Hi - need a lot more clues, like where is the plant growing, how much sun does it get for how long each day, how often do you water - based on what clues, what kind of soil mix is it in, and when did you last repot?

I live in Detroit and the plant sits alogside a brick wall that faces east. It gets sun from around 7:00 am through almost 2:00 pm.

I purchased it about 14 days ago and immediately repotted it into a bonsai pot. I put it in a bonsai soil mix that drains well. I did, however, cut some portion of the roots off upon repotting as the original pot was rather taller than the one I transfered it into.

About 7 to 10 days after repotting, I added some very diluted fertilizer. I used your basic miracle grow plant food not realizing then that gardenias prefer high acid fertilizer - something I now know.

Do these clues help?

Well, you say it's draining well, but I'd love to know what's IN that mix... Otherwise, was it acclimated to the sun outside slowly, or all at once? And how often are you watering? How much? And (maybe dumb question, but...) how cold does it get overnight there? Don't forget it is tropical and a lot of people keep them indoors year round (tho' I'm not necessarily suggesting you do that there).

Well,

The mix is purchased off the shelf and it is called Hoffman's Bonsai Soil. I did put the plant into the sunny position right away (no gradual acclamation) although the nursery I bought it from had it outside as well. I water it every other day roughly. In truth I am going by feel and I water it when the soil feels dry 1/2 inch deep.

One thought I had was could the sun be heating the porcelain pot to the point that the roots are cooking? On one or two occasions the pot felt hot - then again I don't know how to work around this if the plant requires direct sun.

As for evening temps they get down to around 65 lately. Mid 80s during the day.

Elevate the pot, if it isn't already. An inch or two will help circulation. You could also put a white reflective surface around the pot.

Also, about that soil. What are the ingredients on the bag, if it's still handy?

Josh