We have a relatively large jasmine that was outdoors in the summer and is indoors since Sept. for its second winter. It's about 30 inches tall with tendrils that have recently extended a couple of feet beyond that. The major part of the plant is a rich, beautiful green but the center leaves nearest the soil are turning a lighter green and some are drying out. It's about an 8 inch by 8 inch area. This is really concerning me.
We try not to let the soil dry between waterings, and then we let it sit in water several hours before removing it. Is this correct to do? It's not near radiators and our house is in a relatively humid area. I have it in a bright room with a huge skylight but not in direct sun.
Please share your experiences or thoughts.
Thanks.

I'm assuming it's jasmine polyanthum
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Oleaceae/Jasminum_polyanthum.html

The lighter newer green leaves are probably due to the fact that it's not getting as much light as it did outside. They really like as much sun as they can get in the winter. When they don't get they also tend to reach up to the main light source.Groeth is paler and thinner. They also do better in a cool area.

As for the leaves that are dieing - it could just be old growth, usually occurs from the center and then new growth replaces it - or the pot got too dry and you got some dieback. Usually when you under water, bottom leaves go first, when you over-water the new growth tips die. If it's sending up new growth, it's doing its thing.
Because of the lacy foliage, I find them to be very thirsty and I would continue your watering method.
PS - I've had mine for 20 yrs and it's never bloomed - but it does look pretty. The other varieties bloom without any effort on my part - go figure.
BTW - they are easy to divide, just take a knife, and cut thru the center, and then do halves and quarters, It also a good way to revive an old plant.

Sheetmoss, thanks so much. Yes, the one pictured on that link is the one we have. We only have it two years now, do you think it should be divided this soon? Thanks for explaining the results of watering practices.
You must have a really green thumb to have had this plant 20 years. How many times have you divided it?
I appreciate your help.
Happy New Year.

I don't have the room to keep potting it up, due to a very green thumb with other plants, so when it really becomes potbound and seems like the soil is drying out every 2 minutes, then I'll divide it. Through the years it's been countless times. I wish I had a conservatory that I could plant it in a tub and let it takeoff.
As for your plant, probably not unless you want to - and that would be in the spring. But if you find that you can't keep it supplied with water because it keeps wilting - then yes, divide. There's a greater chance that you might not catch it, esp outside in summer, and you won't be able to revive it. Don't let that lacy foliage fool you, they are one tough plant.

If you like jasmine plants in general, I would buy the J. Sambac "Maid of Orleans" and J. Tortuosum. The Sambac I purchased 20 yrs ago also. Countless cuttings thru the years, I have 3 now, and the orginal has a woody trunk, Both of these are more shrublike - extremely free flowering. The Sambac puts on it's finest show when the temperature is above 90 for an extended period. It loves the summer heat. The Tort is more of a rambling shrub - easily controlled. Here's a view of both from the place I puchased them from - Logee's

http://www.logees.com/searchprods.asp
The link doesn't seem to work - just do a search
Good luck and Happy New Year

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sheetmoss,