Jasmine and Gardenia: pH, Pot Size, and Fertilizer Errors

Jasmine and Gardenia: pH, Pot Size, and Fertilizer Errors

Jasmine: pH 7.5 is too high (ideal ≤6.8). Holly-Tone is for acid-lovers, not jasmine. Miracle-Gro at full strength biweekly on a non-vigorous plant causes salt buildup. Overpotting = root rot. Fix: unpot, remove excess soil, repot snug in smallest pot, flush with distilled water, stop fertilizing, keep sunny and >60°F.

Gardenia: Needs pH 4.5–5.5. Yellowing with green veins suggests iron deficiency from high pH. Use iron sulfate or Mir-Acid at half strength. But first check light, water, pot size—new purchase issues are rarely pH.

Focus on basics: pot size, water, light. Chemicals are secondary.