In order for your gardenias to thrive, they need a certain amount of care. There are a few things to consider, especially when watering.
The viewer is attracted not only by the pretty white flowers but also by their scent. The pretty indoor plant from the tropics is not related to jasmine, but jasmine roses are just as demanding when it comes to care. Rise to the challenge, surround yourself with a classic and sensual flowering plant that will grace any floral window.
» Plant Description
Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) belong to the blush family. The name of the plant goes back to the Scottish doctor and scientist Alexander Garden, who worked in the 18th century and made a valuable contribution to the discovery and identification of the plant. Gardenias are native to Japan, Africa and southern China. There the plant can reach heights of growth of up to ten meters. The rich green, shiny leaves form a nice contrast to the light flowers, which initially appear white and later turn yellowish. Some species are cultivated as ornamental plants. The best-known houseplant in our latitudes is the Gardenia Jasminoides.
» Water gardenias properly
Even watering is important for the gardenia. The indoor gardener needs a bit of finesse. The plants tolerate neither dry bales nor waterlogging. Before the individual waterings, the surface is allowed to dry out slightly, but the soil must not dry out under any circumstances. This can be checked with your finger. A drainage made of potsherds on the bottom of the vessel protects against waterlogging. It is also important to ensure that the planter has sufficient drainage holes. Nor should the water collect in the planter.
Tip: After each watering, check whether water has accumulated in the planter and remove it as soon as possible
The gardenia also makes certain demands on the irrigation water itself. The plant does not tolerate lime, so watering it with tap water is taboo. Alternatively, rainwater or distilled water mixed with lime-free tap water can be used.
Warning: The water used should always be at room temperature.
Tips for watering gardenias in keywords:
- water regularly
- Avoid dry feet
- Avoid waterlogging
- ensure high humidity
- Rainwater instead of tap water
» Fertilize gardenias correctly
In general, the nutrient requirement of the gardenia should be considered moderate. This changes during the flowering period. Then the plant needs regular fertilizers. The use of rhododendron fertilizer is a good idea. The composition of these products best corresponds to the nutritional needs of the plant.
Fertilize gardenias correctly in keywords:Tip: Use lime-free fertilizer in any case. Bonsai fertilizer or vegetable fertilizer are also good alternatives.
- between spring and autumn every 14 days
- more common during flowering
- Use lime-free liquid fertilizer
Care instructions for the growth phase and flowering
- keep evenly moist but not wet
- Let the soil dry slightly
- fertilize weekly
- Spray leaves regularly
- keep constant at room temperature
- do not switch
- Avoid drafts
» Do gardenias need pruning?
Gardenias grow less than a meter high as a houseplant and therefore do not necessarily have to be cut. However, cutting back is a good idea and does the plant extremely well.
Spring is the best time to cut back gardenias. It is cut back except for an outside eye.
Tip: If the bark shows slight bulges, it may be a dormant eye. Its sprouting is stimulated by the pruning.
After pruning, the plant grows evenly and appears bushier. Gardenias tolerate pruning quite well and any wounds heal quickly. Use a sharp and sterile cutting tool!
» Gardenias as winter bloomers - how does that work?
Gardenias usually bloom in late summer in our latitudes. Those wanting to grow a winter bloomer can try this by breaking out the buds in the summer.
» Gardenia care tips at a glance
| Care Measure | Explanation |
| Casting | » Gardenias need evenly watered » The plant does not tolerate waterlogging or dry bulbs. » The soil should dry out slightly between the individual waterings. » The plant loves high humidity. » Calcareous water is not tolerated. |
| Fertilize | » Fertilizer is applied regularly between spring and autumn. » The need is particularly high during the flowering period. » Bonsai fertilizer, vegetable fertilizer or rhododendron fertilizer are suitable. |
| Cut | » Pruning back in spring is a good way to stimulate growth and flowering. » This involves pruning back to one eye pointing outwards. » Gardenias tolerate pruning well. |
» Some gardenia species presented
Only one of the approximately 250 gardenia species is suitable as a potted plant for the windowsill. This is Gardenia jasminoides, originally from China. In the meantime, different varieties have been bred out:
- Veitchii - eager winter bloomer
- Plena - particularly dense, white flowers
- Fortune - double flowers, reminiscent of camellias
There are no differences when it comes to caring for indoor plants. All of the tips and advice above apply to all gardenia species listed.
Gardenia thunbergia, a forest gardenia, is less suitable for the windowsill than for the conservatory.
» The gardenia for the garden - and it does exist
The Gardenia Crown Jewel is a speci alty. This variety was bred in the USA from the varieties Chuck Hayes and Kleims Hardy. This gardenia knows how to please the heart of the hobby gardener, it is comparatively easy to care for and, as a frost-resistant gardenia species, is also an option for planting in the garden bed. The cultivar grows rather low and has funnel-shaped double flowers that are profusely produced and fragrant.