How to Grow Gardenia Veitchii

Pot the gardenia in most zones. Use a potting soil formulated for acid-loving plants. Set the plant high in the pot with the top of the root ball exposed slightly. The feeder and main roots are just under the soil. Compact the soil around the roots and water it to settle the medium.

Provide deep irrigation once per month until the water leaches from the drainage holes. Do not allow the pot to sit in a saucer of water. Mist the plant weekly to provide extra humidity when growing the gardenia indoors.

Feed every three to four weeks with a fish emulsion. This is concentrated and can be applied at 1 tsp. per gallon for a very light feeding.

Prune off dead or broken plant material at any time. Remove spent flowers and errant stems by cutting them 1/4 inch above a growth node or branch.

Watch for insect pests. Gardenia is particularly susceptible to white fly. Spray insecticidal soap on the leaves and stems weekly until evidence of the pest has passed. Alternatively, place the plant in the sink and hose off the leaves to rinse away the insects.

Prevent magnesium deficiency, which results in yellow leaves. Add 1 tsp. Epsom salts to 1 gallon of water in spring. Soak the pot in the mixture to saturate the roots with the solution.

Propagate the plant by softwood cuttings taken in February. Cut a 3- to 5-inch terminal end and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant in half moist peat moss, half sand. Place where temperatures are 80 degrees Fahrenheit for rooting.