how do you care for a hosta plant indoors

Requirements to Grow Hostas Indoors

Full Answer

How to successfully grow Hostas in pots?

To plant your hostas in containers:

• Fill the base of the pot you’ve chosen with rocks for drainage. ...
• Fill the pot with your choice of soil mix. ...
• Place a handful of slow-release fertilizer in the container.
• Add a little bit of soil to the fertilizer, mix it up well and then put the hosta on top of that.

More items...

What do you do with hostas in the winter?

Steps To Care For Hostas in Winter

• Water deeply once a month in the fall
• After the first hard freeze, cut off dead leaves
• Cover the remaining plant with mulch
• Do not water during the winter
• Remove mulch during the spring months
• Potted plants need a cold dormant area such as a garage or shed
• Potted plants need water monthly

How to prepare hostas for winter?

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Hostas for Winter

1. Water Regularly During Fall This is an important step in winterizing and it’s crucial to your plant’s success over the winter. ...
2. Snip Off Dead Foliage Why is this important? Well, for one thing, you want to remove old foliage because there may be harmful fungus or bacteria living on ...
3. Add Mulch or Pine straw

Why are my hostas leaves turning brown?

Pothos Leaves Turning Brown (Why And How To Fix It)

• Overwatering can cause the potus leaves to turn brown and dry. Pothos leaves turning brown because of overwatering. ...
• Direct sunlight. Direct sun can also cause leaves to turn brown. ...
• Diseases. Another of the most common causes of pothos foliage turning brown is a disease. ...
• Overfertilization. ...
• Inappropriate temperature. ...
• Pests. ...

See more

How often should I water my indoor hosta?

Hostas are drought tolerant, yet like moist well drained soil. If the weather is hotter, increase the watering to three times per week. Large hostas should be watered two times per week and daily during hot weather, especially if it gets more sun. Hostas growing in pots will require more frequent watering.

Why is my indoor hosta dying?

Overwatering causes the entire leaf to turn yellow and start to droop. Underwatering causes the leaves to turn dry brown and yellow, usually starting at the tip. Most hostas want constantly moist soil but they aren't able to tolerate standing water.

How do you care for a potted hosta?

When growing hostas in pots, use a standard potting soil (never garden soil) and water the plant in. Some growers recommend a soil that is fast draining. Set the container outside in a part-sun or shady spot. While some hostas can take deep shade, most prefer dappled shade or a bit of morning sun.

Will hostas grow year round inside?

With careful care, hostas can be grown indoors year round. If your hostas container has been outdoors all summer, it is not recommended that you bring it indoor for the winter. Hostas go dormant during the winter and need the cold season to thrive.

Can hosta be kept indoors?

Hostas are a family of plants made up of many species and cultivars that come in a wide variety of color, size and shape making it easy to find perfect complements to any plant arrangement. Hostas also grow well in containers and do not require direct light, making it possible to grow them indoors.

Can a hosta be a houseplant?

Though hostas are traditionally grown outside, they can make great houseplants if grown in containers under proper conditions. Unlike most other houseplants, hostas require an annual dormant period in chilled conditions to thrive.

Are hostas OK in pots?

When growing in pots, ensure there are plenty of drainage holes as waterlogged soil will kill the plant. Avoid metal containers as hosta roots need to be kept cool in summer. For best results, grow in large pots so the compost dries out less frequently.

Will potted hostas come back?

Whether you use potted hostas in a group or for one special raised focal point, they are sure to bring beauty to your garden. And if they're cared for well in the winter, they will continue to bring you their beautiful leaves for many years to come.

Do hostas do well in pots?

Planting hostas in pots Miniature hostas are perfectly suited for containers because typically they need a lot of drainage, and you can create some interesting arrangements with them. Add a few inches of your potting soil and compost mix to the bottom of the pot.

Do hostas like shade or sun?

shadeIt's for good reason—hostas absolutely love shade. Indeed, they languish in the hot afternoon sun so your shady landscape will provide them just the right conditions.

