Gardenia Tree - Ask Extension
I bought a small Gardenia tree at SAM's this spring and we've been trying to get "acquainted". I have the first flower today, win but....another bud t...
Knowledgebase
Gardenia Tree #214090
Asked September 24, 2014, 1:23 PM EDT
I bought a small Gardenia tree at SAM's this spring and we've been trying to get "acquainted". I have the first flower today, win but....another bud that was about to open fell off. There are about six other buds that are green and various sizes that seem to be stuck, not changing in size or color. I think it's a too much/too little water problem I have. This spring I know I was not watering it enough, it lost all its buds leaves...I put it outdoors for the summer and it recovered wonderfully but took a lot of water. Now that I have it indoors, I assume I need to cut the water back..How much water do you think a 3 gallon pot would require weekly? Tree is about 3 feet tall with three twisted trunks.I've read it should be on the dry side, although outdoors it seems to thrive in a very moist soil condition. Really love this trees flower and am hoping I can figure it's needs out! Thanks for your help, your team is the best!!!
Sherburne County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello, could you please let us know which State and County you are from? It will help us to assign your question to the best expert.
Sherburne County, Minnesota
http://www.garden.org/plantguide/?q=show&id=2135
http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Gardenias
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-care-to-get-a-gardenia-bush-to-...
Gardenias are challenging to grow indoors. The air in our homes is too dry. One can compensate for this. Gardenias also drop their flower buds if the day time temperatures are above ~75 and nighttime below ~ 60. This is also a challenge if one wants the beautiful flowers. The second article has instructions for growing gardenias inside or outside. The first link talks about what gardenias require to thrive. This is what will have to be provided as much as possible for the plant to do well inside. The third link talks about flower drop and watering. I think the most realistic thing is to hope to keep it healthy enough to bloom outside next year. I hope you enjoy the challenge and have success.
http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Gardenias
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-care-to-get-a-gardenia-bush-to-...
Gardenias are challenging to grow indoors. The air in our homes is too dry. One can compensate for this. Gardenias also drop their flower buds if the day time temperatures are above ~75 and nighttime below ~ 60. This is also a challenge if one wants the beautiful flowers. The second article has instructions for growing gardenias inside or outside. The first link talks about what gardenias require to thrive. This is what will have to be provided as much as possible for the plant to do well inside. The third link talks about flower drop and watering. I think the most realistic thing is to hope to keep it healthy enough to bloom outside next year. I hope you enjoy the challenge and have success.
Thanks for the information links...I guess I'm thrilled I have one flower..going to try some of these hints to add humidity and see what happens, thanks again for your response. Barbara
