Question
Gardenia plant 
Gardenia
I have an indoor gardenia plant. How do I know when to repot it? Also I've noticed some white stuff where the leaf is attached to the stem. Some of the leaves are turning yellow then brown and are falling off. How do I save this plant?
AnswerHi Gerry,
Gardenias rarely need repotting. Repot only when the soil dries out within 3 days following a thorough watering.
It looks like your Gardenia does need to be pruned. Simply cut off approximately the last third of each stem. This pruning will also remove many of the white mealybugs that are on your plant.
To treat the remaining mealybugs, mix a solution of 5 parts water, 1 part isopropyl alcohol and a squirt of liquid soap. Then, thoroughly spray all leaf and stem surfaces until they are dripping wet. This is a messy process but it is essential to get complete coverage of the entire plant to be effective.
Make sure your Gardenia is very close to a moderately sunny window. Water it as soon as the surface of the soil is almost dry. Try to keep temps as cool as possible.
It is common for older leaves to discolor and fall off. Remove then as they start to turn yellow.
I have written detailed articles on pruning, treating pests and on Gardenia care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at
[email protected]. I have also written an indoor plant care book in a PDF format that I can sell you if you contact me at my email address.
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com