What do you do with hostas in the winter?

Further Hosta Winter Care Cut the leaves all the way to the ground. This will discourage slugs and rodents as well as diseases. Destroy the cut leaves to prevent any possibility of spreading potential diseases. Mulch the hostas with 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.)

Do hostas like sun?

Although they're known for their shade-tolerance, most hosta varieties perform well when exposed to a bit of morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much sun exposure will result in burned leaves, starting from the edges inward. The leaves will look brown, dry, and papery. Too much sun exposure also causes colors to fade.

What does it mean when hosta leaves turn brown?

Brown leaf edges are common on hostas and other shade lovers when the temperatures rise or the sun is too intense. Brown leaf edges, known as scorch, occur when the plant loses more water than is available or faster than the plant is able to absorb.

What does hosta disease look like?

Disease symptoms on hosta start as marginal yellowing and browning of the leaves, lower leaves first. A soft, brown, mushy decay may be seen at the base of the petiole sometimes accompanied by white fungal threads. As the disease progresses the leaves discolor and wilt.

Should dead hosta leaves be removed?

Unfortunately, as unsightly as they are, damaged Hosta leaves should not be removed until after the killing frosts of autumn arrive. One should then remove the dead, unsightly foliage and destroy it. The good news is, next spring, beautiful new Hosta leaves will emerge with no holes!

Why do my hostas look burnt?

Sunlight breaks down chlorophyll, the green pigment in plant leaves. Hostas cannot replace the chlorophyll as fast as it is destroyed, and bleach to a cream or white color. If the leaf remains in direct sunlight, the bleached areas then burn from overheating and die, turning tan or brown.

How do I plant a Hosta plant?

Before planting your Hostas, be sure to prepare a suitable pot and the right soil as outlined above. Once you’ve done this, here are a few steps to...

What types of Hostas are there?

Hostas are one of the most diverse growing plants, prized for their never-ending variants, colors, and textures. Hostas also have various size rang...

What do I need to look out for with my Hosta plant?

One of the biggest challenges when caring for Hostas is having to maintain the right amount of moisture. Give it too much water, and it could get r...

Do I need to give my hosta plant fertilizer?

When the growing season begins, feed your Hosta using a slow-release fertilizer. You can then fertilize your plant every other week with a water-so...

How much light does my Hosta need?

Hosta plants need both light and shade to thrive. These shade-loving plants will always need some kind of shade, as do most variants. Be sure to lo...

How to grow hostas?

When you’ve prepared the plant’s requirements as outlined above, follow these steps: 1 Buy your Hosta as a dormant, bare-root division or as potted Hosta plants during spring. 2 Plant Hostas late during the growing season but give them extra attention with watering. 3 Set your plant in a planting hole. Make sure the crown of your plant is even with the surrounding soil. Furthermore, its growing tips should be visible at the soil’s surface. 4 If you’re purchasing potted Hostas, plant them on the same level as the soil inside the pot. 5 Ensure the soil is damp around the plant, and water it until the soil becomes moist. 6 Place it in an area where there is bright, indirect sunlight, and avoid intense direct sunlight. 7 Water Hostas whenever the soil feels somewhat dry. They prefer moist (but not soggy) soil. Diligently watering them when they’re dry will ensure they don’t succumb to hot summer weather.

How to propagate a hosta?

Propagation of Hosta Plants. You may propagate your Hosta by cuttings or from Hosta seeds , but most gardeners prefer growing Hostas from seeds in containers. You can also grow your Hostas by division during early spring or early fall. Cut off some roots from the mature plant and shake off the old soil.

How long does a hosta plant last?

Hosta plants can keep growing inside a large container for three years. Check the pot every spring. Ensure that its roots aren’t pressed up in the side of the pot or escaping through the drainage holes. If this occurs, re-plant your Hosta in a pot that’s 2-4 inches bigger than its previous container.

What is a hosta plant?

