I was gifted a gardenia, probably from a bodega down the block so not the best source or care before I got it. The plant is maybe 8 inches tall now which is only a couple inches taller than when I received it at the start of the year. I've read up as much as possible and searched pictures but can't find any gardenia that looks as small as mine nor can I find out when it should start branching out.

The main stalk is as thin as a bamboo skewer (the thin ones!). I've tried pinching the growing point multiple times, but either it has no effect or it grows two sets of leaves on each side of the middle, instead of only one new set, then the main stalk continues to produce upwards.

The leaves are dark, wide and healthy looking. I keep a dish of water under the pot saucer for humidity and it gets good light in a South facing window since I brought it home. The soil may not be the best but I didn't think repotting it before a year has gone by was a good idea.

When will it start branching out or how can I make it branch out?