How to care for large leaf gardenia
Today, the editor will elaborate on how to care for large leaf gardenias and introduce the knowledge of gardening, including the key points of gardenia maintenance. Next, the editor will introduce it to the netizens.
Suitable soil: Cultivate with fertile, loose, slightly acidic soil, and change the soil once a year.
Adequate light: Allow plenty of diffused light, and promptly shield from strong sunlight, as lack of light will affect flowering.
Appropriate temperature: Keep the temperature between 15-28℃, pay attention to low temperatures in winter to avoid freezing.
Proper watering: Water frequently during the growing season to keep the soil moist, and strictly control water after entering winter, only watering when necessary.
Reasonable fertilization: Apply thin fertilizer frequently during the spring germination period and before flowering to promote growth and blooming.
I. Suitable soil
Large leaf gardenias have high requirements for soil. The soil used should be loose, breathable, fertile, and slightly acidic to ensure better root respiration and absorption of nutrients for vigorous growth. When mixing soil, it is best to mix garden soil with leaf mold, river sand, and base fertilizer, and the prepared soil must be disinfected before use to prevent the presence of eggs. Moreover, it is best to change the soil every spring for potted plants to prevent soil compaction and excessive alkalinity.
II. Adequate light
Large leaf gardenias enjoy light and have a slight tolerance for shade but do not tolerate direct sunlight. To ensure vigorous growth and better flowering, it is best to place them in a bright area with plenty of diffused light to promote photosynthesis. In the summer, strong sunlight must be shielded to prevent sunburn. If kept in a shaded environment for a long time, it may lead to poor growth, leggy branches, and even affect flowering.
III. Appropriate temperature
The optimal temperature for the growth and flowering of large leaf gardenias is between 15-28℃, as they prefer a warm environment and have poor cold resistance. In the summer, as long as there is good ventilation, they can safely endure the heat. In winter, with low temperatures, especially in the north, it is necessary to take temperature control and warming measures. It is best to move it to a warm room, keeping the temperature above 8℃ to prevent frostbite and ensure safe overwintering.
IV. Proper watering
Large leaf gardenias prefer a moist environment, especially during the growing season, when their water demand is high. It is best to water frequently to keep the soil slightly moist but without waterlogging. If there is continuous rain, watering can be paused, and for outdoor cultivation, accumulated water must be drained and ventilation enhanced. After entering winter, its growth basically stops, so strict water control is necessary, only watering when the soil is dry, as slightly drier soil is actually better for overwintering.
V. Reasonable fertilization
Large leaf gardenias consume a lot of nutrients during growth. Starting from spring, it is necessary to apply diluted organic liquid fertilizer or nitrogenous fertilizer solutions frequently to promote the germination of branches and leaves. Apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers before flowering, and stop fertilizing after flowering to avoid shortening the blooming period. Note that raw fertilizer or highly concentrated fertilizers should not be applied to avoid fertilizer damage.
The above is about how to care for large leaf gardenias and the detailed points of gardenia maintenance, hoping it is helpful to you!