Hosta plants are shade-tolerant plants with beautiful, waxy, green leaves that produce a vast range of foliage colors. While these plants are traditionally grown outside the house, they also make fantastic houseplants under the right conditions. For these plants to thrive inside your home, they will need a lot of attention and care.

Why do hostas need colder temperatures?

While most indoor plants prefer a constant temperature, the Hosta is different. Because of their required dormancy period , they need exposure to colder temperatures. You can simulate this condition by placing the plants in a dark, cold space.

What are the challenges of a hosta plant?

One challenge that many indoor Hosta plants face is maintaining just the right amount of moisture. While too much water will cause problems like crown rot, Hostas prefer moist conditions.

What color are hosta leaves?

Hosta plants ’ leaves come in various colors, such as lime green, variegated white, and blue-green, to name a few. The shape and texture of Hosta leaves also have diverse ranges, from narrow and smooth to heart-shaped and ridged.

How long can hostas stay outside?

If you live in an area that has a cold winter, you can leave the plants outside until they go dormant (at least six weeks of temperatures below 42 degrees Fahrenheit) and bring them back in to reactivate them.

How long do hostas need to be in dormancy?

Because hostas are perennials, they need at least six weeks of temperatures below 42 degrees Fahrenheit to allow the plants to go into dormancy. Therefore, even indoor plants need to be taken care ...

What flowers do hostas have?

There are hundreds of varieties of hostas with flowers ranging from green to yellow to blue, either bell or trumpet-shaped. There is also a wide variety in the leaves and in the sizes of the plants.

How to tell if hostas are getting too much sun?

Signs that your hostas are getting too much sun (or not enough water) are brown tips at the outside edges of the leaves and a dull color of faded spots in the leaves.

What are the advantages of hostas in containers?

One of the greatest advantages to growing container hostas is the sheer diversity of the plants. Many hostas are prized for their varied colors and leaf textures. For instance, the “Undulata” has green leaves with variegated white centers, while the “June” leaves are blue-green.

When to repot hostas?

Hostas grown permanently in containers may need to be repotted at the beginning of the growing season —the rhizomatous roots spread rather quickly. If the root clumps are pressing against the sides of the container, it's time to repot. If, however, you are transferring hostas from the garden into pots for temporary indoor display, repotting is generally unnecessary.

How to keep a sage plant moist?

Water. These plants, especially when grown in containers, require lots of water. Keep them moist at all times by watering frequently, especially on hot days. Make sure that drainage is adequate, however—they grow well when moist but not when wet.

How to grow hostas in a hole?

Plant the hostas. Set the hostas into the holes so that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill in the hole with soil and pat it gently around the base of the plants. Water the planted hostas well.

How to protect hostas from disease?

Protect your hostas from disease. Maintaining the correct watering, mulch, and conditions are the key to keeping disease away from your hostas. Here are some measures you can take to prevent and combat disease:

How to bring hostas back to life?

Compost the soil in the spring. At the beginning of the growing season, help bring the hostas back by adding compost to the soil. Add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Water the area thoroughly to help the new growth emerge.

What does it mean when hostas turn brown?

If you see brown and wilted leaves along with white masses on the plant, pull any mulch away from the hostas, as this could be a sign of Sclerotium Blight.

How to keep hostas away from deer?

If these animals are common in the area you live, take precautions to protect against these species. Keep deer away by building a fence around your yard, or luring them to the edges with other deer-friendly plants.

What zone do hostas grow in?

Hostas are generally only recommended for growing zones 3-8 which provide them with sufficient shade, sun and water. Unfortunately they do not thrive in the climates found in central Florida.

Why do you water hostas in the morning?

Watering hostas in the morning will help keep them hydrated during hotter parts of the day during the summer.

Learn How to Grow Hostas Indoors to light up your space with its lush foliage and perfect tropical vibes. Read on to learn more!

Hostas are popular for their lush and variegated foliage that can add tonnes of beauty indoors. If you have always wanted to flaunt these plants in your rooms, then the wait is over! Here’s all you need to know about How to Grow Hostas Indoors!

