How to Care for Gardenia Bushes

The white gardenia flower produces a soft, sweet fragrance. Gardenia extract is often an ingredient in botanical perfumes, essential oils and lotions. Although the gardenia flower has so many appealing attributes, the gardenia bush requires special care to enjoy beautiful flowers.

Instructions

1. Provide a humid environment. If you have a potted gardenia, place the pot in a shallow container. Fill the container half way with water, and put pebbles around the pot to create enough humidity. Additionally, fill a spray bottle with water and mist the bush daily.

2. Give the plant a proper amount of light. Outdoor plants should receive plenty of sunlight in the morning, but should be shaded from the afternoon sunlight. Place your indoor bushes in a bright area, but protect them from direct sunlight.

3. Create the right temperature environment for best results. The ideal daytime temperature for a gardenia plant is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperature should be about 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Fertilize your gardenia plant every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer. Moreover, apply an acid-based fertilizer every three and a half months.

5. Wait until the blooming cycle ends to prune the plant. Avoid pruning in winter.

Tips & Warnings

• Scent your house or apartment naturally by placing a gardenia bush indoors.

• Mist the plant with water in the evening. The leaves should never be wet while receiving sunlight.

Resources

• Gardenia Care
• Helping a Gardenia Bush with Yellow Leaves