Gardenias are among the indoor and garden plants that require a certain amount of expertise to care for. Only if you keep a gardenia in the right location and meet all the plant care requirements will the ornamental plant develop its beautiful, fragrant flowers.

The gardenia is not exactly easy to care for

How do you water gardenias correctly?

Gardenias tolerate neither complete drought nor waterlogging. In the summer you need to water the gardenia regularly. Always pour off excess irrigation water immediately.

When watering gardenias, only use lime-free water that should be at room temperature. Rainwater is best. If you don't have rainwater, you can switch to still mineral water.

In room culture, the humidity also plays a major role. It is advisable to spray the gardenia more frequently with lime-free water.

How is the gardenia fertilized?

Gardenias require comparatively many nutrients. You must therefore fertilize the plant regularly. During the growth phase from March to August, give liquid fertilizer for rhododendrons at fortnightly intervals. Don't fertilize immediately after repotting.

When do you need to transplant Gardenia?

Gardenias are not repotted until the root ball is fully rooted. The best time for repotting is spring.

Is it worth pruning gardenias?

Gardenias tolerate pruning well. They can therefore also be easily cared for as bonsai. In order for them to branch out nicely, you should cut back the branches in the spring. Make sure you don't reach for the scissors before planting the flowers.

Always cut directly over an outward-facing eye.

You should cut faded flowers and shorten the shoot tips a little in summer.

Why does the gardenia drop the flowers?

Gardenias do not tolerate draughts, nor do they like being moved frequently.

Another cause of falling buds can be low humidity.

How to Prevent Gardenia Leaves from Browning?

If the gardenia is watered properly and still gets brown leaves, you probably have an iron deficiency. Therefore, add some iron to the irrigation water.

What diseases and pests can occur?

Gardenias are very sensitive and react to poor care with symptoms of illness. The most common problem is waterlogging. But nutrient deficiencies also cause the Gardenia to become ill.

Pest infestation is common. A bad location is often responsible for this. Watch out for:

  • aphids
  • scale insects
  • thrips
  • vine weevil

Vine weevils only appear if the gardenia has been in the garden in summer. You should fight pest infestation immediately with suitable measures.

How are gardenias properly overwintered?

Gardenia varieties such as Gardenia jasminoides are not hardy and must hibernate in a location where it does not get colder than twelve degrees. The place should be as bright as possible.

tips

Some varieties of Gardenia are conditionally hardy and can be cared for in a protected location in the garden all year round. Since they only survive frost for a short time, you must provide suitable winter protection.

Category:

Indoor plants