Any idea what’s going on with this gardenia? My father-in-law sent me a photo and I told him I’d ask around. Thanks I’m advance.
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It looks like it is chlorotic due to iron or magnesium deficiency. Usually resulting from basic soil. Soil acidifiers might work and perhaps iron and magnesium amendments
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Has it always been that way? (Varigated or yellow leaves?)
If not,
that’s the color I’d expect from putting wood ashes on it.
(pH went too high)
Or a heavy dose of lime or ground shells might have been applied.
Most non-amended soil I’ve seen in Florida is pretty acidic…but I’m sure there are exceptions. Even the water may be high in limestone deposits.
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This is very common. Your soil PH is not low enough and the plants do not receive enough iron and/or magnesium. Apply some fertilizer made for azalea, blueberry and other acid loving plants. Ironite alone can’t do it.
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I don’t think so. He told me about it as a problem. So I’m assuming this is a recent development.
I’ll suggest some iron and fertilizer to him. Thanks all.
No, it will take more than just iron, it will require lowering the pH if that’s indeed the problem.
Sulphur is good. Or the above suggestions by RedSun.
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Steven,
This website has good info to help your dad solve his gardenia issue. Treat it like treating blueberry, I guess. If his water has high ph, he may need to use rain water or add vinegar in each watering.
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Get some liquid ferts for acid loving plants. Try those. Also try to water with only rainwater if at all possible.
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