Gardenia Care in Winter

Gardenia has over 250 species of evergreen and flowering shrubs. Confused, about choosing the right one? You can select any species of gardenia, but make sure, that you buy the variety which has nematode resistant rootstock, as gardenia are very susceptible to nematodes. The most beautiful among gardenia varieties are, gardenia jasminoides, gardenia psidioides and gardenia brighamii. Gardenia are low-maintenance plants, but one needs to tend to give special attention to their care during winter.

Plants of gardenia look beautiful in summers with their glossy leaves and pure white flowers. But, when the temperature drops during winter, many problems can arise, particularly when keeping the plant indoors. The plant might start drooping and suddenly, the flower buds can start falling off. The leaves can become yellow, and start dropping off the plant, like the leaves of a tree start falling in autumn. So, gardenia plant care in winter becomes a challenge. But do not worry, this article will provide the guidelines on care for gardenia plant during winter.

Gardenia Winter Care Instructions

The dwarf gardenia varieties are less winder hardy, compared to standard gardenias. But all the varieties need special care during winter season.

Light Requirements during Winter
For gardenia winter care, keep the plant in a cool and humid place. Keep the gardenia plant in a bright spot, where it can get sunlight, like south side facing windows or set up artificial light for houseplants. If providing natural light, make sure the plant at least gets the sunlight for half a day and, keep the plant away from any heating vents. During normal seasons, you can maintain the plant in part shade and part sun.

Humidity and Temperature Needs
Gardenias prefer warm and humid environment. To maintain proper humid conditions in winter is a bit difficult. You can use humidifier to increase the humidity levels, also keep the plants on a tray of wet pebbles. When the humidity decreases, you can also fill a spray bottle with water and moist the plant regularly. Keep the gardenia plant in cooler rooms during winter and place them near windows where they will receive sunlight. Maintain a temperature of 55ºF during night and 65-75ºF during the day time.

Gardenia Watering Instructions for Winter
Gardenia plants can tolerate moderate drought conditions pretty easily. When container gardening, provide less amount of water to the gardenia plant or bushes in winter as compared to summer season. For winter gardenia care in pots, pour the water and wait till top layer of 1-2 inches of soil gets dry, then again pour the water.

Soil and Fertilizers Requirements
Gardenias need acidic soil, having pH higher than 6. Maintain the soil moisture level properly in winter. You can check for moisture of the soil with your fingers after every few days. Do not give any fertilizer to the gardenia plant during winter. After the flowers appear, you can move the plant to part shade and maintain the soil moisture.

Pruning Gardenia Care
The gardenia plant during winter, will be dormant and will be storing the food for the next blooming season. If you prune during winter time, there is a huge possibility of killing the pruned branch and in severe cases, the whole plant. So, never prune the gardenia plant in winter. Pruning should be done, only after the flowering season of the gardenia gets over. Because, when pruning during the flowering season, there is a huge possibility of trimming the flower buds.

The most challenging part when growing and maintaining gardenia plants during winter season. Using the above guidelines, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful looking gardenia.