Can you help me save a gardenia plant I got for Christmas?

Question

I received a lush, bud laden gardenia plant for Christmas. I have it on a table in front of my sliding glass door. It dropped a few leaves initially, but has stopped that. The buds are turnign brown at the base & falling off. I thought maybe I was watering it too much, so slowed down. Then the leaves looked limp, so I watered it and it looked better. Is there anyway I can keep this plant alive? It is in the plastic nursery pot--should I repot it? I live in the Chicago area, so it can't go outside. What do you think?

Answer 1

Here you have some tips
Repot in a 2" larger pot. Ask for iron chelate and mix a tbsp with the soil
Locate in a bright window not so close from heat vent
Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Set outside by early April
Good luck

Answer 2

You are not alone.

I may not be of much help. The same thing happened to mine a long time ago.

I bought another one and had a humidifier close by to the plants, provided good diffused light and careful watering.

This self-induced slavery worked well for a year until I moved into a house.

The gardenia is now residing in my garden soil as compost.

Remember, these gorgeous plants were grown in a commercial greenhouse under ideal conditions usually arriving in the shops at Christmas time for quick sales as they are beautiful as well as scented.

I would think that the shock of even leaving the greenhouse would be enough to induce dropping off.

Sorry, but I found them tricky little buggers.

Answer 3

Try fish emulsion! Plants need food. Gardenia's are tricky ...but not to bad. Water only when needed, fertilize with organic fish emulsion and always pick the flowers when they bloom. The light should be slightly defused and they like acid in their soil. Make sure your pot has holes in it. Put it outside when it is warmer...not freezing.

http://www.circle-one.com/fishemulsion.html

Good luck!