I’ve had a small gardenia indoors since I bought it 4 months ago. I read that I could water it with water which I could add some white vinegar to for acidity. I’ve been doing this but I’ve also seen yellow leaves the day after and also some starting to turn brown at the tips and through the leafy. I want to repot but don’t know what soil mix I should use. Should I just water with water by itself to stop the yellowing? I have it at a north west facing kitchen window. Also where can I purchase a soil testing kit? Thanks!
Gardenia needs bright light plus high humidity to thrive. Do you have a south-facing window you could move it to? For humidity, you can try a pebble tray. The pH should be in the 5.0 to 6.5 range to avoid yellow leaves. You can buy soil test kits at local garden centers or nurseries and home improvement stores. Your local extension office also offers soil testing. Since yours is in a container, when you repot, look for potting soil for acid loving plants or make your own with one-half potting soil and one-half fine pine bark or peat moss. Use fertilizer for acid-loving plants. The vinegar is not going to appreciably acidify the soil pH.
These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/growing-gardenias-indoors.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/helping-a-gardenia-bush-with-yellow-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/common-gardenia-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/raise-humidity-for-houseplants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/use-vinegar-in-gardens.htm
The best strategy will be a gentle, sweeping spray from a garden hose or watering can. This should not disturb the soil enough to cause dips and peaks, as this will indicate that there could be root damage done.
This collection of articles will help:
We live in San Jose del Cabo and bought the plant locally. Recently replanted to a larger container
They look pretty normal. I believe the new growth is a bit lighter but should darken with age. It also could be a little stressed from the replanting. Keep an eye on it. If it continues to lighten, make sure your soil pH is acidic. Also, make sure those white dots on the leaves aren't aphids.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/growing-gardenias-indoors.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-pests.htm
I have the plant outdoor in a well lite area only direct sun early mornings.
Fortunately, there are numerous options available to you! These two collections of articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects
How to care for indoor gardenias
This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/growing-gardenias-indoors.htm
I live in NJ, zone 6b. I have a large S facing window. It gets lots of sun till early afternoon, then lots of light. Can it put gardenia plant in window and how far from glass. Thank you.
Yes, they need bright light and a south facing window gives the most light in an indoor situation. I wouldn't put it right in the window but a foot or two back should be fine. In the winter you can move it closer. It needs high humidity, acid soil, and frequent fertilization to thrive. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm
When I grew gardenias in pots, I selected a container with at least one good water drainage hole, rollers and a one-inch (or so) detached saucer to collect/catch any excess water (re-use the saucer water elsewhere or discard it). Provide about four hours of morning sun, afternoon shade or use a grow light with a timer. Do not forget to provide some ambient humidity. Consider moving them indoors once overnight temperatures typically fall below 60°F. If, during winter, you can measure lower temperatures where the pot is located, it is either too close to the window and-or the room temperature needs to be increased.
My gardenia is in in a pot, just finished blooming & I have cut it back. I want to plant in the ground & want to know how the prepare soil to plant in ground.
Gardenias need acidic soil so you will need to adjust for that if necessary. They also need fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/gardenia-plant.htm