The best time to transplant gardenia plants is in the fall, after the plant has finished blooming. About a week before transplanting gardenia bushes, prune the branches back by one-quarter or one-third. This will reduce the overall size of the growing gardenias and allow them to focus more on their root system.Click to see full answer. In this regard, can you split a gardenia plant?Fill the pot with equal parts of peat or potting soil and sand. Dampen the peat/sand mixture. Dip the cut end of the gardenia cutting into a rooting hormone. An important part of propagating gardenias successfully is ensuring that the gardenia cuttings stay in high humidity until they root.Likewise, what soil should I use for gardenias? Gardenias grow best when they are planted in rich soil that is moist but well-drained. Gardenias do best in soils with acidic pH levels. Try to maintain a pH of 5 or 6. You may want to have your soil tested and then add nutrients according to the results. Moreover, what is the best potting mix for gardenias? When transplanting Gardenias, use a soil mixture of two parts peat moss, one part sterilized houseplant potting soil, and one part sand or perlite. Propagate Gardenias in early spring with 3-4 in.Can gardenia cuttings be rooted in water?While a moist, easy draining planting medium such as a mixture of sharp sand and peat moss is recommended by the University of Vermont, rooting with water alone also works effectively. Harvest a six-inch-long stem from your gardenia shrub with clean sharp secateurs.