How should budding off be prevented on Gardenias?

Question

How can budding off be stopped on a mature Gardenia? The plant is healthy in all other ways, but the buds always fall off before opening. What is causing this?

Answer 1

There are a few things that can cause Gardenias to drop their buds prematurely. The most common cause being a lack of humidity. What is the relative humidity where it is being kept? Gardenias are native to a very humid, tropical environment and like a lot of heat and light, but not direct sunlight.

A few other reasons I can think of:

• What is the soil pH? Gardenias like acidic soil.
• Is the pot being moved around a lot? A lot of motion can easily cause dropping buds.
• Is there a lack of light/heat?

For humidity you can try using a humidifier to increase the humidity or a tray of pebbles in water under the pot I've heard can work. Here are more information and references if needed.