My gardenia was doing fine
outdoors, but now that it is indoors for winter its leaves turned yellow and
began falling off. What can I do to save it?
Your gardenia, like other
plants moved indoors for winter, is adjusting to the change in growing
conditions. The lower light, shorter days, and drier air are difficult growing
conditions for many, especially gardenia, plants. Grow your plant in a warm sunny location. Avoid drafts of hot or cold air. Move plants to the sunniest, usually
south-facing, window. Supplement
the natural light with an artificial light if light is limited and your plants
are struggling through the winter.
Increase the humidity by grouping plants together. Place pebbles in the saucer and keep it
filled with water. The pot should
rest on the pebbles, not sit in the water. As the water evaporates it increases the humidity around the
plants. Leaves
of these and other acid loving plants turn pale green or yellow with green
veins when the soil is too alkaline (sweet). Try using distilled water, water from your dehumidifier,
rain water or melted snow to water the plants. These sources of water are more neutral or slightly acidic. With proper care and some luck you
should have a healthy plant and a few fragrant blooms. Wait until the plants recover
from the move indoors and new growth appears to start fertilizing. Use a dilute solution of flowering
houseplant fertilizer for acid loving plants.






