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How to Raise Gardenias in Pots
How to Raise Gardenias in Pots. Native to Asia, gardenia plants (Gardenia augusta) can grow 6 to 8 feet tall--even in pots. The deep green foliage that complements the large, white blooms further enhances the grandiose stature. Somewhat fragile, gardenias prefer the outdoor temperatures of zones 8 through 11. If you live outside these USDA...
Native to Asia, gardenia plants (Gardenia augusta) can grow 6 to 8 feet tall--even in pots. The deep green foliage that complements the large, white blooms further enhances the grandiose stature. Somewhat fragile, gardenias prefer the outdoor temperatures of zones 8 through 11. If you live outside these USDA hardiness zones, you will need to grow your gardenia indoors. Raising gardenias in pots is fairly easy as long as you start with an appropriately sized container and an acid-based growing medium.
Things You'll Need
Planting pot
Acidic potting soil
Gardening gloves
Gardenia plant
Water
Grow light
Fertilizer
Pick the right pot for your gardenia. The right size pot is essential when it comes to the health of the gardenia, so a pot that measures at least 4 inches wider and 6 inches deeper than the root-ball should suffice. Make sure the pot contains drainage holes and a drip dish.
Fill the pot 3/4 full with an acidic potting soil. Gardenias thrive in acidic conditions, and a potting soil made up of 2 parts potting soil, 2 parts coarse sand, 2 parts peat moss, 1 part leaf mold and 1/3 part compost, will create a healthy environment for acid loving plants.
Dig a hole in the acid potting soil with your gloved hands and bury the gardenia plant in the pot. Gently pat the soil down around the main stem of the plant to remove air pockets.
Water the gardenia regularly, ideally every other day. Soak the soil when you water the gardenia, allowing it to run through the soil and out the drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out before you water it again.
Place the gardenia in a window that receives plenty of indirect sunlight. If you do not have a window to accommodate the gardenia, place it under a grow light for 8 to 12 hours per day.
Prune dead leaves and stems from the gardenia whenever necessary and nourish the gardenia with a water-soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer to the gardenia according to label instructions.
Tips & Warnings
Transplant the gardenia plant when the roots begin to grow too large for the pot. You will know that it is time to transplant if you notice the roots growing through the holes in the bottom of the pot, or if the soil begins to dry out faster than normal.
Do not over-water the gardenia plant. Standing water in the pot can cause root rot, a condition that can lead to the death of the gardenia.
