Gardenia Care

You will find that Gardenia’s are not the easiest plants to bring into bloom, though plants that are happy with their situation will often bloom in late spring and again in the fall. They enjoy spending the summer outdoors in a shady spot. Thoroughly clean plants before bringing them back indoors to prevent possible pest problems. In winter, keep the leaves lustrous by polishing them every 6 weeks with a soft cloth that has been light sprinkled with vegetable oil.

Bright light at least 4 hours daily, but not strong midday sun.

Keep soil lightly moist, but don’t overwater.

Feed plant every 2 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer that contains micronutrients, especially iron, or use a slow-release azalea fertilizer sprinkled into the pot.

• Use a humidity tray or a saucer filled with pebbles and some water to raise humidity and prevent spider mites, don’t mist.

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