Gardenia as a housplant--is it worth it?

[ducks4you]

You'all know that I like to do a little study before I jump into some plants. I was just at Meijer's Garden Center, searching for my favorite clearance perennials, and I spy what I think is some kind of white rose tree. I walk over to smell it and I KNOW it's NOT a rose, but reading the label, it's a Gardenia. This is mucho clearance time and well...I am considering buying one and starting it immediately as a house plant. They have about 7 left at 75% off.
So...what do you think? I've read that they are difficult, but, OMGOSH, the FRAGRANCE!!!!!!
Please talk me out of it!!

 

[Smart Red]

I, for one, would never think to talk you out of it. I haven't tried growing one for many, many years because, in the old days they quickly met their fate at my hands. I have learned a lot since those days and have been drooling over both gardenias and jasmine plants recently. My local "gardening-greenhouse-nursery" has their house plants on sale right now, too. Must make a stop this week.

 

[ninnymary]

Gardenias are meant to be grown outdoors in full sun. But if the price is right, I say go for it.

Mary

 

[catjac1975]

They often sell them as house plants. I have not had luck with them but I did not research them. I would put a soil drench before bringing it indoors with a systemic insecticide. The pests love them. Leave it outdoors a while to dilute the poison and kill the bugs. I would go for it. Perhaps repot it before you bring it in.

 

[baymule]

Gardenias are food for the senses. Take a deeeeeeep sniff. You haven't bought them all yet?

 

[Carol Dee]

My Mom's favorite flower was a gardenia. All houseplants die in my hands. If I was not afraid of knocking one off in short order, I would buy one. Oh the smell is heavenly. 75% off should make it an affordable experiment.

 

[Nyboy]

Like Mary said they are ment to grow outside. If conditions inside are not prefect they lose leaves and yellow. I have a hard time passing up clearance, but have past over them . Have killed to many to even try a clearance one again.

 

[ducks4you]

wow...only ONE of you has tried to help me use my common sense.
Fine. Guess I'll check out the price and do it. I have two large plastic tree pots available. One doesn't drain and the other does. Which one should I use?

 

[catjac1975]

Always need drainage. Drill holes in the one without. Wait? Did you want us to talk you out of it? You looked to plant obsessed people for that kind of help? Hahahahaha. If it's cheap and it dies, so what?

 

[Carol Dee]

Always need drainage. Drill holes in the one without. Wait? Did you want us to talk you out of it? You looked to plant obsessed people for that kind of help? Hahahahaha. If it's cheap and it dies, so what?

^^^Ditto^^^