I received a beautiful Gardenia Plant when my son passed away in April. We planted it and it thrived beautifully with lush green, shiney leaves and many blossoms. Now, in MA, it is getting very cold and I was advised to bring the plant indoors. We potted it in a very large planter as it is growing very big, but since we brought it in the leaves are turning yellow and I want so much to keep this plant alive. I may have overwatered it when I saw the leaves turning, but am now just misting it. Can the plant be reversed by the right care and, if not, can cuttings be taken & rooted in water to start a new plant next summer? I am not a gardener (except my naiden name...Gardner...LOL...but I thought I might find answers on this site. I'd appreciate any information that could help. Please email me at: foji@comcast.net. Thank you so very much.

Your Gardenia is reacting to the drastic change from outdoors to inside. Inside, the light is greatly reduced and the temps are far warmer. The sudden change stresses plants.

Gardenias are not easy to bloom indoors because they have rather strict temperature requirements. Temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees are essential when gardenias are in bud or bloom. Bud drop occurs above 70 degrees. Bud deformity occurs below 55 degrees. Letting the soil get too dry will also cause bud drop. In addition, a change in environment will also sometimes cause bud drop. Do not repot or fertilize when buds are in formation or in bloom
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Direct sunlight, high humidity, and acidic soil (5.0 pH) are also important for maintaining gardenias successfully. Avoid repotting until it is utterly potbound. Use an acid fertilizer, such as Miracid, but don't overdo it. Good luck with this challenging plant.

Gardenias can bloom at almost any time of the year. Flower buds form according to the following regimen: Prune back old growth (usually in spring); promote new growth with lots of light and warm temps during the day (summer); allow temps to drop to 60 degrees at night (fall or early winter). It is up to you to decide when you want to introduce this regimen. Obviously, it is harder to achieve the lower nighttime temps during the summer.

It is difficult for most people to provide these conditions. Some are satisfied to keep a gardenia as a foliage plant.