My gardenia soil is too porous

Potted gardenia is spending its second winter indoors in a south-facing window on a tray filled with pebbles with a full-time humidifier going. I know that drowning is the #1 cause of death, but my guy is bone dry every day. He gets about 16oz of water a day, plus spraying. That tells me the soil is wrong, too well-drained, but I hate to transplant, especially with 4-6 healthy looking buds on it. Any advice?? Thanks!

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3 Comments To "My gardenia soil is too porous"

#1 Comment By Heather On 12/01/2013 @ 10:37 pm

Try to work in some organic material, like compost, into the soil, even if it is the top few inches. Organic material is what helps soil hold onto water longer.

#2 Comment By peteg On 12/01/2013 @ 10:52 pm

I can definitely do that. Can’t do my own compost heap though, because I’m in an apartment. But surely organic materials are available in garden centers?
Thanks, Heather!

#3 Comment By Heather On 12/01/2013 @ 11:36 pm

Yes, they will sell it bagged. If you are unable to find straight compost, composted manure or peat moss will work as well. You may also just want to layer an extra few inches on top of the soil. While it won’t help immediately, it will work its way into the potting soil eventually.

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