Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), also known as Cape Jasmine, is a fragrant shrub plant with pure white flowers and shiny green close-growing foliage.Gardenias have a reputation for being difficult to grow in cooler zones and as houseplants.Gardenias can be successfully grown indoors and outdoors with some planning and hard work.
Step 1: Pick out a pot that is larger than the plant.
Place your Gardenia in a pot that is four inches larger than the pot you purchased it in.You should keep as much of the original soil as possible.A bigger pot will allow for more space for your gardenia.
Step 2: Put soil in your pot that will drain well.
The best place for gardenias to grow is in soil that doesn't allow puddles to form.A compost for acid-loving plants, which is also known as ericaceous compost, is suggested by some gardeners.
Step 3: Don't forget to make sure your pot has drainage holes.
Pick a pot that has good drainage holes.Make sure the pot is big enough for the plant to grow in.The roots remain wet if you place your pot in a trough or saucer.
Step 4: The Gardenia needs humidity.
Gardenias need humidity to thrive.A humid atmosphere can be provided by laying stones or pebbles under the plant pot.The water will slowly evaporate throughout the day, which will create humidity for your plant, if you spray the stones with water every morning.The shallow tray is wider than the pot.Add water to the tray by putting stones or gravel in it.The water should not get to the top of the stones.The gardenia pot is on the stones.The bottom of the pot should not be wet.The plant above will get some humidity from the top of the water.
Step 5: Keep your gardenia outdoors.
Gardenias can be grown outdoors in US zones 8 through 11 where temperatures don't drop below 10 or 15 degrees.It is necessary to shade the plant from the heat of the summer sun.You need to water the plant and attend to the humidity.The pot should be moved indoors in zone 7 where the temperature is -15 degrees Celsius.
Step 6: Gardenias can be grown inside.
Depending on the temperature you keep your house at, the area where you place your pot will be different.You should place your Gardenia on a bright window ledge if you keep your house warm.Gardenias can tolerate shade or darkness if the house is below 60 degrees.They will tolerate temperatures that fall to about 35 degrees F (1.6 degrees C) in the shade, but won't enjoy the cold.
Step 7: Help the plant get used to its new location.
If you are moving your potted Gardenia from indoors to outdoors, be patient.When moving a plant outside, make sure to keep it indoors for two to three weeks before leaving it out all day and night.
Step 8: Don't overwater your plant.
When the soil is dry, water your plant.Don't water the foliage.Water should always drain away from the soil and it should never be sodden.If possible, try to water with rain water.
Step 9: Gardenias should be fed regularly.
Gardenias need regular fertilization.Feed your plants on a monthly or weekly basis during the growing season.You can buy afertilizer at your local supply store.
Step 10: Gardenias can be grown in your local climate.
Gardenias can be brought indoors for the cooler seasons, but they still need a lot of light and humidity.They will die in cooler months but come back and bloom again.The local climate may not be right for Gardenias if you are struggling to grow them.
Step 11: Look for iron chlorosis.
Iron chlorosis can be seen in light green or yellow leaves with darker veins.Miracid is a spray for iron chlorosis.
Step 12: There are signs that your plant has been overwatered.
The plant has been given too much water.The leaves will turn brown if the plant has too little water.
Step 13: Know if your plant is getting too much sun.
The midday sun may be too much for an outdoor Gardenia plant.During the summer midday heat, move your plant to a shady location.The plant will recover if you mist it several times a day.
Step 14: If you plan to bring your Gardenias inside during the winter, plant them in lighter containers.
Gardenias can be planted in lighter container materials if you live in a cold climate.You may not be able to bring the heavy pots in for the winter.Plastic can be put inside a more attractive pot.It's possible to put your pot on a pot trolley to make it easier to move.
Step 15: Caution should be taken when living in cold climates.
Gardenias should only be brought outside in warmer temperatures in zones 6 and cooler.They will need to be indoors for the rest of the time.Zone 6 temperatures can fall as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 16: Gardenias will be fed over the winter.
It's ideal to give a general-purposefertilizer over six weekly intervals.Don't allow the plant to dry out completely, but reduce watering over winter.