Plant Library
Gardenia Care Guide
Gardenia jasminoides
By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error
Gardenias are grown for intensely fragrant white flowers. They are demanding indoors, needing bright light, humidity, acidic soil and steady temperatures.
Plant profile
- Light
- Bright light with some direct sun
- Water
- Keep evenly moist with room-temperature water
- Humidity
- High
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA) [ASPCA]
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Size
- 1-3 ft in a pot
- Growth
- Moderate
Light
Bright light with some direct sun. Rotate the pot every few weeks so growth stays even.
Water
Keep evenly moist with room-temperature water. Always use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. Plants use far less water in winter.
Humidity and temperature
Humidity: high. Most houseplants prefer 60-80°F (16-27°C) and dislike cold drafts and heating vents.
Soil and feeding
Use a well-draining potting mix with bark or perlite for air. Feed lightly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength; skip feeding in winter.
Our tip
Bud drop is usually caused by a change: a move, a cold draft, or drying out. Keep conditions steady once buds form.
Common problems
- Buds dropping: Moving, drafts, dry air or drying out.
- Yellow leaves with green veins: Iron deficiency; use an acid fertilizer.
- Pests: Mealybugs and spider mites.
Pets
Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), according to the ASPCA plant list. If a pet chews it and shows symptoms, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Check any plant in our Pet-Safe Plant Checker.
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