Gardenia 

Gardenias are beloved for their fragrant, creamy-white flowers and glossy green foliage. Though they require a bit of extra care, their beautiful blooms and intoxicating scent make them well worth the effort. The following guidelines will help you care for most common indoor and outdoor gardenia varieties.

Light

• Bright, indirect light to full sun.

• Prefers at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.

• Indoor gardenias thrive near a south- or west-facing window.

• Too little light may reduce flowering, while too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Watering

• Avoid overwatering, but don’t let soil dry out completely!

• Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.

• Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry.

Temperature

• Ideal Temperature: 65–75°F.

• Night temperatures around 60°F (16°C) encourage blooming.

Fertilizing

• Feed regularly during the growing season (spring to early fall).

• Use an acidic fertilizer (such as azalea or camellia fertilizer) every 2–4 weeks.

• Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers, as gardenias prefer a balanced or nitrogen-rich formula.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

• Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy.

• Repot every 2–3 years in fresh, acidic soil.