Discoloration of gardenia leaves could be a sign of a problem.
Here’s how to fix it.
Gardeniaswith their creamy white, fragrant flowers are one of the prima donnas of the plant world.
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This is normal, so there’s no need to start worrying.
If the roots you see are brown and squishy, your plant isn’t salvageable.
If you find white, firm roots, it still has a chance to recover.
Let the soil dry out before restarting a more moderate watering routine.
Keep in mind that potted plants outdoors need more water than plants in the ground or houseplants.
Yellow leaves may indicate that the humidity is too low.
A dry, arid climate is not suitable for gardenias.
Indoors, set a potted gardenia on a saucer of rocks with water part way up the saucer.
During the winter months when indoor humidity tends to be low, use a humidifier.
Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrient deficiency is often the most likely reason for the yellowing of many older leaves.
It indicates insufficientnitrogenor magnesium.
Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 2-1-1.
Fertilizers formulated for acid-loving plants such as azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons work well for gardenias.
Use the fertilizer twice a month from early spring to late summer.
Other causes for yellowing leaves may be iron deficiency or alkaline soil, and the two are often connected.
Iron is essential for the production of chlorophyll (the green pigment in leaves).
Iron deficiency is corrected by applying an iron supplement product to the soil, following label directions.
However, before you add iron,test your soil pH.
Gardenias need soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5.
In that case, the fix consists of lowering the soil pH to make it more acidic.
Should I Remove Yellow Gardenia Leaves?
Be careful not to damage the wood in the process.
Dispose of the diseased leaves to prevent further infection.
Allow them to go dormant outdoors in cold climates, and cover them in freezing temperatures.
