Gardenia "sleep" temperature requirements
Dear Reader Chen Gang:
I recently purchased two gardenia plants, and after they bloomed, the leaves began to show dry tips and gradually fell off. I'm concerned about what might be causing this issue and would like to know how to properly care for gardenias during autumn and winter.
As a regular reader of "You Have Something to Do with Your Speech," I’m eager to get expert advice on this matter. According to horticulture experts from the Tianjin Landscape Architecture Bureau, gardenias thrive in warm, sunny, and humid environments with good air circulation. They are acid-loving plants that require loose, moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. It's important to note that gardenias are not very cold-tolerant—low temperatures can cause leaf drop, and dry air may lead to leaf tip burn.
Now that we're entering the dormant season, proper care is essential. Here are some key tips:
1. **Light**: Ensure your gardenia gets plenty of sunlight. More light will help promote healthy growth.
2. **Temperature**: During autumn and winter, place the plant in a sunny spot, keeping the temperature above 0°C. However, avoid excessively high temperatures, as this can interfere with next year’s flowering. The ideal range is between 5°C and 12°C. If the temperature exceeds 15°C, ensure good ventilation to help the plant enter dormancy properly.
3. **Humidity**: Gardenias prefer a moist environment. In dry climates like Tianjin during autumn and winter, it's crucial to increase humidity. You can mist the leaves regularly and water the surrounding area to maintain moisture in the air.
4. **Fertilization**: Reduce or stop fertilizing during this time. Over-fertilizing can stress the plant.
5. **Watering**: Use tap water that has been left to stand for two days to allow chlorine to evaporate. Alternatively, you can use rice water or vegetable broth. Water sparingly—only when the soil is slightly dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water every 5–7 days, ensuring thorough watering but avoiding waterlogged soil. Also, rinse the branches with warm water to keep the leaves clean and free from dust.
It's normal for gardenias to shed older leaves in the fall as new growth emerges. Yellowing leaves may indicate natural leaf replacement, and these can be gently removed. However, if yellowing persists, it could be due to overly alkaline soil. Gardenias are sensitive to poor or alkaline soils, which can cause leaf discoloration and stunted growth. To correct this, you can add 0.1% ferrous sulfate or 0.5% vinegar to the watering solution once every 15 days to lower the pH and improve soil conditions.
With proper care, your gardenias should recover and thrive again in the coming seasons.
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