Ultimate Guide to Growing Gardenias as Houseplants
If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing the intoxicating scent of gardenias indoors, you’re not alone. These beautiful flowers with vibrant green foliage and creamy white or yellow blooms are sure to elevate any living space. But growing gardenias indoors isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires a bit more effort and attention to detail than some other houseplants.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of gardenias as houseplants. From recommended indoor growing conditions to cultivars ideal for indoor cultivation, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully grow gardenias in your home.
What You’ll Learn
- Recommended Indoor Growing Conditions
- Temperature
- Light
- Soil and Drainage
- Humidity
- Care and Maintenance Tips
- Cultivars to Select for Growing as Houseplants
Recommended Indoor Growing Conditions
Originating from the tropical regions of East Asia, gardenias thrive in high humidity and specific temperature ranges. When grown outdoors, they prefer regions with temperatures that don’t dip below 55°F at night and reach 70-75°F during the day. While gardenias can survive freezing weather, they perform best in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.
When growing gardenias indoors, you’ll need to replicate their preferred outdoor conditions with a few additional considerations:
Temperature
Maintain a consistent temperature of around 60°F at night and 70-75°F during the day. Avoid drafty areas and significant temperature variations to ensure optimal growth.
Light
Gardenias require bright, indirect light for about four to five hours per day. Morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal. Placing them near a sunny windowsill facing south or west can provide the necessary light. Consider using a grow light on a timer during shorter winter days.
Soil and Drainage
Ensure proper drainage by using pots with drainage holes and well-draining soil rich in humus. Aim for a soil pH of 5.0 to 6.0, suitable for acid-loving plants. Prepackaged mixes like Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Premium Soil can be a good choice.
Humidity
Maintaining humidity levels around 50% is crucial for gardenias, especially for bud development and blooming. Enhance humidity by misting the plants, using trays with wet pebbles or sand, and employing a humidifier in dry winter conditions.
Care and Maintenance Tips
- Use the original container until roots protrude from the drainage holes, then repot with caution.
- Select decorative containers with drainage trays for easy watering and drainage.
- Avoid disturbing roots while repotting or transplanting.
- Develop a watering schedule to prevent over-saturation and root rot.
- Fertilize regularly with an acidifying fertilizer following label instructions.
- Prune dead leaves, spent blooms, and trim tips annually to maintain shape.
- Monitor for indoor pests like aphids, mealybugs, scale, and whiteflies.
Cultivars to Select for Growing as Houseplants
For indoor cultivation, consider smaller hybrid varieties suited for containers and small spaces. Here are some recommended cultivars:
Buttons
- Two-inch white flowers with “button” centers
- Broadleaf evergreen, reaching 2-3 feet tall
- Available in various sizes from Nature Hills Nursery
Diamond Spire
- Dwarf variety with spiral foliage and daisy-shaped flowers
- Growing up to 4 feet tall
- Available from the Southern Living Plant Collection
Radicans
- Compact variety, growing 6-12 inches tall
- Fragrant white blooms and glossy green leaves
- Available in quart-size containers from Nature Hills Nursery
The Sweet Smell of Indoor Success
Growing gardenias as houseplants may require more effort compared to low-maintenance plants, but the rewards are well worth it. The elegant blooms and alluring fragrance of gardenias add a touch of luxury to any indoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned indoor gardener or new to the hobby, cultivating gardenias indoors can be a rewarding experience.
Join the conversation: Have you successfully grown gardenias indoors? Share your insights and questions in the comments section below. If you’re interested in exploring more flowering houseplants, check out our guides on Fuchsia, Bird of Paradise, and Hoya.
Photos by Rose Kennedy
