How to care for gardenia. Falling flower buds

This fragrant tropical flower has a not very good reputation as a capricious and difficult plant to grow at home. Gardenia is really not easy to plant and care for, and a small inaccuracy in agricultural technology can easily nullify all the efforts expended. However, if you correctly approach the issue and the choice of varieties, you can greatly facilitate this task and achieve your goal. And she, given the exquisite appearance and stunning jasmine aroma of the flower, has long been valued and used in the manufacture of cosmetics and perfumes, it's worth it. And, of course, it is also important to learn “on the shore” how to care for a capricious gardenia at home and achieve its favor.

general description

AT wild nature gardenia is evergreen shrub, which can sometimes take a tree form. Belongs to the Marenov family. It grows in the tropical and subtropical forests of China, India, Indonesia, and is found in Japan. It is a compact shrub with a smooth stem and short branches with leathery shiny leaves of rich green color.

Flowering is long, begins in mid-summer and ends in October. At proper fit and proper care during this period, its shoots are completely strewn with numerous flowers in varying degrees of budding. Outwardly, they resemble roses, it will not yield to the queen of flowers and in terms of a delicate pleasant aroma. The elegance of appearance allows you to use gardenia in the design of interior solutions of a very different style.

The closest relative of this tropical flower is coffee.

Types of gardenia with a photo

Botanists describe about 250 varieties, among which for home growing the most acceptable gardenia jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides) comes from the southern provinces of China. The second, almost unused name of the variety is Augusta gardenia. Its double inflorescences are similar to the camellia. They are also trying to grow at home the African variety of gardenia thunbergia (Gardenia thunbergia), which is distinguished by single inflorescences. You should know that the second variety is more whimsical. In addition, knowledge about how to care for gardenia is not enough without meeting a number of subjective conditions (for example, the absence of windows of the desired orientation or their shading by trees).

As a result of the long cultivation of the jasmine variety, many varieties have appeared, of which the most popular and suitable for growing in rooms and greenhouses can be distinguished.

• Beauty- tall variety with large double wax flowers blooming throughout summer season until the last days of October. In greenhouses it can reach a height of 2 meters.
• Chuck Hkes- very semi-double fragrant variety with ivory flowers. Flowering summer, rather short. Differs in the increased resistance to cold.
• Amy- stands out more light color foliage. The flowers are terry, have almost perfect shape which makes them look artificial. Highly valued for its ability to bloom twice a year.
• Mystery- tall large-flowered variety with very dark leaves. Terry inflorescences have flat shape, up to 13 cm in diameter. Forms a very strong bush with a tendency to vertical growth. It can also bloom a second time.
• Belmond- large-flowered and densely double, has a high tolerance to low temperatures and diseases. The diameter of the inflorescences with an amazing aroma reaches 10 cm.
• Variegata- slow growing compact shrub with rounded variegated leaves having transitions from green to light beige. A good option for pot growing at home.
• Radicans- dwarf varietal line, which is an ideal option for bonsai. The width of the crown exceeds its height. The leaves are small, leathery, with a waxy sheen, the flowers are double, medium-sized. Flowering occurs later than other varieties of jasmine gardenia.
• Radican Variegata- a variety bred on the basis of the previous one with more grown characteristics. Extremely slow growing, making it an excellent candidate for bonsai, the green leaves have a light cream streak along the edge. Flowering later, short, in the summer.
• Golden Magic- white corollas of inflorescences have a characteristic transition to a golden yellow color. Blooms spectacularly and for a long time.

Features of buying a gardenia

Despite the increased demands of the flower for heat, it is currently possible to buy it all year round, although it is certainly more difficult to do this in winter. The copies sold have a pronounced division into "classes" according to the category of their cost from manufacturers. The most expensive specimens are put up for sale in the bud stage, which requires help for its disclosure. This should be done under a warm, but not hot shower.

Moving a gardenia into a house (or any other place) is much more stressful for her than for many other plants, so many specimens die already at this stage. According to flower growers, drugs such as Epin, Zircon or HB101 can help her survive stress. Dosage and frequency must be observed in accordance with the attached instructions.

In expensive specimens, the inner petals are often carefully sealed with wax, which requires the same careful removal. From above, the buds may have supporting collars of leaves. In cheaper varieties (or producers), the buds are usually smaller and more open, they are often worn with plastic collars.

When buying a gardenia as a gift, you should think very carefully about whether the recipient will be able to cope with this flower and provide him with the care he needs. Otherwise, only disappointment will remain from the gift.

