Gardenia with yellowing leaves and turning bark-y.?

Question

I got a little gardenia at a flower shop and put it in my well lit house (lots of skylights). I water it...probably every few days and every other week give it acidic plant food. But the leaves starting from the bottom started turning yellow and dry and falling off. It also looks like the stem is turning to bark...more than half the leaves are gone now and I'm scared if it keeps going the whole plant will be leafless and die. There are little new growths near the base but some have turned yellow and fell off others look fine. What should I do? Is there a problem with my plant or is it a waiting game?

michael · Accepted Answer

http://www.gardenguides.com/103453-care-tips-indoor-gardenia-plants.html

Care Tips for Indoor Gardenia PlantsProvide Plenty of Light

PROVIDE PLENTY OF LIGHT
Gardenias thrive in bright light. The plant needs exposure to at least six hours of sunlight per day to bloom properly, and preferably more than that. Many homes are too dark for the gardenia to even try to put forth the fragrant flowers that make the plant so desirable. Place your gardenia near a south-facing window or even under a grow light designed to simulate the rays of the sun.

COOL IT DOWN
Gardenias are a bit of a paradox. While they thrive in full sunlight, they do not fare so well in the accompanying heat of the sun. These plants prefer cool indoor temperatures, with daytime temperatures in the mid-to-upper 60s and evening temperatures 10 degrees lower than those present during the day. Do not place your gardenia near any heat or air-conditioning vents, as cold or hot drafts can seriously injure the plant.

WET THE AIR
Gardenias must have humidity to bloom. Dry air will cause the delicate buds to quickly wilt and drop from the plant before they even start to open. Place your potted gardenia on a tray full of pebbles and water, so that the pot is resting above the water on the rocks. Or, install a humidifier near the plant. Avoid misting the plant with a spray bottle, as this does not benefit it in the long run and may even lead to the development of leaf spot.
Feed It Well

FEED IT WELL
Gardenias are heavy feeders and need regular amounts of water and fertilizer. Water your plant when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Do not let it sit in water, as this can lead to root rot. Instead, empty the water catch-tray as soon as the pot stops draining. Fertilize your gardenia with an acidic plant food formulated for blooming evergreens. Monthly feedings between April and November is a good idea, according to a care guide published by the University of Rhode Island. Feed your plant the correct amount according to the size of your gardenia as instructed

Read more: Care Tips for Indoor Gardenia Plants | Garden Guides http://www.gardenguides.com/103453-care-tips-indoor-gardenia-plants.html#ixzz1M9CIDhZG

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Gardenia with yellowing leaves and turning bark-y.?

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