Why Do Gardenia Buds Fall Off?

Gardenia flowers give a distinct fragrance to the air and add beauty to any space. But gardenia bud decay is an issue that needs to be addressed. Gardenia buds falling off plants is a problem that is frequently encountered. There is a variety of factors that can contribute to this condition.

The White Gardenia Flower and Bud Blooming in The Field

What Causes Gardenia Buds to Turn Brown and Fall Off?

Gardenia buds can turn brown and fall off due to several reasons, including:

  • The most common reason for gardenia buds to fall off plants is a shift in their growing environment. Gardenias do not like to be disturbed in their blooming. They are extremely sensitive to being moved or even touched in any shape or form.
  • Lack of water. If the gardenia buds don’t get enough water, they will turn brown and fall off. Ensure the plants have enough water throughout the day so that the leaves and flowers are always moist.
  • Overwatering. When you over-water the plants, it causes them to release too much water in their roots which can cause Gardenia blooms to turn brown and fall off. Check the soil moisture level regularly and make sure that you only water when the soil is dry to the touch.
  • Fertilizing incorrectly. If you fertilize your gardenia plants incorrectly, it can cause them to release toxins that will lead to browning and falling off of the plant’s buds. Consult with a professional before fertilizing your gardenia plants to avoid damage or issues.
Gardenia, Rubiaceae Small perennials leaves are rounded, oval, pointed leaves, single flowers from the apex or the end of the branch. flowers are fragrant, White flower blooming and green leaves in garden on nature background

How to Prevent Gardenia Buds from Turning Brown and Falling Off?

Gardenia flowers should be cared for properly to avoid gardenia buds from falling off. When gardenia buds don’t bloom or fall off, it’s possible that they’re not being properly cared for. To prevent gardenia buds from turning brown and falling off, follow these tips:

  1. Water the gardenia plants only when the soil is dry to the touch. Do not water when it is wet. Inadequate watering of gardenia bushes can also result in the loss of buds on the plants. Do not overwater the plants. 
  2. Protect the plants from excessive sun exposure by covering them with a shade structure or using a Gardenia Sunscreen Protector during peak sunlight hours.
  3. To make the soil better, you can add organic matter such as compost. It helps to improve its fertility and nutrient content.
  4. Prune the gardenia bushes in late winter or early spring as needed to maintain their desired shape and size.
  5. Gardenia flower plants should be kept in a single location as much as possible, with as little movement as possible.
  6. Gardenias prefer to be kept moist at all times. If they are allowed to dry out for an extended period, they will respond by dropping their flowers. The buds rot due to insufficient watering and excessively dry air conditions. Maintain even moisture distribution throughout the soil and raise humidity levels. Gardenia flowers thrive in humid environments, making the use of humidifiers or pebble trays essential, particularly during the winter months.
  7. Gardenia flowers require a lot of light, but direct sunlight should be avoided if at all possible.
  8. If at all possible, use potting soil that contains peat. Even though gardenia flower plants can survive in a wide range of temperatures, they prefer cool nights between 60 and 65 ° Fahrenheit (16-18° Celsius) and warmer days about ten degrees higher in temperature.
  9. In addition to a monthly dose of fertilizer, it is recommended that Gardenias be pruned to maintain their shape after flowering has ended, although this is not required.
Gardenia flower in the morning

What to Do When Gardenia Buds Turn Brown and Fall Off?

All plants go through this natural process, and it isn’t bad in any way.

The buds will start to turn brown when they are about to be pollinated. This is because the flowers are getting close to being fertilized, and the pollen will start to spread.

Once the buds have turned brown, it is time to harvest them. You can do this by snipping them off with a pair of scissors or using a knife if you prefer. Make sure not to damage the flowers in any way, as this will prevent them from producing future flowers.

In some cases, Gardenia buds turn brown and fall off. The plant is likely experiencing a deficiency in nitrogen. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for all plants and is especially important for gardenias because they are heavy feeders.

To remedy the situation, you can add a high-nitrogen fertilizer to the soil around the plant or water the plant with a nitrogen-rich solution. You can also feed the plant with a nitrogen supplement if necessary.