Indoor Plants For The Holidays - Gardenia

No other indoor blooming plant seems to adequately compare to the grace, beauty and fragrance of Gardenias!

If flowers have an attitude . . . then a Gardenia is the prima donna ballerina at the dance.

Their noticeably glossy leaves sparkle and shine to gain your attention. Creamy yellow and crisp white blossoms dramatically dance in contrast against the dark green bushy leaves. But without a doubt, it is the amazing scent of a Gardenia flower that keeps all other flowers on their toes ! For when they blossom, it is the Gardenia’s intoxicating flower fragrance that commands center stage. Gardenias are a popular indoor blooming plant, that also just happens to make a wonderful holiday gift!

These splendid shrub plants are extraordinarily beautiful while blooming. When the scented blooms have faded away, the bush produces vibrant red-orange berries in their place. They are actually a member of the Coffee family.  Gardenias do love to put on a show!

Lovely Gardenia flowers are in demand by discerning brides for use in their wedding bouquets on their special day.

The bridal party's formal fashions are only enhanced by the adornment of Gardenias. The pure, fragrant white blossoms make elegant corsages for the ladies, and the gentlemen enjoy Gardenias as their boutonniere.

The Gardenia’s personality could also be described as the ’difficult ingénue’ of the dance troupe, alas! In order for a consistently flawless performance, the Gardenia has some requirements that must be met. So let’s set the stage for great Gardenia growing success with a bit of knowledge about their particular preferences.

They have a short list of likes, and dislikes. Knowing these tips will help ensure a happy and long-living plant that returns for a repeat performance!

Gardenias are tender plants that do grow well indoors. They have received their ‘diva’ reputation due to their dependency on consistency . Being consistent in their care and cultivation is key to your Gardenia’s triumphant success!

Give the star of the show the proper spotlight. Bright light ~ but not direct light. Avoid a location where the direct sunlight is too strong. Indirect, high light is the best for your Gardenia.

Moisture is a must for this beauty’s good temperament! Keep your Gardenia on the moist side. Reduce watering in the winter months, but remain consistent. Do not let the soil dry out ~ or else ‘it’s curtains, show over’ !

Gardenias grow very well in containers. Use a nonalkaline soil mix suitable for Rhododendrons. Gardenias prefer to have their soil slightly on the acidic side.

An equally important growing requirement for a flourishing Gardenia plant is to meet their needs for warm temperatures. Above 60ºF is preferred ~ with 75-82ºF being ideal for daytime. Nighttime temperatures are even more crucial; Gardenias must have 60-62ºF for this time in order to develop buds. Avoid cold drafts if temperature drops lower.

Gardenia plants benefit from regular applications of fertilizer. Give a dose of feed biweekly with a nonalkaline fertilizer. There are terrific fertilizers available specifically formulated for acid-loving plants.

Gardenias do not like to be watered with cold water, so give them drinks that have rested at room temperature. Fill a watering container the day before so it may reach room temperature. This also allows the chemicals in the water, such as chlorine, to be expelled. Add fertilizer to feed your beautiful Gardenia plant and keep it happy and healthy.

~ Gardenias love humidity! Keep a plant misting bottle nearby, and give it an occasional spray as you passing by.

Gardenias love settling in once they arrive. They resist being shuttled from location to location. Leaf and bud drop happens when they are disturbed, so finding the best spot and allowing them to adapt there is important. Leaf and bud drop is common for a new arrival, so be aware that this is a typical reaction to the move. They’ll acclimate to the new area and recuperate and rebound soon.