Window exposure 



All plants that were satisfactory were grown in sunny windows with 

 south and southwest exposures predominating. A few growers reported 

 shading their plants slightly during heavy periods of blooming. The 

 only three plants not grown in sunny windows were unsatisfactory. 



Watering 



Insufficient water contributed to the failure of seven plants, while 

 too much water damaged four. A lack of water was the principal cause 

 of premature dropping of the flower buds. The most successful grow- 

 ers were those who soaked the entire ball thoroughly at each watering. 

 To avoid damage from overwatering it is well to wait until the top of 

 the soil is slightly dry to the touch before watering again. If, at any 

 time, the soil becomes excessively dry, it is well to set the pot in a larger 

 container of water and let the ball of soil and roots soak thoroughly. 



Chlorosis 



Varying degrees of chlorosis or yellowing of the leaves (Fig. 18C) 

 occurred on eight of the 29 plants. The four most serious cases were 

 traceable to overwatering. Two cases could possibly have been caused 

 by low night temperatures. Two slight cases were not traceable. 



Temperature 



All of the successful plants in this study were grown at a night 

 temperature between 60° - 70° F. Five of the unsatisfactory plants 

 were grown at night temperatures of 70° - 75° F. The gardenia thrives 

 on slightly more heat than the general run of flowering house plants. 

 Temperatures below 60° F cause extremely slow growth and some dan- 

 ger from chlorosis. 



Container 



Glazed or painted containers are more satisfactory since slightly less 

 water is required. The possibility for bud drop on gardenia is greater 

 when plants are growing in porous pots, for drying out is more rapid. 



Feeding 



Eleven of the 17 successful growers fed their plants regularly, while 

 only one of the unsatisfactory plants was fed. The gardenia is a heavy 

 feeder, especially when it is maturing a large crop of flower buds. 



Insect control measures 



Insects are not usually serious pests on the gardenia. Nineteen of 

 the group of 29 growers washed their plants as a precaution against in- 

 sects and to keep the plants clean of dust. Three of the unsatisfactory 

 plants grown at high temperatures and not washed were troubled with 

 red spider mite. One plant was troubled with aphids. The gardenia 

 may also be attacked by mealybugs. Since this plant is very easily 

 washed or syringed with water under pressure, insects need not cause 

 trouble. Regular weekly washing is not only good for the plant but 

 keeps insects under control. 



Suggested summer care 



The gardenia may be grown indoors through the summer or it may 

 be placed out-of-doors in a partially shaded place. If grown indoors, it 



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