Each item of the requirements for agricultural technology is important in this case and requires strict implementation.

Lighting

The flower loves full lighting throughout the day, but it does not respond well to direct midday rays. A very bright but not hot spot on a west- or south-west-facing window that has thin tracing paper pasted to protect it from the direct sun at noon would be ideal. AT winter time the caliper can be removed. The window should not be obscured by trees growing behind it.

Gardenia is extremely sensitive not only to the intensity of lighting, but also to its direction. During the period of budding and flowering, it cannot only be moved to another place, but even rotated relative to the light source. The buds may fall off.

Temperature regime

The love of a flower in warmth does not mean that it needs to be kept in a hot room. There is a certain range of comfort, which directly depends on the time of year and the stage of vegetative development. In spring and summer optimum temperature lies within + 20 ... + 24С. In winter, it should be gradually reduced by 4-5C relative to summer. The minimum temperature threshold is +16C. During the budding period, it rises to + 18 ... + 20С. In any layout, the roots should never be in cold soil (colder than indoor air). Sharp fluctuations in temperature readings are especially dangerous for the culture. In winter, the plant experiences a lack of light, and cooler conditions can partly compensate for it.

Air humidity

High and uniform air humidity is one of the conditions for the successful development and flowering of a plant. It makes especially high demands on humidity during the budding period. With dry air, the process can stop in development, and the buds that have begun to form can fall off. A pallet filled with sphagnum or moistened expanded clay will help solve the problem, but the flower pot itself should not touch their bottom. Regular spraying of foliage is recommended, however, water should not fall on flowers or unopened buds (ugly spots may appear).

Watering

For irrigation, warm and soft water should be used, it is desirable that it be settled, boiled or filtered. In summer, watering should be stable to keep the soil moderately moist. Overflow is highly undesirable. Plant loves warm shower, but for this time you need to close the earthen room. In the winter season, watering is reduced to restrained moderate, but the earth ball should never be overdried.

top dressing

It is necessary to provide additional nutrition during the period of active vegetation and flowering, in spring and summer (1-2 times a month). Use liquid complex top dressing for flowering crops, but at half the dosage recommended in the instructions.

pruning

The culture not only tolerates pruning well, but also periodically needs it. Cut the shoots after flowering, leaving half or a third of them. During the period active growth you can pinch the tops of non-flowering shoots to stimulate the growth of new ones.

The cut parts of the stems can be used as apical cuttings for propagation.

What land does gardenia need?

Lime and alkaline soils are not suitable for her; high performance acidity from pH=5 and slightly higher. When transplanting gardenia after purchase, you should try to preserve its soil lump as much as possible, for adding to which it is recommended to buy a ready-made substrate for azaleas. It’s better not to experiment with compiling your own soil mixture to begin with. With later transplants, you can add a composition of equal parts three types of earth (coniferous, soddy, leafy) and quartz sand.

How to transplant gardenia after purchase?

First of all, don't be in a hurry to do it. Let the plant stand and adapt to new conditions (about additional measures adaptations above). After that, you should make sure that the plant is cramped (usually it happens), taking it out carefully with a whole clod of earth and examining it. If a lot of roots are visible on the outside of the coma, the gardenia should be transferred to another container, completely preserving the substrate and adding to the volume of the finished soil mixture for azaleas.

Planned transplant

The frequency of a planned transplant is usually two years. The new container should be 2 cm wider than the previous one. In order to transplant gardenia painlessly and correctly, you need to handle its root system as carefully as possible, preserving the earthen ball. Do it in early spring before the start of active vegetation and the release of buds. During flowering, transplantation is categorically not recommended and can only be justified by the threat of death. The flower will not only drop the buds, but may also die. Good drainage must be provided!

reproduction

As a result of planned pruning, excellent material remains for vegetative propagation - apical cuttings. They should be about 10 cm long. For their rooting, use a warm nutrient substrate (see above) and any root formation stimulator. Arranging a mini-greenhouse with a jar or a transparent bag will speed up the process. It is acceptable to keep the cuttings in water, but in this case they may not give roots. After the cutting doubles in height, pinch it. You need to be prepared for the fact that the process will be lengthy and not always successful.

Pests

Of the pests, thrips, aphids, scale insects and spider mite. The reason for the first three is most often infection from neighboring crops, and the appearance of a tick can provoke too dry and hot content. Control methods are traditional with the use of insecticides. If the number of pests progresses, the treatment is carried out three times with a week break.

