Gardenias are loved by gardening enthusiasts for their rich fragrance and pure white flowers. However, in order to make the gardenia in your home flourish and bloom all year round, it is particularly important to fertilize the right amount at the right time. So, how to tell if a gardenia needs to be fertilized? This article will tell you that when a gardenia shows the following 3 "symptoms", it is a reminder that it is time to supplement its nutrition!
[Symptom 1: Slow growth, yellowish leaves]
A healthy gardenia should have bright green foliage and vigorous growth. If you notice that your gardenia grows significantly slower, the new leaves are yellowish, and the edges of the old leaves are starting to turn yellow, this could be a sign of insufficient nutrients in the soil. At this time, nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be considered for gardenias to promote healthy leaf growth and photosynthesis.
[Symptom 2: The flowers are small and sparse, and the color is dull]
The flowers of the gardenia are supposed to be large and full, white as jade, with a strong fragrance. If you notice a decrease in flowering, the flowers are not only small, but also dull in color, or even fall off early, which may indicate that the plant is deficient in phosphorus and potassium. At this time, it is recommended to use a special fertilizer for flowers rich in phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which can effectively improve the quality and quantity of flowers and prolong the flowering period.
[Symptom 3: Poor root development and weak stems]
Observing the root system and stem condition of gardenias is also an important basis for judging whether fertilization is needed. If the root system of gardenia is stunted and the stem is weak and easy to break, it may be due to poor soil and the overall plant's nutrient absorption capacity is reduced. In this case, a comprehensive compound fertilizer should be selected for application, which can not only provide sufficient nutrients, but also improve soil structure and enhance root activity.
In summary, in the process of maintaining gardenias, careful observation and timely identification of the above three "symptoms" can accurately grasp the timing of fertilization and ensure that your gardenias get sufficient nutrients, so as to show the best growth state and ornamental effect.