C). Prefers stable conditions and dislikes cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or air vents; maintain stable temperatures; adjust watering in extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer)
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings are the most reliable method. Take 4–6 inch cuttings with a node and allow them to callus for a few days before planting.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, allow to callus, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth may appear after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction. Remove dead or crossing branches first.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overgrown stems. Prune lightly to avoid stressing the plant.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune dead/damaged growth first, make clean cuts, dispose of clippings, clean up afterward.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh well-draining soil, water lightly, and avoid fertilizing for a month.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Guettarda speciosa benefits from fresh soil and room to grow.
Checklist
Select new pot, prepare fresh soil, trim roots if needed, position plant, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in warm months and every 10–14 days in cooler months. Adjust based on rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or orchid bark to improve drainage and aeration. Incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or wilting can indicate temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback. Prolonged cold may lead to root rot.
Solution: Protect from cold drafts, move indoors during frost, use a space heater if necessary, and ensure soil doesn’t stay wet in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor, especially if combined with low humidity.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity with misting or a humidifier, and water more frequently to compensate for evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, fertilize during growing season, flush soil periodically, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGuettarda speciosa is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic substances that would pose a risk to feline health upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicGuettarda speciosa is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicGuettarda speciosa, commonly known as Beach Jasmine, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant has no known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Guettarda speciosa require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, especially in coastal environments.
Q: Is Guettarda speciosa suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor cultivation in tropical or subtropical climates.
Q: How often should Guettarda speciosa be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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