Possible problems

• Very slow development, lack of flowering, pale foliage. The flower lacks nutrition and light.
• Gardenia leaves turn yellow or become covered with yellow stains. There is not enough acidity of the soil, the soil must be acidified.
• The flower wilts, loses buds, the leaves become lethargic. It is necessary to check the temperature regime, most likely it is below normal.
• Leaves fall, while sometimes remaining green. Cold water watering, lack of moisture.
• The gardenia is drying up. There may be various adverse factors, the most frequent - dry air, lack of moisture.
• Resetting buds and flowers. Drafts or moving the pot from place to place, a sharp change in the intensity of lighting.

In areas where the plant grows in the wild, it is used to prepare decoctions and infusions. Their action is directed against lung diseases, herpes, oral infections, externally for wound healing, tumors, eczema, burns. Chinese herbalists widely use gardenia as an antiseptic and diuretic, as well as to solve sexual problems in men.

One of the most deserving prominent representatives of the madder family, which came to us from Japan, China, South Africa and India, is gardenia - a beautiful bushy plant with fragrant flowers.

Around the world there are about 250 species of gardenia, and in vivo it grows as shrubs or small trees with evergreen foliage. For growing at home, jasmine gardenia (from Latin - gardenia jasminoides) is more often used, the squat bush of which reaches a height of 40-50 cm, and the foliage has a dark green color and shines with gloss.

Irrigation Features

In spring and summer, during the period of active growth and flowering, gardenia must be watered abundantly and ensure that the soil in which it grows is moistened.

Irrigation water should be room temperature, otherwise the plant will die, and soft, so it can be boiled in advance or filtered with rain. In winter, gardenia watering should be carried out moderately so that the water does not stagnate in the roots, but also does not form a lump from the soil.

About room lighting

This plant loves light very much, so you need to create special conditions for it: put it in a well-lit place.

The only thing to avoid is the real summer heat and direct sunlight: gardenia is harmed by ultraviolet radiation, as well as rearranging it from place to place and unfolding the pot during the laying of buds, they will simply fall off, because the plant is sensitive to light.

A suitable option for placing a flower is the window sill of a window facing west or east, where daylight freely penetrates. For the winter, gardenia can also be placed on the south side.

About air temperature

Not only light, but also heat, gardenias need to grow. A flower can winter at an air temperature of + 16-22 degrees, the main thing is that it does not fall below. In spring and summer, a temperature of + 22-24 degrees is considered suitable for the plant, but the buds will form faster if it does not exceed +18 degrees.

Temperature fluctuations negatively affect gardenia, so they should not be allowed. It is also important to keep the roots in warm soil. While the buds are forming, the air in the room should be humid, its dryness can cause them to fall off. For plants that stand in a pan, it is better to pour sphagnum or expanded clay there to avoid direct contact with water, otherwise the roots will rot.

About fertilizers

From the beginning of March to the end of August, gardenia grows, so it needs to fertilize the soil once every two weeks. A liquid solution for indoor flowering plants is usually used, but the dosage should be halved compared to that recommended by the instructions.

At the same time, it is necessary to spray the crown of the flower itself, since now it needs to receive moisture, and not only from the soil. When spraying gardenia, you need to monitor the spraying of drops of water, it is advisable not to allow them to fall on flowers and buds.

In summer, the plant needs to be fed, it is enough to do this twice a month, using in combination or alternating mineral and organic fertilizers. In autumn and winter, when the gardenia no longer blooms and is at rest, it is not necessary to fertilize it; if necessary, you can irrigate with a complex solution to feed indoor plants that bloom.

How to transplant gardenia?

No more than once every two years, the flower should be replanted, changing the soil and cleaning the pot to ensure the gardenia has an air flow and allows new roots to take root.

It is better to transplant before the onset of spring, when the plant has not yet awakened from a state of winter dormancy. Blooming gardenia should not be transplanted, as it will definitely drop buds.

About the propagation of gardenia

Gardenia propagates by cuttings or seeds. In the first case, you need to cut off the apical cuttings about 10 cm long and root them shallowly in moist and warm soil, stimulating root formation with the help of special tools.

A suitable time for cuttings is from mid-February to mid-March. In order for the cuttings to take root, they need to create greenhouse conditions, at which the temperature inside will be constant, covering them with cellophane or a glass jar.

Usually, gardenia takes root with difficulty, therefore, before propagating it by cuttings, each cut must be dipped in a powder that stimulates the growth of roots, and only then placed in a specially prepared soil consisting of earth, sand and peat. An easier way to get roots and less reliable is to simply put the cuttings in water. But when the roots appeared, and the plant grew to 15-16 cm, you can immediately pinch it.

