Identifying and Caring for a Gift Gardenia Tree

A Mother's Day gift plant has a braided trunk (1.5–2 ft), dark green oval leaves, and pink blooms resembling mini carnations. The owner suspects azalea but the flowers don't match.

Identification: It's a Gardenia

The plant is a gardenia, often sold as a flowering "tree" by florists. Gardenias are notoriously difficult to rebloom indoors, even for experienced growers.

Immediate Care for Current Blooms

• Keep temperatures between 60–70°F (15–21°C).
• Place close to a sunny window.
• Water as soon as the soil surface is almost dry.
• Individual flowers last about a week; new buds may open if conditions are perfect.

Any deviation in temperature, light, or watering causes buds to drop before opening.

Long-Term Outlook

After flowering, it is unlikely to bloom again indoors. It can be kept as a foliage plant with bright light and consistent watering. Cool temperatures are less critical for foliage only.

Consider enjoying the blooms while they last, then transition to a foliage specimen—or replace with a more reliable houseplant.