How Long Does It Take a Gardenia Bud to Bloom?

Question

I have reluctantly acquired the duties of caring for a gardenia plant. It had one bloom that turned dark and died and a couple of buds that just fell off. After w-e-e-k-s there are now about 7 buds of varying sizes. How long does it take a bud to actually bloom? Or is there a way to determine if these are going to suffer the same fate as their predecessors? There does appear to be quite a bit of new foliage, but when can I expect blooms?

Answer 1

It sounds like the plant does not have enough humidity. This can delay the blooms from opening or even cause them to fall off before opening. Mist the plant every few days or set it on a pebble tray filled with water to raise the humidity around the plant.