As for the reproduction of a flower with the help of seeds, it is important that they are of excellent quality, suitable for use in terms of time and properly stored. With the onset of spring, the soil is sown with seeds, after moistening it and making depressions by 1 cm.

Next, the sowing is slightly sprinkled with earth to give the seeds, including the weak ones, the opportunity to sprout, and this layer of earth is gently pressed. If the seeds are covered with a film, then in a month they will sprout, and it is important to maintain an average air temperature of +25 degrees. The soil should always remain moist, but it is better not to fill it with water, but to spray it. The first flowers will appear on gardenia propagated from seeds only after two years.

How does gardenia bloom?

The plant blooms from July to October inclusive. With the right and quality care and buds, and flowers will be enough. Gardenia is akin to a rose - large and fragrant white flowers are in no way inferior to the latter in beauty.

How to deal with pests and diseases?

pests such as aphids, whiteflies, red spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, as well as the diseases that cause their appearance, are especially dangerous for gardenia. The plant not only ceases to grow well, its leaves turn yellow and fall, buds and flowers disappear.

If the gardenia is struck by aphids, then the buds and tops of the shoots dry out, darken and curl, and sticky mucus can be found on the branches. A barely noticeable pest is a whitefly, the plant is sick, as with the appearance of aphids. The spider mite feeds on juice, so the buds, flowers and foliage will wither, under them and in the internodes a web will be visible.

Mealybug provokes the development of a disease called powdery mildew. Characteristic features- small cobwebs or plaque, the plant itself dries and dies. Shchitovka and thrips leave traces on the foliage. In the first case, this brown dots different shapes on both sides of the foliage, in the second - light gray and small on the leaf surface, similar to pricks.

if the gardenia is sick, it must be immediately treated with insecticides by spraying the bush with actellik, fitoverm or decis. If after the first treatment the plant is not cured, it is repeated after 7-10 days, two or three times.

Improper care and related problems

Consequence improper care dried leaves may become behind the plant. There are several reasons for this phenomenon. First of all, this is a violation of irrigation conditions, in which there is either too much or too little moisture. To remedy the situation, you need to adjust its volume and schedule.

The plant cannot be flooded, so the pot must have drainage holes. Perhaps the air temperature does not correspond to the norm (+ 18-25 degrees), as a result, the plant withers. Pests and diseases are dangerous for gardenia, if measures are not taken in time, the flower will also dry out. Finally, root frostbite and placing the bush in drafts leads to darkening of the leaves and their shedding.

When a healthy-looking plant doesn't show any color, it's likely that it lacks light and warmth. In this case, you can use additional lighting and heating if it is winter time, or place the pot on the balcony in summer.

Gardenia often lacks fertilizer, so it needs to be fed regularly with solutions containing iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. The air in the room may not be humid enough, which is why the buds dry out. The best way out in such a situation is to take water into the bath and leave a flower nearby for several hours, repeat the procedure at least once a week until the buds open.

Everything about this flower fascinates: both smooth, shiny, rich green leaves and amazing snow-white double flowers, as if made of wax. The amazing aroma of jasmine makes you remember summer. This tropical guest is a big sissy. Caring for gardenia jasmine at home is quite complicated. For successful growth and flowering, you need to fulfill many requirements that this capricious beauty makes.

Difficulties begin after the purchase. Unlike many other houseplants, store-bought gardenias will immediately require a new pot and specially selected soil.

Change after purchase

The peat soils in which this flower grows in the store are not suitable for it. Often, the plant twists its roots around the entire earthen ball and does not have the opportunity to fully develop - the pot in which it grows is very small. Therefore, transplantation is the first thing to do after buying a gardenia. But first, you should give the tropical sissy a warm shower. After a few days, necessary for the adaptation of the flower, you can begin to transplant it.

Ground Requirements

This plant has a lot of them.

• The earth must be acidic. You can purchase a special soil designed for plants - acidophiles: azaleas, rhododendrons.
• The soil should dry quickly and retain moisture well. For friability, sand, perlite, processed and crushed sphagnum moss are used, which is able to acidify the earth.
• The soil must contain enough nutrients.

If a ready ground there is no way to buy it, you can cook it yourself.

The following mixture is suitable, all components of which are taken in equal proportions:

• sod land;
• soil from under coniferous trees;
• riding peat;
• leaf land;
• sand.

