| purchased at home depot, has buds but they just fall off and never flower, what am I doing wrong |
| The most irritating problem encountered with gardenias is bud drop, when flower buds abort just before blooming. Common causes include low humidity, over-watering, under-watering, insufficient light high temperatures, rapid temperature fluctuations, cold drafts or change in plant locations. In other words, gardenias are temperamental! Gardenias thrive in daytime temperature of 68-74 degrees F and nighttime temperatures of about 60F. Plants prefer full sun indoors; if grown outdoors for the spring, summer and early fall, keep plants in partial shade. An east or covered west porch will be satisfactory. High humidity is essential to gardenia care. Avoid misting the foliage, though, as leaf spot fungal problems will develop. The soil should be kept uniformly moist, but don?t overwater. A loose, well-drained organic soil is recommended. You can increase the humidity near your plant by setting it in a gravel filled tray in which you keep a little water. As the water evaporates it increases humidity around the plant. Fertilize monthly between April and November with an acidified fertilizer. Hope this information is helpful. |
