Stephanotis Flowers
Occasions & recipients - Find flowers by occasion
Stephanotis, often called the bridal flower, carries a romantic, elegant and hopeful mood, perfect for weddings, anniversaries and close family celebrations.
Enduring marriage and commitment
Stephanotis traditionally symbolises marital happiness, shared vows and a wish for a long, loyal partnership filled with trust.
Expression strength Quite direct and romantic
Etiquette safety Best for romantic partners and close family, or as part of wedding designs.
Best setting Ideal in bridal bouquets, anniversary arrangements and elegant dining table displays.
Colour hint Classic white with soft greens or blush tones emphasises purity, new beginnings and timeless romance.
Avoid Too intimate for very formal corporate gifting or casual first-time exchanges.
Blessings for a new chapter
The pure white blooms express good wishes for fresh starts, hopeful journeys and graceful transitions into a new phase of life.
Expression strength Gentle but heartfelt
Etiquette safety Generally safe for family, friends and some professional milestones when arranged in a simple, elegant style.
Best setting Well suited to entry tables, living rooms or reception areas marking a special new beginning.
Colour hint Pair white stephanotis with soft greens, creams or pale pastels for a refined, uplifting feel.
Avoid Not the strongest choice for somber condolences where more traditional funeral flowers are expected.
Graceful appreciation
Stephanotis also conveys refined thanks, admiration and respect, offering a graceful way to say “you are cherished and appreciated”.
Expression strength Moderate and elegant
Etiquette safety Suitable for hosts, mentors and special friends when styled in a classic, understated arrangement.
Best setting Perfect as a dining table gift, thank-you bouquet or refined reception display.
Colour hint White blooms with soft foliage or muted accent flowers keep the message polished and respectful.
Avoid Too subtle for very exuberant celebrations where bold colour is expected.
Card Message Ideas
Presentation Etiquette
Ideal Delivery Time
At a glance
Quick reference for key details choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients. Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Toxicity
Stephanotis is considered mildly to moderately toxic if eaten, as with many members of the dogbane family, so it should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
| Risk area | Level | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Mild to moderate risk if ingested | Avoid allowing children to chew leaves or flowers and teach them that the plant is for looking at only. |
| Pets | Mild to moderate risk if ingested | Keep plants and cut vines away from cats, dogs and small animals that may nibble foliage or flowers. |
| Skin contact | Generally low, occasional sensitivity | Most people handle it without problems, but wear gloves if you have sensitive skin or experience irritation from plant sap. |
If significant parts of the plant are swallowed or symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea or rash occur, seek advice from a doctor or veterinarian promptly.
Allergenicity
Stephanotis flowers are usually well tolerated indoors, but their strong sweet fragrance and some pollen may bother highly sensitive individuals.
| Factor | Level | Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Pollen | Low to moderate | Most people experience no issues, but place arrangements a little away from those with severe hay fever. |
| Fragrance | Strong, sweet scent | Ideal for people who enjoy perfumed flowers; for scent-sensitive guests, keep displays smaller or in well-ventilated areas. |
| Best placement | Moderate care for sensitivities | Use in living rooms, hallways or event spaces rather than right beside beds or workstations of fragrance-sensitive people. |
Color Taboos
Colour meanings for stephanotis arrangements can vary by region and occasion, so the table below highlights a few combinations that may need extra care.
| Color/Combination | Region/Culture | Common Association | Occasions to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure white | Many East Asian and some European traditions | Often linked with funerals, mourning or memorial rites when used alone. | Avoid as a single-colour choice for joyful birthdays or very lively celebrations. |
| White with heavy black accents | Various cultures | Can feel stark, somber or funereal rather than festive. | Generally avoid for weddings, engagements and baby showers. |
| Very dark red accents with white | Certain conservative contexts | May be read as overly intense or sensual next to traditionally bridal white. | Avoid for formal workplace gifting or very traditional wedding ceremonies. |
| Neon mixed colours with white | General Western business gifting | Looks playful and casual, lacking the quiet elegance often expected with stephanotis. | Avoid for solemn occasions, official ceremonies or formal condolence gestures. |
| All-white flowers in plain white wrappers | Some Mediterranean and East Asian customs | Can resemble funeral tributes if no colour or ribbon is added. | Avoid for hospital congratulations or cheerful housewarming gifts without any contrasting detail. |
Growing & tools
Growing tips
Stephanotis is moderately easy to grow at home if given bright light, warmth, support to climb, and steady but not excessive watering.
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Light | Provide bright, indirect light or gentle morning sun; avoid harsh midday sun that can scorch the leaves. |
| Water | Water when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry, keeping the mix evenly moist but never waterlogged. |
| Soil | Use a well-drained, rich potting mix with added grit or bark to improve aeration around the roots. |
| Temperature | Keep in warm conditions, ideally 18–26 °C, and protect from cold drafts or temperatures below about 10 °C. |
| Care level | Needs moderate care, including regular training on a trellis or hoop and occasional pruning to keep vines tidy. |
| Feeding | Feed lightly with a balanced or bloom-boosting fertiliser every 2–4 weeks during active growth in spring and summer. |
For best flowering, give stephanotis plenty of bright light and avoid moving the plant or letting it dry out severely when buds are forming.
Recommended tools
- Trellis or hoop support - trains the twining stems upright, keeping the vine tidy and encouraging even flowering around the frame.
- Bypass pruning shears - makes clean cuts when trimming vines or removing spent stems, reducing damage and promoting healthy regrowth.
- Well-draining pot with drainage holes - prevents waterlogging around the roots, which is essential for stephanotis in indoor or patio containers.
- Watering can with narrow spout - allows careful, directed watering at the soil level without soaking leaves and flowers.
- Balanced liquid fertiliser - provides controlled nutrients during the growing season, supporting lush foliage and abundant blooms.
- Soft plant ties - gently secure climbing stems to their support without cutting into the vine as it thickens.
- Humidity tray or room humidifier - helps maintain moderate humidity around indoor plants, reducing bud drop in dry rooms.
- Clean floral snips - trims cut stems neatly for arrangements and bridal work, improving water uptake and vase life.