Features gardenia
Rose Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides) belongs to the family Rubiaceae and grows in the tropical forests of Asia. In the world there are more than 250 species, most of which grows in the form of shrubs, at least – in the form of small trees. Outside of the tropical and subtropical regions of gardenia is known as a houseplant.
In the open field increases to 1.5 m in height. Pot plant in ideal conditions can reach a height of 90-120 cm, but in most cases, only half grows.
Shiny dark green leaves of Gardenia jasminoides oval and leathery. The leaves on the stems are placed opposite each other.
Attractive contrast created shiny leaves with white flowers at the ends of branches. Dressing, creamy white cupped flowers exude intense flavor. flowering period from July to October.
Gardenia fruits – yellow berries. The whole plant is slightly poisonous, but most of the toxins stored in the fruit. Therefore, you should be very careful if the house live children or pets.
Care gardenia
Gardenia is one of the most demanding plants. She needed a bright place all year round, but must be protected from the sun is too bright. Direct sunlight should fall only for a short time. Ideal for placement gardenia eastern or western window.
On the southern window need protection from the scorching midday sun. Summer gardenia feels good on the terrace or balcony. 
Important!The substrate should not contain lime. Suitable land for the rhododendrons, which added a bit of compost and sand.
Substrate rhododendron or azalea soil to meet the requirements of gardenia.
During growth and flowering the soil should always be slightly damp. Humidity should always be high enough, so they are often sprayed. Watering always use water at room temperature. During this time, should be watered weekly with a weak solution of fertilizer. Suitable fertilizer for azaleas suitable for rhododendrons.
During the growth phase, which lasts from March to September, following the care instructions must be observed:
- Gardenia needs a lot of moisture, avoiding waterlogged;
- after the surface of the earth is dry, start watering;
- lime-free water for irrigation;
- make weekly fertilizer for rhododendrons;
- every 14 days to add fertilizers to irrigation water containing iron
- regularly sprayed only leaves but no flowers;
- temperature from 17 ° to 24 ° C – ideal for flower;
- Strong temperature fluctuations cause bud drop.
Gardenia winter does not rest, so it is important to make it and this time stay hydrated, but to a lesser extent than in the summer months. Winter fertilizers are not required.
Transplant Gardenia jasminoides
Gardenia can be transplanted to larger containers every one to two years. Transplant when the previous pot has become too small. Older plants are transplanted in the spring of every three or four years.
If gardenia well watered for a few hours before the transplant, it will be easier to remove from the pot. Carefully examine the root ball, cut off the rotten roots and dry and remove the pests.
Breeding Gardenia jasminoides
Since young plants bloom most beautifully, the plants should be updated. gardenia seeds can be sown indoors or in the greenhouse year round. This is easily done in a small pot on a windowsill in a special soil that does not contain lime, and a film. It is important that the seed be in a warm and humid environment. The pot must have drainage hole to prevent the formation of waterlogging.
It is necessary to ventilate the container every day to prevent mold growth. When formed from 2 to 3 pairs real leaf, the seedlings are transplanted in a pot.
Note!In the first year the young plants are transplanted several times subsequently not more than two years.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is done quite easily. In the spring before the formation of buds or fall can be propagated by cuttings from the bush. Cuttings cut length of about 8 cm. Before inserting them into the substrate, a lower end dipped in rooting powder. This will speed up germination. As a substrate suitable wet peat-sand mixture. Top wear plastic bags with small holes for air. Young plants grow best in a bright place at the optimum room temperature, about 25 degrees.
Additional information!Once the stems grow, they should be severely cut, so that they are well branch.
Four or five weeks the cuttings should be kept warm, which promotes rapid rooting. If the rooting was successful, young plants are transplanted into a pot and care as adult plants. They should be watered only slightly, otherwise they are subject to decay.
Types of room gardenia
Most species of gardenias bloom in summer and early autumn. Can stimulate flowering varieties Veitchii winter. As a pot plant is only suitable form of: Gardenia jasminoides from China, with its different varieties:
- Fortunei has double flowers camellia, up to 10 cm in diameter;
- Veitchii especially prized winter flowers;
- «Plena with double pure white flowers.
For all sorts of caring equally.
Diseases and pests
Summer gardenia often suffer from aphids. If the infestation is small, usually helps a shower with cold water. reliable home agent may be used at the first stage. For this purpose, 1 tablespoon mild soap and 1 tablespoon of mineral spirits dissolved in 1 liter of water (room temperature) and gently infected leaves are sprayed with it. Otherwise it is necessary to apply an insecticide. 
In dry and warm environment spider mites multiply rapidly. The first signs – it’s white and yellow spots on the leaves, then the leaves wither. Use spray several times. The main cause of infection – inadequate ventilation.
Preventive measures also include a thorough cleaning of leaves of dust. At least once a month the leaves should be cleaned with warm water room. Through this leaves gardenia can breathe better, which increases their resistance. If spider mite is still spread, remove severely infected leaves.
Scale insects, too, like gardenias. These pests in length from 1.5 to 3 mm sit on the underside of the leaves. Not to use chemical products for controlling these pests, carefully wipe all the leaves with a soft cloth and a soap solution used above. If the plant gardenia is small enough, it can be briefly immersed in the solution in an inverted form.
Tips on Caring for a gardenia
For pruning, usually not required; It recommended vigorous pruning plants in spring only when the stalks are bald.
If gardenia leaves turn yellow and fall off, usually a sign of aging. These symptoms are particularly common if the plant is not exposed to regular pruning. The branches are aging, resulting in a thinning from below, and only bloom at the top. This negative process can prevent the cut stems. This encourages gardenia produce young shoots, which significantly slows down the aging process.
The lack of light and excessively high temperatures can easily lead to withering of the leaves and buds of Gardenia jasminoides.
If the soil is too cold or too wet it may lead to a change in the color of leaves.
The cause of the yellow falling leaves can be chlorosis. This disease is caused by water with lime or limestone for irrigation fertilizers.
flowers discoloration can be caused by errors in the cultivation. This can be easily fixed if you do not soak the flowers when watering.
It is necessary to monitor the prevalence of pests. Pests, mainly found on the underside of leaves. If the leaves were specks of silver, therefore, spider mite prepares evil. The affected leaves wither and fall off the plant.
Gardenia charms wonderful colors with stunning flavor, so it is very popular as a houseplant. During the summer months the plant is decorated with balconies and terraces. To enjoy this splendor, it requires constant attention and careful maintenance.
