gardenia

Gardenias are one of the most enticing tropical, flowering houseplants with glossy green foliage, compact, shrubby habit, and irresistible, fragrant, waxy-white flowers. This is an intermediate to experienced gardener’s plant, requiring careful attention to sunlight and temperature requirements. Often given as a beautifully fragrant gift, especially around Easter and Mother’s Day. A.k.a Cape Jasmine.

Grow in 4+ hours of direct sun per day to bright indirect light (5-6’ from a sunny window), eastern exposure is preferable. Prefers average household temperatures, 60° at night, and 70°F during the day, the 10 degree dip at night is crucial to set buds! Keep soil evenly moist at all times. Supply extra humidity by spray misting or setting on a shallow tray of moistened pebbles. Feed with an acidic plant food like Holly-tone® April-September. Bud drop is a common occurence that may be caused by too much or too little water, dry air, cold or hot drafts, or too many dark winter days.