Hello Lovegreen. I suspect that your gardenia may have been in a cold draught or possibly even frosted before you bought it. They are tender plants and should never be in a temperature less than 15C. and should be kept on a south facing windowsill in the winter. They need a humid atmosphere around them too so could be misted with rain water at room temperature. Where did you buy it? I would be tempted to return it as you have hardly had it 5 minutes and that damage was possibly inflicted prior to your buying the plant. Gardenias are not the easiest of plants to start with as they can be finicky.
Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
Hi Ladybird thanks for your reply. I bought it from the plant shop in Kew Gardens so that's disappointing. Do you think I can save it? I have it in a bright position but I wouldn't say sunny. I'll try to relocate it. Hmm sounds like they are fussy.
They do not like hot sun which at this time of year we don't have and that is why a south facing windowsill is fine now but in high summer you would have to move it out of the direct sun or it will scorch. Yes, they are fussy and can be quite difficult to maintain. They are acid lovers and therefore should only be watered with rain water and not tap water. The rain water should always be at room temperature. The pot shoud be stood on a large saucer with pebbles in it and these should be kept wet at all times to create the humidity the gardenia needs. When re-potting an ericaceous compost must be used and not multi purpose compost which is too alkaline.
Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
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Hello Lovegreen. I suspect that your gardenia may have been in a cold draught or possibly even frosted before you bought it. They are tender plants and should never be in a temperature less than 15C. and should be kept on a south facing windowsill in the winter. They need a humid atmosphere around them too so could be misted with rain water at room temperature. Where did you buy it? I would be tempted to return it as you have hardly had it 5 minutes and that damage was possibly inflicted prior to your buying the plant. Gardenias are not the easiest of plants to start with as they can be finicky.
Hi Ladybird thanks for your reply. I bought it from the plant shop in Kew Gardens so that's disappointing. Do you think I can save it? I have it in a bright position but I wouldn't say sunny. I'll try to relocate it. Hmm sounds like they are fussy.
They do not like hot sun which at this time of year we don't have and that is why a south facing windowsill is fine now but in high summer you would have to move it out of the direct sun or it will scorch. Yes, they are fussy and can be quite difficult to maintain. They are acid lovers and therefore should only be watered with rain water and not tap water. The rain water should always be at room temperature. The pot shoud be stood on a large saucer with pebbles in it and these should be kept wet at all times to create the humidity the gardenia needs. When re-potting an ericaceous compost must be used and not multi purpose compost which is too alkaline.
Fab thanks so much. Goodness what a diva ????
You are very welcome. Good luck!