Gardenia houseplants are really challenging plants to bring into bloom, especially if you live in our area. The combination of low temperature and high humidity needs is tough to maintain. Here are a few care items for you to check: 

• The most frequent reason for buds to drop off is warm temperatures in the home. Provide a steady night temperature of 60 - 63°F. during the period flower buds are forming and allow the temperature to rise no more than 10 degrees during the day.
• Ongoing humidity is necessary. Provide extra humidity with a large pebble tray kept filled with water placed under the plant's pot or a humidifier.  Check that the humidifier is not leaving damaging dampness on the leaves and flowers. You can use a simple hygrometer near the pot to see if you are achieving a target 60+% humidity.
• A steady watering routine is also important. Use distilled or rain water to avoid lime build up that can change the soil pH.
• Feed with a dilute acid fertilizer with iron every two to four weeks during the growing season.
• Offer very bright filtered light, directly in an east-facing window or 4 to 5 feet from a south-facing window if you are in the New York City area.
• A change of location can be enough stress on the plant to cause buds to fall.

Read more detail on all the conditions and care that is needed to grow this houseplant in our Guide to Gardenia Houseplants.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service