What to Do When Gardenia Leaves Turn Yellow? Detailed Guide to Watering and Pruning

The song "Gardenia Blossoms" expresses the reluctance of classmates to part during graduation season, and also sings of that youth. The gardenia in the song has green leaves, white flowers, and a delicate fragrance, making it one of the choices of many gardening enthusiasts. So during cultivation, what should you do when gardenia leaves turn yellow? How should you water it? When should you prune?

I. What to Do When Gardenia Leaves Turn Yellow?

Just as traditional Chinese medicine says, to cure the root cause you must treat the specific symptom. There are many reasons why gardenia leaves turn yellow, so different causes of yellowing leaves require different countermeasures. Below they are introduced one by one:

1. Yellowing leaves caused by overwatering gardenia and water accumulation: Gardenia is a plant that fears water accumulation, so once it is overwatered, new leaves will stop growing and old leaves will turn yellow and fall off.

Solution: Pour out the water in the tray under the flowerpot, then take the plant out of the pot together with the soil and place it in a cool, well-ventilated spot. After the soil ball dries, put it back into the pot together with the plant. At this point the soil around the edges and the plant will be somewhat dry, and then just water it with an appropriate amount of water.

2. Yellowing leaves caused by not watering the gardenia for a long time: Gardenia is a moisture-loving plant, so if the plant is not watered for a long time, the leaves will also turn dry and yellow.

Solution: Fill the tray under the gardenia flowerpot with water so that the water enters the soil in the pot through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. In addition, use a spray bottle to sprinkle water on the leaf surfaces. Also remember to water the gardenia regularly and in the right amount.

3. Poor air circulation can also cause gardenia leaves to turn yellow: The growth of gardenia requires ventilation and moisture, and if doors and windows are kept tightly closed for a long time, the leaves will also turn yellow.

Solution: Open the windows every day to ventilate the indoor space where the gardenia is placed, or place the gardenia in a well-ventilated spot (be sure not to expose it to direct sunlight).

4. Yellowing gardenia leaves caused by freezing cold and low temperatures: Temperatures that are too low will freeze and damage the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow.

Solution: In the severe cold of winter, do not place it on an outdoor balcony, and be sure to take good measures to keep it warm.

5. Yellowing leaves caused by too much or too little fertilizer: Whether there is too little or too much fertilizer, it will cause the leaves to turn yellow.

Solution: If too much fertilizer was applied, you can choose root drenching and root washing to remove the excess fertilizer; if too little fertilizer was applied, increase the amount of fertilizer. Fertilizer can be purchased directly at a flower, bird, and fish market.

6. Yellowing leaves caused by insufficient light or direct sunlight exposure: The growth of green plants all requires light, so long periods of insufficient sunlight will make the leaves turn yellow and fall off; conversely, the same is true for direct sun exposure.

Solution: If there is insufficient light, move it into the sunlight to supplement light; if it has been exposed to too much direct sun, just move it to a shady spot.

II. How to Water Gardenia?

1. Spring: In spring, there is more rain in the south and the air is relatively humid, so you can water about once every three days, and just moisten the soil each time.

2. Summer: Summer weather is hot and water evaporates quickly, so water the gardenia once a day.

3. Autumn: In autumn, generally water the gardenia about once every two days.

4. Winter: In winter, watering is decided according to how dry or wet the soil is. When it is dry, water the soil until it is moist and thoroughly soaked; when it is not dry, you can skip watering. In addition, remember to use a spray-type container to spray water on the leaf surfaces of the gardenia.

III. When to Prune Gardenia?

1. Pruning after the gardenia's growth period: From May to July each year, you can prune the gardenia, cutting off the tips of the branches to promote branching and make the gardenia's later growth form more beautiful.

2. Pruning after the gardenia loses its leaves: In the winter months of November and December each year, you can cut off the dead branches and dead leaves of the gardenia plant.

3. Pruning during the yellow-leaf disease period of gardenia: If yellow leaves or black spots or diseased branches appear on the gardenia plant, you can prune them off to prevent them from infecting other healthy leaves and branches.

IV. What Is the Flower Language of Gardenia?

1. Gardenia symbolizes strength and joy: Gardenia blooms in summer, and even under the scorching sun it still brings people fragrance.

2. Gardenia also symbolizes eternal love and a lifetime of waiting.