Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000652
11/12/99
Gardenia jasminoides - Gardenia
Type: house plant
Comments: Gardenia has very exacting growth requirements
and numerous problems develop because of an unfavorable
environment. Grow Gardenia in sun during the winter and
partial shade in summer. Use an acid soil with a pH
between 5 and 6. Keep the soil moist and use an
acidifying fertilizer twice monthly from mid-winter to
early autumn. Proper temperatures are necessary to force
Gardenia into bloom (Vis. 1). No flower buds set at night
temperatures above 65 degrees. Keep small plants growing
by providing night temperatures above 65 degrees. A night
temperature above 65 degrees causes drop of flowers buds
already formed. Ideal forcing temperatures are 65 to 70
degrees during the day and 60 to 62 degrees at night. The
flowering response requires 14 hour nights. The plants
require high humidity. Repot Gardenia in late winter or
early spring.
The flower buds drop due to low humidity or a sudden
environmental change. Flower buds fail to form if day
temperatures are higher than 70 degrees or night
temperatures are less than 60 degrees. High soil pH
causes chlorosis and lack of flower bud formation. Leaf
drop, possibly delayed, can be caused by cold drafts,
improper watering, excessive fertilization, or several
consecutive dark cloudy days.
Propagation: Propagation is by cuttings of half ripened
wood taken between November and March. Rooting is better
with bottom heat.
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This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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