Question
hey , 1st of all thanks for helping me and i'd like to ask you about a plant i have just bought called gardenia , when i bought it ,it had flowers but not yet opened and the first flower opened and kept for several days and then died but after that every flower that was goimg to open dies it dries from the part connected to the plant and becomes black so the flower fall down plz help if you can thx  

Answer
Hi Mohamed,

Gardenias are one of the more difficult plants to grow and bloom indoors successfully. Gardenias are not easy to bloom indoors because they have rather strict temperature requirements. Temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees are essential when gardenias are in bud or bloom. Bud drop occurs above 70 degrees. Bud deformity occurs below 55 degrees. Letting the soil get too dry will also cause bud drop. In addition, a change in environment will also sometimes cause bud drop. Do not repot or fertilize at this time.

Direct sunlight, high humidity, and acidic soil (5.0 pH) are also important for maintaining gardenias successfully. Avoid repotting until it is utterly potbound. Use an acid fertilizer, such as Miracid, but don't overdo it. Good luck with this challenging plant.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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