Strongylodon Species, Jade Climber, Jade Vine, Emerald Creeper, Turquoise Jade Vine

On Oct 30, 2017, anachroneiron from Kalmar,
Sweden (Zone 7b) wrote:

Just wanted to share my experience with germinating this species in a cold apartment in dark, late autumn Sweden. I’m a hobbyist grower in a regular apartment.

My two seeds was harvested fresh, spent ten days in transit (Madeira to Sweden) and after sowing in a coir-perlite mix quickly got covered with an ugly blue green mold. Carefully peeling away the outer husk of the seed and keeping the media well aerated/ventilated (not wet) but with high air humidity, the mold went away. One of the seeds got roots after about a week and sprouted 16 days after sowing. I used a 10 l container, watered very carefully (around, not on the seeds) and used a heating mat at between 25-30 degrees Celsius. Also extra LED lighting and a small grow tent made of plastic bags.

I mi... read moreght post pictures for reference after posting this.

Wish me luck getting it to survive.

On Apr 7, 2015, Deadheaddiscer from Port Saint Lucie, FL wrote:

I live in Port St. Lucie, FL. I planted my Jade Vine about six years ago. Last year was the first time it bloomed. There were about five or so big beautiful blooms. This year I noticed the vine had grown up and over the top of the 25 foot high Lagustram that is next to it. This year it has had about 45 or more blooms! There were blooms hanging throughout the Lagustrum like Chinese lanterns! It is such a beautiful sight! People driving by stop and look at it and are amazed at the color and showiness of the flower. Everyone wants one for their garden. Every winter we have a couple of very cold days, so I have put a string of C7 Christmas lights under the main part of the trellis and I cover that part with sheets to keep it nice and warm. This seems to have worked so far.

On Jun 24, 2012, orchidalley from Kapaa, HI wrote:

Two years ago we bought a blue Jade Vine after seeing it hanging from a tree in Hanalei on Kaua'i where we live. Now it's more than 50 feet long and it's very beautiful and needs very little water, and leaves stay on it all year. At present we're going to propagate it and try it in other places around our lot. I appreciated the comments on this site.I encourage other islanders to try this stunning plant but prune when needed asap. I'd agree it takes two years and the bloom is very early springtime and to think of it as a stunning vine type plant, very unusual. I love it in leis as well. The plant needs an artistic landscape plan when pruning, so have fun, you will enjoy this majestic bloom of color when it arrives.

On Aug 19, 2011, koa from Haiku, HI wrote:

I find the new growth on this vine to be especially fragile. A couple of new tips broke off during transit after I purchased it, despite my attempt to protect it. Also, wind has damaged new tips that I failed to secure to its support, even though it's planted on the leeward side of the house. Still, the beautiful flowers are more than worth the trouble.

On Mar 19, 2010, jeri11 from Central, LA (Zone 8b) wrote:

I didn't have time to bring in this plant before the cold arrived here in Baton Rouge, La. and I thought that it was a goner!!! To my surprise after a record breaking cold we haven't seen in 25 years that dropped our temperature to a low of 17 degrees for over 10 hrs, my jade vine is budding back out and will be better than last year.

On Jan 9, 2010, jadefan from Burbank, CA wrote:

Blooming Jade is so beautiful! I would like to know when the green Jade blooms in Hawaii. And how long the bloom lasts.
Thanks!

On Nov 11, 2008, amygirl from Lafayette, IN (Zone 5a) wrote:

The jade vine was available at the Ramble last weekend. The Tropical Flowering Tree Society sells it at their sales Mother Days' weekend each year at Fairchild. They have a website. Just Google them. Perhaps you can then contact a member directly to purchase one.

On Jun 10, 2007, DCgirl from Weston, FL wrote:

June 5, 2007

I just returned from a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Jade Vine was growing there, on top of a mountain. This is where I saw it for the first time, and had the pleasure of viewing it with hummingbirds darting in and out. It has a most unusual color and appearance. I have been a fan of passionflowers for several years now, and had never seen this species before. What a special treat when the hummingbirds came to visit it!

On Mar 2, 2007, randyfb from Santa Barbara, CA (Zone 10a) wrote:

I visited the new conservatory at the Huntington Botanic Garden on March 1, 2007 and saw that their large Jade Vine is blooming for the first time. It is planted in the lower level of the tropical house and trained up along a walkway railing of the 2nd level. There were several inflorescences hanging down in full bloom and many more coming. A real treat to see this plant blooming in California!

On Jan 27, 2005, seedpicker_TX from (Taylor) Plano, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:

I have two of these that grow well for me in Texas. They are planted in the ground, on the north side of my house, underneath a porch, which is covered in clear sturdy polycarbonate. This helps to increase the humidity, and protect it from frost. We wrap the entire porch in plastic in the winter to keep it from freezing.
They are climbing all through the rafters, and seem quite happy, but no blooms, yet. My vines girth is only the width of my little pinky finger, so I guess they are not big enough, although they are huge.
I have read they need two different plants, for pollination to be successful, and set seed. Two clones of an identical plant, will not produce seed.
I was extremely fortunate to get both of mine as seeds, so hope to one day be able to produce ... read moremore seeds. I think, actually, I'd be happy to just see a flower in person!

On Aug 27, 2004, hawaiiGuy from Kailua Kona, HI wrote:

Aloha, I live in Kailua-Kona, HI., on "the big island", and this plant (as well as the red variety) are easy to grow here. So easy in fact, that I am amazed at its rarity here. I believe most gardeners cut it down before its 2nd year due to its vigorous nature. My plants (and cuttings I have given away) have rarely bloomed before they were 2 yrs old. More important I think is the girth of the trunk like base. The trunk needs to be at least 1/2" across before it sends out those beautiful (and unexpected) racemes. This plant does not bloom on new wood, so severe pruning occasionally is fine (and needed). Location is key to this plant and it needs a strong support or tree to grow upon. I have found they do perfectly growing upon mature Plumeria for support. Mine have gone well ove... read morer the 40 ft suggested, and have in fact twined up a Samoan palm to over 60 ft.
Please be advised that the foliage causes a minor itching sensation so prune with your gloves on! Mine have never produced seed, but the plant roots very easily with semi-hardwood cuttings or simply laying a part of the vine under soil.
They bloom most heavily here in late winter and early spring. The flowers are the most stunning colors I have ever seen. The blue/green variety is nice, but it is a difficult color to incorporate into a landscape. Mine is growing upon a large white (singapore) plumeria. The red variety is easier to mix in, but it is also even more vigorous. With either variety, a repeat warning to be prepared to prune to control. Highly recommended and you will be in awe at its blooms.

On May 28, 2004, foodiesleuth from Honomu, HI (Zone 11) wrote:

We have a friend in our village that has a huge vine of the blue-green jade on his perimeter fence facing the street. when it blooms its is espectacular. People just walk by to take a look at it.

Some people use the single blooms in making leis. There is also one with red blooms at the Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo.

I haven't tried to grow it, but it is beautiful!

On Jul 20, 2003, Monocromatico from Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil (Zone 11) wrote:

I don´t know much about this climber. I know it comes from southeastern Asia and it´s hard to grow. I know only 2 places in my city where it´s planted, always forming large and dense coverings. The flowers are very beautiful. Long inflorescences (40-50cm long) with long, greenish-blue flowers that are attractive to birds. I wish to have one someday.