Gardenias Problems

Gardenias problems usually rear their ugly heads during the spring. If you are experiencing problems, from wilted leaves to lack of blooms, read on to find out remedies that you can use today.

Common Gardenias Problems

Yellow Leaves

A common gardenias problem is the yellowing of the leaves. This can happen if your plants are outdoors year round or if you keep them indoors. If your plant is suffering with this condition it is usually due to the following:

• Cold temperatures - Cold temperatures may cause yellowing of the leaves. If your plants are indoors, move them to a warmer area or increase the temperature in the room they are in
• Poor drainage- Poor drainage can also cause this problem, so be sure you are keeping the plants moist, but not wet. Place indoor plant pots on rocks in their dishes to ensure they never sit in water. Outdoor plants should be in well-drained soil. The soil composition should include a mixture of sand and vermiculite, especially if you have clay soil.
• Soil lacking important nutrients – add a soil acidifier, such as MirAcid, iron or magnesium supplements to the soil. Read all package directions carefully before application.

Browning or Brown Spots on Leaves

Gardenias love a moist environment, but they don't like being drenched and having water on their leaves. If your gardenias have brown leaves or you notice brown spots on them, this is usually due to:

• Poor drainage – gardenias love to be moist but not soaking wet. Be sure the plant is allowed to drain thoroughly between waterings.
• Not enough humidity for indoor plants – try using a humidifier in the room where you keep your gardenias
• Not enough sunlight – gardenias need at least eight hours of full sunlight each day
• Pests – check your plants for pests underneath the leaves, in the soil (when you water your plants, do bugs rise out of the soil?), and on the stems. The type of pest will determine which pesticide you will use. Spider mites commonly cause this condition, and they can be treated with Neem.
• Improper pH- check your soil pH (should be 5.0 to 5.5). Add MirAcid if necessary

No Blooms

Nothing is more frustrating than not having blooms on your gardenia plant. After all, the reason many people choose this plant is for their fragrant blooms. If your plant doesn't have any blooms in the spring, it is usually due to pruning your plant too late in the season.

After the blooms fall off during the season, that is when you should prune it. If you wait too long, the blooms will set for the next year. It is important to note that some gardenia varieties bloom twice during the growing season. Be sure to check what type of variety you have before you prune for the season.

Hard Blooms that Won't Open

One of the most frustrating gardenias problem is having a plant with plenty of blooms, but they are hard, won't open and they may be yellowing. To correct these conditions try:

• Checking the soil pH (should be 5.0 to 5.5) and add MirAcid if necessary, following the package directions carefully
• Temperature is very important for blooming- if it is too cold outdoors your plants may not bloom properly. Indoor plants need a room with constant humidity and warm temperatures.
• Drainage is also important- a wet plant is an unhappy plant. Be sure your plant is moist, but not soaking wet.

Bloom Drop

Bloom drop can be very disappointing for gardenia owners. This usually happens when the plant is transplanted while it is in bloom. The best way to avoid this is to wait until a plant is done with the blooming cycle, then transplant the plant to a new pot or place it in the ground.

Pests

Insect pests are a constant gardenias problem. Your plant may end up with pests even if you keep it indoors. Plants can become infested either from other plants that are introduced into the environment, from infected stock at a nursery or from insects that circulate freely outdoors. The most common pests for gardenias are:

• Spider Mites – put a piece of white paper under several leaves and shake the leaves gently. Fold the piece of paper in half making sure to firmly flatten the crease. Open the paper up- if you see small red smudges, you have mites. Treat your plant with Neem
• Aphids – spray with a soap spray
• Scale – the small black-headed females do not have wings; the males have wings. Can be treated with horticultural oil
• Root Nematodes – above ground the plant will have wilted and yellowing leaves, despite the correct moisture and watering. There are no pesticides for nematodes. Carefully select young plants and only purchase the most healthy looking plants and varieties.
• Mealy Bugs – tiny wingless grayish colored insects. Look for white, cottony masses appearing on your plant. They can be treated with a soap spray, horticultural oil or simply a steady stream of water to remove the masses.
• Whiteflies - identified as small white bugs in groups on the underside of leaves. They will cause the yellowing of leaves. Neem will help reduce, but will not eliminate, whiteflies. The best way to manage white flies is to remove infected leaves and remove host plants that attract these pests in your home or garden.

Gardenias provide beautiful, lush green foliage in the garden and fragrant blooms. Keep your plants healthy by providing the correct amount of moisture, plenty of sunlight and the right soil pH. Prune your plants only as needed and be sure to check your plants for pests on a regular basis. Gardenia plants can live for many years if they receive the right care..

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