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Blue Jade Vine (Strongylodon Macrobotrys)
₹ 1,499.00
Regular price
₹ 2,500.00
Sale price
₹ 1,499.00
The Blue Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) produces a colour that exists almost nowhere else in the plant kingdom — a luminous, iridescent turquoise-jade-green that shifts between blue, sea-green, and aquamarine depending on the light. The claw-shaped flowers hang in massive, wisteria-like pendant racemes up to 90 cm long, each carrying 75 or more individual blooms, cascading from the vine in a display that stops everyone who sees it. Native to the Philippine rainforest and now critically endangered in the wild due to deforestation and the loss of its natural bat pollinators, this is a plant of genuine conservation significance as well as extraordinary beauty. Growing it is a long-term commitment — but the payoff, when a mature vine flowers, is unforgettable.
💡 Why the Colour Is Scientifically Extraordinary
The turquoise-jade colour of Strongylodon macrobotrys is caused by a rare combination of two pigments — malvin (an anthocyanin) and saponarin (a flavone glucoside) — interacting under the specific pH conditions inside the flower's cells. This pigment combination is virtually unique in flowering plants. The same flower appears different shades of blue-green depending on light angle — the closest colour match in nature is the mineral jade itself. There is no other flower quite like it.
🌿 Pendant Placement — Get the View Right
The flowers hang downward in long pendant racemes. To appreciate the full cascade, grow the vine over a strong pergola, archway, or large tree where the inflorescences can hang freely and be viewed from below or at eye level. A vine trained flat along a wall obscures the flower display entirely.
Light
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Bright indirect to filtered light — ideally dappled sun through a canopy, or a position with morning sun and afternoon shade. Unlike the Red Jade Vine, direct harsh midday sun scorches the leaves. In its natural habitat it climbs to the canopy top but the foliage remains in filtered light. A minimum of 4–6 hours of bright light daily is essential for flowering.
Watering
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Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry — thoroughly, until it drains freely. Do not allow to sit in standing water. In hot weather, water generously and frequently. Reduce to once every 7–10 days in cooler months. Mulch the root zone to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Near a natural water source is ideal — plant near a pond, stream edge, or irrigation line if possible.
Humidity
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High humidity — 65–80% preferred, reflecting its Philippine rainforest origins. Thrives in India's tropical and subtropical outdoor climate without intervention. For potted specimens or drier regions, mist the foliage in the morning. Keep away from drying winds — a sheltered garden position is strongly preferred.
Growing Media
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Rich, organic, well-draining soil — mix 35% loamy garden soil, 35% well-rotted compost or FYM, 20% coarse sand or perlite, 10% coco coir. pH 6.0–7.0, slightly acidic preferred. In-ground planting near a moisture source is ideal for mature vines. For pots, use the largest container possible — at least 50 cm wide and deep. Mulch heavily.
Feeding
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Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Reduce nitrogen once buds begin forming — high nitrogen at this stage suppresses flowering. Switch to a phosphorus-rich bloom formula in late winter to encourage spring flowering. Stop feeding in winter. Top-dress with compost every 3 months year-round.
🌸 Flowering — Patience Required, Worth Every Day
Blue Jade Vine typically begins flowering once the woody stems reach about 2 cm in diameter — usually from year 3 onwards. Blooms appear in spring through early summer. Fruiting is rare in cultivation as the natural bat pollinators are absent. Do not prune during bud development. Prune after flowering to encourage strong new growth for the following season. Consistent warmth, high humidity, and phosphorus-rich feeding in late winter are the most reliable triggers.
⚠️ Common Issues & Quick Fixes
Not Flowering
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Most likely the vine is not yet mature enough — stems must reach ~2 cm in diameter before flowering begins, typically year 3+. Other causes: insufficient light, high nitrogen fertilizer during bud season, or temperatures dropping below 15°C. Switch to a bloom fertilizer in late winter and ensure consistent warmth and bright light.
Yellow or Scorched Leaves
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Scorching indicates too much direct harsh sun — move to filtered or dappled light. Yellowing indicates overwatering, cold stress below 15°C, or root zone issues. Check drainage and temperature. Ensure the root zone stays cool and moist but not waterlogged.
New Leaves Look Pink or Bronze — Is This Normal?
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Completely normal — new leaves emerge pink-bronze, fade to pale green, then mature to deep glossy green. This three-stage colour change is a characteristic of the species. Do not mistake young foliage for disease or deficiency.
Slow Growth
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Insufficient light, a pot that is too small, or poor soil nutrition. Move to a brighter position, enrich the soil with compost and FYM, and use the largest possible container. In-ground planting makes a dramatic difference to growth rate once established.
Mealybugs or Spider Mites
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Inspect leaf undersides and stem joints regularly. Spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7–10 days for 3 weeks. Good humidity and air circulation reduce pest pressure significantly.
📋 Quick Plant Profile
| Botanical Name | Strongylodon macrobotrys A.Gray |
| Common Names | Blue Jade Vine, Jade Vine, Emerald Creeper, Turquoise Jade Vine |
| Name Meaning | macrobotrys = Greek for "long grape cluster" — describes the pendant flower racemes |
| Family | Fabaceae (legume / pea family) |
| Origin | Philippines (endemic); tropical lowland rainforest |
| Conservation Status | Endangered in the wild — deforestation and loss of bat pollinators |
| Flower Colour | Iridescent turquoise-jade-green — virtually unique in the plant kingdom |
| Flower Raceme Length | Up to 90 cm; 75+ flowers per raceme; pendant |
| Blooming Season | Spring to early summer; from year 3+ once stems reach ~2 cm diameter |
| New Leaf Colour | Pink-bronze → pale green → deep glossy green — normal 3-stage change |
| Light | Bright indirect / dappled; no harsh direct midday sun |
| Watering | Top 2–3 cm dry; generously in heat; mulch root zone; near water source ideal |
| Humidity | 65–80%; thrives in tropical India outdoors |
| Temperature | Minimum 15°C; no frost; sheltered position preferred |
| Mature Size | Up to 18–20 m; strong pergola, archway or large tree essential |
| Display Position | Over pergola or archway — pendant flowers must hang freely to be seen |
| Pollinator | Bats in the wild; fruiting rare in cultivation without them |
| Ideal For | Pergolas, Large Gardens, Collectors, Tropical Landscapes, Conservation Planting |
| Care Level | Intermediate — patience for flowering; otherwise vigorous and rewarding |
Size Details
1 Blue Jade Vine (Strongylodon Macrobotrys)
Size:
(Plant sizes may vary slightly based on seasonal growth, individual plant characteristics, and current stock.)
Care Instructions
Difficulty: Challenging
Light:
Water:
Growing Media:
Feeding & Fertilization:
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Replacement
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