When the soil mixture is prepared, we proceed to transplant.

• We prepare a solution of a growth stimulator according to the instructions, but dilute it only in warm soft water.
• An hour before transplanting, water the gardenia with warm soft water. Carefully remove the plant from the pot without damaging the roots.
• If rot is found on them, we remove all diseased roots, soak an earthen ball for 20 minutes in a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate. After that, we place the root system in a solution of a root formation stimulator. You can simply powder the roots of the plant with dry powder.
• While it is soaking, prepare the pot for planting. It should be slightly larger than the one in which the gardenia was brought from the store. Ideally between the walls of the pot and earthy clod it should be about 1.5 cm. We lay a drainage layer of expanded clay or small stones on the bottom, put a layer of sand on top, and a little soil mixture on it.
• We take out the plant from the solution of the root former and, if there are several of them in one pot, carefully separate them. Each bush needs a separate pot.
• We place the azalea in the center of the pot and sprinkle it with soil, compacting it a little.
• Pour in the remaining solution.

Nuances

All soil components, as well as drainage elements, must be steamed. When transplanting, we make sure that the roots of the azalea do not come into contact with the drainage layer. The plant should be strictly in the center of the pot, the distance from its roots to the walls should be the same. After planting, the plant should be sprayed with epin to reduce stress. The transplanted gardenia is placed in a warm place with diffused light for several days. When she comes to her senses after the transplant, they choose her permanent place residence.

Gardenia can not be transplanted in a flowering state - it will shed flowers, so you have to wait for the end of flowering.

Gardenia jasmine: care

Indoor plant gardenia jasmine demands to itself close attention. At the slightest violation of the conditions of detention, she can drop not only flowers, but also leaves. Everything is important: temperature, air humidity, timely and proper watering and top dressing, lighting.

Temperature, humidity and lighting

These are the three most important components for the health of the plant and its abundant flowering.

• Temperature constancy is very important for this flower, in summer we keep it within 21-24 degrees during the day and 15-18 degrees at night. In winter, it must be reduced to 16 degrees. At lower temperatures in conditions of lack of light, the plant will be less depleted. At higher winter temperatures, the gardenia will begin to grow new shoots, and there will be less flowering. Drafts where gardenia is contained are unacceptable - this creates stress for the plant.
• This capricious grows well in bright light. But the bright sun in summer is harmful to her. The most comfortable flower will be on the windowsills of windows with a western or southwestern orientation. In winter, tropical sissy should be illuminated to the maximum.

A place for a flower must be chosen permanent. It can not only be rearranged, but even slightly moved the pot, especially when the gardenia blooms.

Like all inhabitants of the tropics, gardenia loves the air with high humidity especially when flowering. You can moisten it by spraying, but excluding water droplets on the flowers - stains remain on them. For spraying, soft water at room temperature is suitable. You can put an evaporator next to the plant or place it in a tray with wet pebbles. It is good to arrange a warm shower for the sissy, covering the soil in the pot with a film so that it does not get wet. You can wipe the leaves of the flower with a damp cloth.

Watering the plant

Proper watering will ensure long-term and lush bloom gardenia. In summer, the potted soil should always be moist, so watering is carried out regularly. In winter, it is permissible to do this a little less often - once every 2-3 days. But in any season, the water should be soft, preferably boiled, and not contain salts. The temperature of irrigation water should not be lower than room temperature or slightly warmer. Every fifth watering water is acidified by adding 2-3 drops lemon juice per liter of water. You can insist water on high-moor peat. The bush is watered only from above, it is impossible to water through the pan. Too much moisture is harmful room beauty- it provokes the development of root rot.

Top dressing and fertilizer

Feeding gardenia has its own characteristics. The first top dressing is carried out 1-2 months after transplantation. Plants brought from Holland do not feed the entire first season, as their soil is well seasoned nutrients, overfeeding this plant is harmful.

Root dressings are made with acidic complex fertilizers intended for azaleas, but their concentration is reduced by 2 times. Feed every decade throughout the active growth season. Can be done once a week foliar top dressing a weak solution of the same fertilizers. Mineral supplements are combined with organic - special liquid preparations for indoor flowers. In winter, the number of dressings is reduced or stopped altogether if the plant does not bloom.

To prevent chlorosis, a couple of times during the season, gardenia is fed with iron chelate. You can spray them on the plants on the leaves. The problem of iron deficiency can be solved by burying a few rusty nails in the pot.

