Gardenia HELP!!!

Question

Hi,

I bought a Gardenia 4 days ago. When I bought the plant it was very healthy. Within 2 days since i transplanted it, the leaves have gotten very hard and curled up. Pictures attached. I have it in a very sunny area that gets mildly hot in mid-summer but as of right now it hasnt been too sunny. there is also a building vent that slowly releases air near the window where the plant is. Maybe that is causing the issue? I moved it 3 feet away from the vent as well. Please let me know what I may be doing wrong. When I watered the plant I waited to see drainage from the pot hole. I also put a humidifer near it as well. And gave it a little fertilizer in the hopes that it helps. So far nothing has helped. I really like the plant and want to make it healthy again. The pot size that I transplanted is only slightly bigger than the one it came in. I am using a miracle-Gro potting mix to fill the pot. Should i addle pebbles in the bottom of the pot to help with drainage?

Answer 1

There are many many things that can cause this. The pH of the soil being off can do this, so I recommend applying dolomitic lime to the soil to correct this.

Too much sun can do this as well. They really prefer partial shade as to not get sunburned. If this is in full sun then this can happen.

If the weather is chilly at night, they will do this as well. They are really not that cold tolerant.

Here is an article that will help you on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm