Why do gardenia buds fall off before they open?

Whenever May and June come, gardenias enter their blooming period. However, many flower lovers have found that although the gardenias they care for have grown many flower buds, they open abnormally slowly, and sometimes even fall off. Let’s learn and understand why gardenia buds fall off before they open.

Why do gardenia buds fall off before they open?

When the buds of gardenias begin to fall off, many flower lovers may immediately think that there is a lack of fertilizer , so they will hurriedly add phosphorus fertilizer, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, to the plants. But this may not be the right approach. In fact, before making such a judgment, we should first check whether the plant's water supply is sufficient.

Because gardenia is different from other flowers, it likes a humid environment very much and is sometimes even called "water gardenia". During the flowering period, if the water supply is insufficient, gardenia may reduce its demand for water and nutrients by shedding flower buds to maintain normal growth.

Therefore, when caring for gardenias, you must ensure that the plants do not lack water, especially during the flowering period. The humidity of the potting soil needs to be closely monitored. If nutrient soil is used for planting, once the soil surface becomes dry below 1 cm, it should be watered thoroughly immediately and repeated several times to ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil. If you are using garden soil, water the plants as soon as the topsoil becomes dry.

Additionally, if the gardenia is getting plenty of water but the buds are still slow to open or are falling off in large numbers, the plant may be lacking nutrients. At this time, the plants should be supplemented with phosphorus fertilizer in time, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, which can be used once every 7 to 10 days. Also, make sure the plant gets plenty of sunlight, which helps promote the opening of the buds and healthy growth of the plant.

What should I do if the leaves of gardenia turn yellow, dry up and fall off?

1. Lack of fertilizer or water

When the old leaves of the gardenia you have been caring for for a long time turn yellow and fall off, it is often due to lack of fertilizer or water. When nutrients are lacking, the leaves at the base of the plant are affected first. Therefore, when caring for gardenias, you should maintain regular watering and follow the principle of "water when the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do." Since gardenias have a high water requirement, it is crucial to ensure adequate water supply.

At the same time, regular fertilization is also necessary, which helps to avoid yellowing and falling leaves. If your gardenia has been in cultivation for some time and this problem occurs, check whether the soil in the pot is too compacted or whether it is lacking water. If the soil in the pot is compact, the soil needs to be replaced; if there is a lack of water, water should be added in time.

2. Adaptation issues after repotting

Another situation that causes gardenia leaves to turn yellow and fall off is the effect of repotting. The root system may be damaged during the repotting process, and new roots have not yet grown, resulting in the plant being unable to absorb water normally, causing the bottom leaves to turn yellow and gradually fall off. Faced with this situation, measures to slow down the growth of seedlings are needed. Place the gardenia in a well-ventilated place, keep the potting soil moist and avoid the soil from drying out.

At the same time, provide appropriate scattered light, and spray water on the leaves with a fine sprayer in the morning, noon and evening every day to help the leaves absorb water. Doing so can alleviate the problem of insufficient water and nutrient absorption due to root damage and prevent leaves from yellowing and falling. Some leaves may fall off in the early stage of repotting, but the situation will gradually improve as the root system recovers.

If gardenia occasionally drops one or two leaves, this is normal metabolism and there is no need to worry too much. However, if a large number of leaves turn yellow and fall off, it is usually caused by the two reasons mentioned above. Just make corresponding analysis and adjustments based on your maintenance habits and situation.

In summary, we have compiled the causes of common problems in the cultivation and flowering process of gardenias. You can refer to and learn from them based on actual conditions.