Rules for care after flowering

When the gardenia has faded - the most right time for trimming and shaping. The branches are cut in half or 2/3 of the length. Remove dried or interfering shoots. Cut healthy twigs can be used as cuttings for rooting.

Reproduction of gardenia

It is easiest to carry it out with semi-lignified cuttings. They are kept for half an hour in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Then they are planted in a substrate from a mixture of sand and peat and covered with a glass jar. It sometimes needs to be removed to ventilate the cuttings. The soil must be moist. Cuttings take root well if lower soil heating is applied. Rooted plants are planted in separate containers. With a shoot height of 15 cm, pinch it for better tillering.

How to grow jasmine gardenia from seeds?

The seeds of this plant are rapidly losing their germination capacity, so they need to be sown 2-3 days after harvest. To increase germination, the seeds are treated with a solution of zircon or aloe juice, soaking them for 3-4 hours.

Seeds are sown in moistened and previously disinfected soil for azaleas, sprinkling with a layer of soil 5 mm thick. Put on a container with seeds plastic bag, or cover it with glass. The bag or glass is removed from time to time for ventilation. The soil is sprayed with a spray bottle. Shoots appear in a month. All this time, the container is kept warm and dark. After the emergence of seedlings, it is transferred to a window sill with diffused light. The grown seedlings are seated and pinched. Growing gardenia jasmine from seeds is best done in the spring.

Pests and diseases and how to deal with them

The painful condition of gardenia is often associated with errors in care. Sometimes it is due to the appearance of pests.

Table: the main diseases and pests of gardenia.

The main problems when growing a plant

Gardenia is very capricious and demanding to comply with all the rules of care. If they are disturbed, she will immediately respond by dropping buds or changing the color of the leaves.

Leaves turn black and fall

Leaves turn black and fall off if not working well root system plants.

To eliminate this cause, check the following:

• whether the soil passes air well, whether it has compacted;
• whether the drainage holes are clogged - this can lead to stagnant water and rotting and weakening of the root system;
• whether there is overfeeding in plants - excess fertilizers depress the roots.

The black top is a signal of the appearance of pests that have infected the plant with viral or bacterial diseases.

Yellowing leaves

If the lower tier has turned yellow, the cause may be excessive humidity or a draft in the room. The upper tier turns yellow - the acidity of the soil is not normal, which makes it difficult to absorb nitrogen. If all the leaves turn yellow, the plant is inhabited by a spider mite or it lacks either nitrogen or iron. You need to restore the balance gradually, otherwise you can harm the flower.

Despite all the whims, this charming inhabitant of the tropics can decorate every home. It is simply impossible to take your eyes off the amazing flowers, and the amazing smell will create a special aura in the house.

Gardenia (Gardenia) evergreen belongs to the madder family. "Cape jasmine" - this is also called gardenia. In its natural environment, it grows in Japan, India, China, mainly in forests. Even a novice indoor flower lover can grow gardenia under acceptable conditions. The hard, glossy leaves are dark green in color, oval to lanceolate in shape and pointed at the tips. Shiny leathery leaves are arranged in pairs one opposite the other.

Loves the sun, constantly slightly moistened soil and spraying

Gardenia flowers are especially attractive. Large snow - white flowers have a diameter of 8 - 10 cm and are located at the tips of the bushes, one or a pair of flowers. Gardenia is not only beautiful at any time of the year, but also has a pleasant enough, strong aroma during flowering, which begins in July and lasts until October.

A strongly branching shrub needs constant painstaking care of green shoots. If you provide enhanced watering in summer, and more moderate watering in winter, then gardenia will delight you with an abundance of strewn buds and fragrant flowers during long flowering.

Transplanting, watering and fertilizing a flower

Transfer

A transplant of an overgrown flower should be done in February or early March, having prepared the soil in advance. As a rule, a plant should be transplanted no earlier than two years of growth and only after it has faded. A transplant is a stress for a flower, it can drop its buds.

In a pot prepared for transplanting, we install good drainage from small pebbles, some flower growers use large pieces of foam. The soil prepared for planting should not contain lime impurities. Perfect option buy ready-made soil mixture which is sold in flower shops or gardening associations. By choosing the right composition, you can buy soil for azaleas, which is a bit similar to gardenia in care and the corresponding oxidized earth mixture.

Mixing the soil for the plant on our own, we take the following proportions: earth from under the needles, leafy and peat soil is combined with an equal share of sifted, clean sand.

top dressing

When the plant is in the phase of active growth, from about March - April to August, top dressing is carried out. liquid fertilizers for indoor plantings, intensively and abundantly flowering. Fertilize after a couple of weeks, observing a reduced dosage than indicated in the recommended instructions.

