My gardenia is of course indoors now but it has sprouted 50+ buds and the plant looks luscious and ready. Although, I've seen it before, only to have the buds all turn brown and fall off. How long does it take for the buds to open after they're evident?

I'm babying this big beauty - it sits in a south-facing window during the day, gets weekly showers and I leave it in the bath for a couple of hours afterwards to soak up the moisture in the room. At night, I've been hauling it to the basement for its cool evening temps (last 8-9 nights). So far, so good, but I'm wondering if this is just another trick? I've noticed what looks to be dried salt/sap matter on the buds -- it doesn't move, so it isn't bugs. If anyone can answer my questions, I would appreciate hearing from you.

I'm dreaming of 50 fragrant blooms in my own livingroom, but I need advice/support/garden prayers.