Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
Gardenia Planting & Care Indoors
Gardenia Planting & Care Indoors. The common gardenia (Gardenia augusta) is a flowering shrub that grows to be up to 8 feet tall, producing dark-green, shiny, oval leaves topped with brilliantly fragrant, showy, white blooms. Gardenias are suitable plants for outdoor and indoor environments, growing well in containers. They require a moderate...
The common gardenia (Gardenia augusta) is a flowering shrub that grows to be up to 8 feet tall, producing dark-green, shiny, oval leaves topped with brilliantly fragrant, showy, white blooms. Gardenias are suitable plants for outdoor and indoor environments, growing well in containers. They require a moderate amount of care, and are susceptible to numerous pests and diseases.
Repotting
Containerized gardenias bought from a nursery do not need to be replanted unless their roots are growing out from the bottom of the pot. In this instance, repot in a larger container. Use a commercially prepared, sterilized potting soil mix, or a slightly acidic medium enhanced with peat moss. A half and half mix of sand and peat moss works well. Aim for a pH close to 6.0 and fertilize to increase acidity if necessary. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the gardenia in a stable environment.
Propagation
Gardenias can be propagated fairly easily from cuttings. For best results, take cutting in June, July or August. Keep root cuttings moist by misting them or keeping them in a pot covered by a plastic bag. Use a rooting medium that is a commercial gardenia potting mix, or a half and half mixture of sharp sand and peat moss. Gardenias can also be germinated by seed, though this is a slow, erratic process.
Location
Place indoor plants in a bright, sunny location where they can receive at least half a day of direct sunlight. Gardenias prefer temperatures of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 70 to 75 F during the day. Water regularly to keep the soil moist to the touch. Do not allow the soil to become "bone dry." Fertilize regularly during the growing season, following all instructions. Do not overfertilize, as this leads to an over accumulation of salts in the soil.
Pests
Gardenias are subject to a host of sap sucking pests, many of which may be found on the underside of foliage. Common indoor gardenia pests include whiteflies, thrips and spider mites. Spider mites may be washed off with a direct stream of cold water, or with an insecticide. Whiteflies and spider mites may be controlled with an insecticidal soap or insecticide. A horticultural oil such as neem oil can also be effective in controlling pests.