Landing and care

Features of planting is the need to trim the shoots by one third of the entire length. reproduction stem cuttings, cut in the spring from the mother plant, The best way receive a NEW GARDENIA BUSH.

The plant loves moist air and needs constant moisture. Misting daily and placing the gardenia in a tray filled with pebbles and water will provide a pleasant microclimate reminiscent of a natural habitat. Windows directed to the west and east are excellent for comfortable growth and flowering of gardenia; southern windows are suitable for winter. The most important thing in caring capricious beauty correct temperature. In summer, the temperature should not be lower than 21-22 degrees Celsius, in winter about 18-19. The presence of a falling shadow from trees growing in the yard is highly undesirable.

Flower sensitivity to watering and changing lighting

It is strictly forbidden to change the position of the flower pot during the laying of young buds. A tender, sensitive plant can completely reset them, due to the transferred stressful situation. Soft, filtered thawed or rainwater the best way for irrigation, water that has cooled after boiling is also used.

Makes a room miracle special requirements for lighting. The delicate flower is photophilous, requires a sufficient amount of sunlight from morning to evening. AT winter period can be highlighted fluorescent lamp for daylight. From the sun at noon, it is necessary to shade from the rays of the scorching sun. Gardenia is afraid of sharp fluctuations in temperature, as well as drying out of the soil, excessive watering, does not prefer frequent changes of location on the windowsill, flower stand. It is highly not recommended to change the market from one place to another, moving it from room to room. The reason for the rapid withering of the plant is ignorance of the rules for caring for gardenia. A person is presented with a delightful flower, but he does not know how to properly handle it. The plant begins to hurt, the leaves become soft, lethargic, the tips dry up, the flower gradually dies.

Care must be taken to ensure that there are no drafts from open doors or from a window.

Gardenia should be watered with settled water at room temperature, from hard water the plant can get sick and lose its beauty.

Pest and disease control, treatment methods

Thrips - can harm the plant, if found, the plant should be treated with insecticides

Enjoying the sophistication, beauty of an amazing flower, regularly inspect the flower for plant pests. Danger threatens from defeat , mealybug, often attacked and. For prevention, insecticides are used in pest control. Suitable drugs such as:

• decis;
• intavir;
• confidor;
• fitoverm;
• politoks.

If the lesion is small, one treatment is enough. If pests overpower the plant, several sprays will be required at intervals of seven to ten days. Usually three treatments are enough, but in order to avoid relapses, preventive treatment is done every six months. Before using a toxic drug, take precautions, it will not be superfluous to read the instructions for use in order to calculate the correct dosage. In some cases, pests do not breed on gardenias, but on neighboring flower pots, in this case, all the inhabitants of the window sill should be processed simultaneously.

Healing properties of the plant

In some countries, gardenia is used for cooking medicines. The plant has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, blood-stopping properties. fragrant oil gentle, charming beautiful flower used in the cosmetic and perfume industries. Dried fragrant inflorescences of some varieties of gardenia supplement to flavor tea.

Popular ways and methods of reproduction

For breeding exquisite houseplant can have several ways:

• cuttings;
• side layers;
• seeds.

Cut at the end of winters, at the beginning of spring, cuttings from the tops of the plant about 8-10 cm long are placed in a substrate at room temperature. Immediately before the rooting procedure, stimulants are used root formation. Organize greenhouse conditions for planted twigs by placing on top of the market glass jar or covered with a transparent plastic bag. Do not be upset if the rooting process does not give a positive result. Even experienced flower growers This process is quite long and difficult. Usually the cuttings are placed in a special earthen mixture; rooting in water rarely gives a positive result. When the cuttings take root, pinch them. sowing harvested seeds in the sand under glass, be careful, the fruits of gardenia are poisonous, like the stems and roots.

The secrets of choosing a plant in a flower shop

Before acquiring the desired refined and fragrant flower should be carefully inspected before purchase. It is better to choose a bush with a well-formed, branched shape in different directions. If the plant initially seems sick, it has pale, yellowed or wilted leaves do not rush to buy. A drooping plant with crumbling flowers will not bring joy, satisfaction from enjoying its aroma and appearance.

A healthy plant looks chic and costs a lot, but it’s not worth saving money by buying a diseased plant, albeit at a significant discount. Remember, the miser pays twice. A chic flower with proper care will please with an abundance of beautiful flowers. Filling the room with a delightful, pleasant scent reminiscent of jasmine.

