What's your question? Ask

Gardenia Plants

Q.Gardenia tree in outdoor pot

Zone Luguna Beach CA. 92651 | growordie added on March 1, 2017 | Answered

I live by the ocean in So. California. I have a Gardenia “tree” in a large pot on my patio. This winter I thought it may have been poisoned. The leaves turn dark brown and wilt, though there is plenty of moisture in the soil. When I water or it rains, I move the pot and there is a little oil slick on the water that drained out of the pot. I do not add anything but distilled water or rain water and some fertilizer for new growth. It’s dying. Help.

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
Alisma
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on March 1, 2017

Wilting can be caused by overwatering as well as underwatering, so make sure the plant is not staying too soggy all the time but is drying out a bit between waterings. However, it is strange that there is oil coming out of the pot, and this could definitely be the root of its problems. Could it be something leaching out of the pot itself? Also, make sure you're not adding more than the recommended amount of fertilizer.

In any case, the best thing to do is to try to wash whatever it is out of the soil. To do this, don't increase watering frequency (since this could drown the plant's roots), but each time you water, water very well and let the water run freely out the drainage holes to rinse the soil. Or, you could repot the plant in new soil.

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Gardenia Plants
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK