Gardenia has over 250 species of evergreen and flowering shrubs. Confused, about selecting the best one? That you would be able to select any species of gardenia, but confirm, which you buy the range which has nematode resistant rootstock, as gardenia are very prone to nematodes. The foremost beautiful among gardenia varieties are, gardenia jasminoides, gardenia psidioides and gardenia brighamii. Gardenia are low-maintenance plants, but one must are likely to gardenia care in winter, very properly.
Plants of gardenia look beautiful in summers with their glossy leaves and pure white flowers. But, when the temperature drops during winter, many problems can arise, particularly when keeping the plant indoors. The plant might start drooping and suddenly, the flower buds can start falling off. The leaves can become yellow, and begin dropping off the plant, just like the leaves of a tree start falling in autumn. So, gardenia plant care in winter becomes a challenge. But don’t worry, this article is going to provide the ideas on take care of gardenia plant during winter.
Gardenia Winter Care Instructions
The dwarf gardenia varieties are less winder hardy, when compared with standard gardenias. But the complete varieties need special care during winter season. Here, are the upkeep factors, for gardenia care in winter.
Light Requirements during Winter
For gardenia winter care, keep the plant in a groovy and humid place. Keep the gardenia plant in a bright spot, where it may get sunlight, like south side facing windows or install artificial light for houseplants. If providing natural light, ensure the plant not less than gets the daylight for half an afternoon and, keep the plant clear of any heating vents. During normal seasons, you may maintain the plant partially shade and part sun.
Humidity and Temperature Needs
Gardenias prefer warm and humid environment. To take care of proper humid conditions, for gardenia care in winter, is a piece difficult. You need to use humidifier to extend the humidity levels, also keep the plants on a tray of wet pebbles. When the humidity decreases, you also can fill a sprig bottle with water and moist the plant regularly. Keep the gardenia plant in cooler rooms during winter and place them near windows where they’re going to receive sunlight. Maintain a temperature of 55ºF during night and 65-75ºF through the day time.
Gardenia Watering Instructions for Winter
Gardenia plants can tolerate moderate drought conditions pretty easily. When container gardening, provide less amount of water to the gardenia plant or bushes in winter in comparison to summer time. For winter gardenia care in pots, pour the water and wait till top layer of one-2 inches of soil gets dry, nevertheless pour the water.
Soil and Fertilizers Requirements
Gardenias need acidic soil, having pH higher than 6. Maintain the soil moisture, for gardenia care in winter. You may check for moisture of the soil along with your fingers after every few days. Don’t give any fertilizer to the gardenia plant during winter. After the flowers appear, you’ll be able to move the plant to part shade and maintain the soil moisture.
Pruning Gardenia Care
The gardenia plant during winter, may be dormant and may be storing the food for the subsequent blooming season. In the event you prune during winter time, there’s a huge possibility of killing the pruned branch and in severe cases, the full plant. So, never prune the gardenia plant in winter. Pruning ought to be done, only after the flowering season of the gardenia gets over. Because, when pruning through the flowering season, there’s a huge possibility of trimming the flower buds.
The most challenging part when growing these plants is, the gardenia care in winter. Using the above guidelines, you are able to maintain a healthy and wonderful looking gardenia.