Stephanotis is the symbol of happiness. Its tough stems and leaves aren’t easily damaged, but its flowers are fragile and require a ‘just look and don’t touch’ kind of respect. This climber is usually trained along a form, but if you happen to be imaginative and give the plant its freedom, you can get brilliant results – even indoors. The tiny green vines will cheerfully wrap their way around just about anything, from light cords to curtains. This gives Stephanotis an independent kind of green personality as a houseplant. It’s always fun to see what it will do next.

Love in bloom
Stephanotis, called the ‘bride’s flower’ by the Dutch since it is traditionally included in bridal bouquets, is endemic to Madagascar. If not trained into a specific shape, its vines will become very long and take on the look of a bridal veil. But the white wax-like star-shaped flowers are what give this plant its fairy-tale beauty. These little trumpets combine the fragrances of lily and jasmine: a scent that’s always so amazing that it’s easy to excuse the plant’s other vagaries.

Happy Housemate
Best location: indirect light (out of direct sun) and ventilation
Best temperature: about 20º C
Best care: water only during its flowering period but be sure to allow proper  drainage. The plant prefers not to be moved and don’t turn it as then it will drop its buds
Best tip: during the dark months, it prefers to remain dry and spend its time in a cool room that receives light.

Bet you didn’t know
- Stephanotis was Marilyn Monroe’s favourite plant. Her house was full of these plants because she said their fragrance made her happy.
- Although Stephanotis is an ingredient in such perfumes as ‘Night of Fancy’ and ‘Love of Pink’, there’s nothing lovelier than the fragrance of the real flowers: subtler, warmer and more long-lasting.