How to care for a Gardenia plant

Gardenias are native to tropical regions of Asia and have been cultivated in China as far back as the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD).

Gardenias are not knows as strong air purifiers.

Gardenia plants are toxic to pets.

Gardenias like to have consistently moist soil, so make sure to stay on top of watering! Water when the top inch or so of the soil has dried. Inconsistent watering will lead to bud drop (flower buds dropping before they bloom). They also love humidity so avoid placing near heat/AC vents and consider adding misting or using a humidifier.

Gardenias need lots of bright, indirect light, but avoid direct light as it can burn their leaves. If you have your Gardenia outside, it should be in a spot where it is in the partial shade. Gardenias are also particular about temperature, if it's too hot or too cold they may drop their flower buds before they bloom. Aim for 18-21 degrees C.

Fertilize every three weeks during the spring and summer with an acidic fertilizer.

Repot every two to three years with a low-pH (acidic) soil mix.

The best time to prune a Gardenia plant is after the plant has finished blooming. Any spent booms can be trimmed off and branches can be trimmed to maintain the desired shape.

Gardenias are susceptible to pests so make sure to keep an eye out and check over the leaves on a regular basis. Fungal diseases are also fairly common and often can be treated with a fungicide.