Types and varieties of gardenia

An indoor flower with an impeccable appearance and a compact bush has the following varieties of gardenia:

• jasmine(G. Jasminoides ellis);
• gold, yellow(Gardenia carinata, kuta);
• citriodora(G. Citiodora).

Varieties of gardenia include varieties Flore Pleno, Variegate, re-blooming First Love, Fortuneana, Kleim's Hardy, Radicans, Veitchii.

Gardenia is an evergreen shrub of the madder family, a close relative of coffee trees, blooms in large white inflorescences with a delicate and strong aroma.

This flower came to Europe from Japan in the XYIII century, then it was called the "Japanese beauty". Gardenia is common in the countries of the East, in India, China, Africa.

Today, more than 200 species of gardenia are known. In wild and garden conditions, these are lush bushes or even small trees with a dense crown that reach a height of more than a meter.

A gardenia variety that is grown indoors, usually no more than 50 cm in height.

gardenia flowers - exquisite decoration bouquets and compositions, this flower looks very elegant in a buttonhole.

This plant has always been valued for its persistent odor, and today, as many centuries ago, gardenia-scented oils, extracts and essences are widely used in perfumery and cosmetics.

Indoor gardenia: appearance

For growing in room conditions only one type of gardenia is suitable - Gardenia jasminoides, gardenia jasminoides. Often it is also called jasmine gardenia.

The flower received this name for its persistent pleasant smell, reminiscent of the aroma of jasmine.

Jasmine-shaped gardenia grows into a dense, low shrub. Its leaves are dark and bright, spear-shaped (slightly elongated, with pointed ends), rather hard, with a pleasant waxy sheen.

The shrub is already beautiful in itself, at the time of flowering, when large, often double flowers bloom in dark greenery, contrasting with leaves. white color, looks and at all luxuriously.

Care

Gardenia is not the easiest flower to care for. But patience and consistency in creating conditions that are comfortable for the plant will help extend the flowering period from early summer to late autumn. The main condition for the content of this delicate flower- moderation.

Atmospheric content features

Jasmine gardenia is sensitive to climate changes, so you should follow the optimal regime for it, in which the temperature does not fall below 16 degrees and does not rise above 27. Change temperature regime should also be smooth, so it is worth protecting the plant pot from open spaces and drafts.

Gardenia feels comfortable in moist air, but does not tolerate excessive watering. To create favorable conditions for it, you can put a container with a bush in a wide dish or a tray filled with small wet pebbles, mossy vegetation, and sand.

Spraying can also be used, but very carefully, spraying water with tiny drops, especially during the formation of buds.

Watering and feeding

Gardenia does not like overdried soil - a shriveled earthen lump is unacceptable for it. But overwatering is also harmful.

The soil should be well drained and aerated, slightly acidic or have a neutral pH. Do not use hard water for irrigation!

Water regularly, in small portions, monitor the looseness and moisture of the soil.

You need to feed in the warm season, every week or a little less often, with small portions of non-concentrated phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, without calcium.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out two years later, at the beginning of the warm season, during the growth period. The soil intended for azaleas and rosaceae is well suited.

Young gardenias, which are in a period of active growth, are annually transferred to a larger pot.

Pruning and pinching

These procedures are necessary for the formation of a beautiful and dense crown of the bush.

Plants are sheared after the flowering period: shoots are cut off by half or even more, weak ones are removed, and thinned out.

During increased growth, some shoots are pinched from time to time - this stimulates the gardenia to tillering.

The cuttings and shoots left after pruning are the material for propagating the bush.

Cut flowers: use in floristry

Cut gardenia flowers do not moisturize or feed: separated from their native bush, they lose their ability to absorb moisture.

For bouquets and compositions, not fully opened flowers are used. In the most valuable varieties, the buds are carefully covered with wax from above, where the petals are connected, and you need to open them with your hands, placing them in a container of water so that the plant is completely covered with it.

Gardenia flowers used in floristry should be pure white, with elastic, smooth petals, without the slightest imperfection. This plant is so delicate that its whiteness even reacts with the lubricant that human hands secrete, reacting to it with stains and yellowing. To prolong the beauty of the inflorescences, they are carefully sprayed with slightly acidified water. When working with them, fingers should also be moistened.

The easiest way to use dried flowers in compositions, although, of course, in this state they are deprived of half of their charm - a characteristic and exquisite aroma.