Question
Kathy I have a gardenia tree that in the summer time lost it buds (more loss than bloom).  I brought it in the house in September (I  live on L.I.in NY) and since then the plant has gone down hill.  The plant has thinned out, leaves turned brown/black and brittle.  I repotted the plant recently but the plant is still not doing well.  I cut back the black/dead branches hoping this would help.  The plant is in full sun daily. The temp is around 60 to 65. Can you help me with this.  Thank you, Madeline

Answer
Hi Madeline, I will do my best, I am not an expert in house plants.  However, a few tips may help you.  A gardenia can go down to 35 degrees, so don't rush bringing it into the house.  If you have a dish under it to collect water, you must empty the water out after 15 minutes or you can rot your plant.  Brown/black tips is usually an indication of too much water.  Once you have moved it up, remember the plant dries from the outside of the pot in.  The plant can stay wet on the inside and be dry on the outside.  So on a new move up water the outside of the pot area and when the plant looks dry water the whole pot.  Hope these tips help...kathy