Question From: P. FISHER - Rochester, Michigan, United States
Q: I think I maybe losing the battle to keep my GARDENIA plant healthy until the weather is right to put it on my deck. I read your article in HomeStyle providing TLC for houseplants. The inner leaves are turning yellow and drying out and of course falling off. There is still plenty of green leaves at this time. The plant is sitting on the floor a few feet away from the door wall to the deck. It receives in-direct sunlight. I water as needed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you. Pat Fisher Rochester, MI
A: Gardenias are needy plants and yours is sitting in an area that is probably too cold and possibly drafty. They like consistant temps between 65 and 75 in winter. Sudden changes make them cranky. Water well and let the soil dry a couple inches down before re-watering in winter using room temperature water that has set for at least 4 hours to let the chlorine dissipate. Put it on a large pebble tray on bright but indirect sunlight. Do not fertilize till March. If it were mine I would also give it Super Thrive every other time I watered it. Good Luck and Happy Yardening, Nancy
