How to grow gardenia indoors
Abstract: This article provides related content about how to care for gardenias indoors and the green plant maintenance tips for potted gardenias, with specific details as follows:
Many hobbyists enjoy growing gardenias, which come in many different varieties. Generally, what we can buy in the flower market is divided into large-leaf gardenias and small-leaf gardenias. Some have many branches rooted in one pot, while others are a single stem in a pot. Which one would you choose?
These are large-leaf gardenias
Beginners are recommended to start with small-leaf gardenias, as their leaves are smaller, they can bloom in suitable conditions all year round, and they are easier for beginners to care for, with a lower difficulty level, affordable prices, and strong adaptability to the environment.
I. Common issues when growing gardenias
Before caring for gardenias, let me answer a few of the most common problems that arise when growing gardenias.
1. Flowers fall before they open
Many friends buy gardenias with a lot of flower buds, but why do so many buds wither before they open?
The main reason is insufficient nutrient supply. Due to changes in the environment, and because they are usually grown in greenhouses, those flower buds are rush-grown with a lot of fertilizer. If the fertilizer is not kept up in the later stages, combined with changes in the environment, it will certainly lead to flower buds withering before they open.
When caring for potted gardenias, be sure to apply a thin layer of fertilizer frequently (for those just bought, you can start fertilizing after two weeks), and as long as you ensure sufficient sunlight, fertilizer, and water during the later maintenance period, the flowers will bloom normally.
2. Leaves turning black or yellow
If the new leaves of gardenias have green veins but yellow leaf flesh, while the bottom old leaves are emerald green, it indicates a lack of iron. You need to supplement with ferrous sulfate or alum fertilizer water, applied once every two weeks.
Another common problem when caring for potted gardenias is black and rotting leaves, which is usually caused by overly frequent watering or the potting soil not drying out for a long time.
How to grow gardenias indoors
Gardenia leaves turning black and rotting are usually caused by residual moisture in the leaves, insufficient sunlight, or the potting soil always being damp.
Leaf yellowing in gardenias is usually caused by overly dry potting soil or alkaline potting soil. Be sure to promptly adjust the dryness of the potting soil and regularly supplement with acidic fertilizer to improve the yellowing condition.
II. Is your home suitable for growing gardenias?
Before caring for potted gardenias, you should understand whether the environment in your home is suitable for growing this type of flower. If there is not enough sunlight on your balcony or windowsill, I suggest you consider growing other flowers.
As shown above, long-term indoor potted gardenias, with insufficient light, result in excessive growth of stems and leaves, unable to bloom
1. Sufficient direct sunlight
Gardenias love sunlight very much. If you can't provide them with more than 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day, it will be difficult for them to grow well. Note that it should be direct sunlight, not scattered light, as too gentle light won't promote blooming.
Gardenias prefer strong sunlight and do not like semi-shaded environments. Do not grow them in brightly lit or shaded conditions.
Gardenias cannot be sunburned. Even if the first week may result in yellow leaves, they will quickly grow new buds and leaves if exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Timely watering
When growing potted gardenias in a well-lit environment, be sure to water them in a timely manner and do not let the potting soil become too dry.