Gardenia crown jewel is a popular houseplant because of its glossy leaves and fragrant flowers. The Gardenia genus is part of the coffee family and contains about 200 species, most native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Related plant:
Hardy Gardenia
Related plant:
Gardenia Jasminoides Kleim's Hardy
About soil condition, the best way to have a healthy gardenia crown jewel is to make sure the soil is well drained. If the soil is too sandy, it will not hold enough moisture and the gardenia crown jewel will be stressed. If the soil is too clayey, it will not drain well and the roots will rot. The best way to determine the soil condition is to dig a small hole and feel the soil. If it is too sandy, it will feel gritty. If it is too clayey, it will feel sticky.
Similar to other gardenias, the Crown Jewel gardenia requires full sun to partial shade to bloom its best. It is a heat-tolerant variety that can take the direct sun in hot summer climates. However, it will need some afternoon shade in very hot areas.
The temperature condition in the gardenia crown jewel is perfect for growing healthy plants. The daytime temperature is warm and the nighttime temperature is cool, which is ideal for gardenias. The gardenia crown jewel is also located in an area with ample rainfall, which is necessary for gardenias to thrive.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high (above 50%), the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.
Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant food is applied to the soil to provide essential nutrients for the growth and maintenance of the plant. The primary nutrients, N-P-K, are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. All play vital roles in the health of the plant. Nitrogen promotes growth of leaves and green coloration, phosphorus encourages strong root growth and flower production, and potassium improves overall plant health and resistance to disease. Organic fertilizer is made from naturally-occurring materials, such as compost, manure, or fish emulsion. This type of fertilizer adds essential nutrients to the soil while also improving its ability to retain moisture and aeration. Inorganic fertilizer is made of synthetic materials, such as ammonium sulfate or calcium phosphate. This type of fertilizer can provide a quick boost of nutrients to the soil, but it can also be harmful if not used properly.
Pruning your Gardenia Crown Jewel is an important part of keeping your plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning not only helps to keep the plant shapely, but also encourages new growth and helps to control pests and disease. The best time to prune your Gardenia Crown Jewel is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Propagation is best done by taking softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be about 6-8 inches long. Stick the cuttings into moistened potting mix and place them in a bright, indirect light. Cuttings should root in 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, water moderately and fertilize monthly. Gardenias can also be propagated from seed, but this method is not as reliable.
Usually, the plant growth rate is fast during the spring and summer. However, during the fall and winter, the plant's growth rate will significantly slow down. Nevertheless, with the proper care, your plant should continue to thrive all year-round.
Common problems for this kind of plant plants include over-watering, which can lead to root rot, and under-watering, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.Other problems include pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs, which can all damage the plant. Diseases such as powdery mildew and stem canker can also affect gardenias.
Source:
Gardenia: A Gardeners Challenge - Purdue University
Gardenia Diseases & Other Problems - Clemson University
1345 Gardenia PlantTalk Colorado