Hostas Plant Profile

Native to Asia, Hostas are famous for their beautiful foliage. The plant features ovate, variegated leaves in blue, green, yellow, and white.

Propagating Hostas

Division is the easiest and cheapest way to propagate Hostas. The best time to do it is spring.

Best Pot Size for Growing Hostas

The key to growing hostas indoors is picking the right pot size, which depends on your growing variety. For dwarf varieties, a pot size between 10-12 inches is good.

Best Varieties of Hostas for Indoors

Hostas are famous for their size and large leaves, so it is not possible to grow all of them indoors, keeping the space in mind. For rooms, you can go for small varieties like ‘Sunshine Glory,’ ‘Sum and Substance,’ ‘Frosted Mouse Ears,’ ‘Gold-Edged Plantain Lily,’ and ‘Blue Cadet’—all these grow between 8-12 inches high and wide.

Requirements to Grow Hostas Indoors

Hostas are not ideally houseplants but can be grown indoors if certain conditions are considered. The trick to growing Hostas indoors is to provide the plant with temperatures at or below 42F (5 C) to mimic winter-like conditions for 8-12 weeks.

Hostas Care Tips

While growing them in pots, snip away yellowing or dead leaves from time to time.

How long do hostas need to be dormant?

Hostas need a minimum of six weeks of weather below 42 degrees Fahrenheit to go dormant during the winter. Outdoors, this occurs naturally in most areas, but it's a notable challenge of growing hostas indoors. Indoor pots can be stored in a garage, basement, or crawlspace (even in refrigerator) to ensure dormancy. Temperatures must be between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit so the plants do not freeze.

How long does it take for a hosta to grow?

Smaller varieties tend to grow fastest and can reach their mature size in three to five years; larger types may take five to seven years. Hostas can be planted in early spring or as soon as the heat of summer ends in early fall. They can also be grown indoors with a little extra care. Botanical Name. Hosta spp.

How big do Hosta sieboldiana plants get?

Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans': Grows 30 inches tall with up to a 4-foot spread; large leaves (10 by 13 inches) are heart-shaped and have a corrugated texture and blue-green color

What are the different types of hostas?

Some of the favorite hosta varieties include: 1 H. 'Blue Mouse Ears': A tiny hosta growing only 6 to 12 inches high with round, heart-shaped blue-green leaves 2 H. 'Golden Tiara': Light green leaves with yellow edging; grows about 16 inches tall and 38 inches wide 3 H. tardiana 'Halcyon': Pale, spade-shaped leaves, gray-blue in color; grows 18 to 24 inches tall in clumps up to 3 feet wide 4 H. sieboldiana 'Frances Williams': Large, puckered leaves 12 inches wide, dark green with light-green veining; grows 2 feet tall and up to 5 feet in spread 5 H. 'Patriot': Medium-size green leaves with white margins; grows up to 18 inches tall with a 30-inch spread 6 H. 'Sum and Substance': A huge hosta growing to 30 inches tall and 5 feet in spread; large leaves (15 by 20 inches) are heart-shaped, starting glossy yellow and gradually turning golden 7 Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans': Grows 30 inches tall with a 4-foot spread; large leaves (10 by 13 inches) are heart-shaped and have a corrugated texture and blue-green color

How big do hostas get?

Small: plants that mature to 9 to 15 inches tall. Medium: plants that mature to 16 to 21 inches tall. Large: plants that mature to 22 to 29 inches tall.

Why are my hosta leaves turning yellow?

When plants have green and yellow variegated leaves, exposure to morning sun helps enhance the yellow coloring. Check the specific light requirements of your hosta variety. If the leaves develop brown tips, they have faded areas, or their color is dull, the plant may be getting too much sun.

When do hostas bloom?

Hostas produce blooms on long stalks that extend well above the clumping foliage in late spring or summer, but the foliage is the main attraction. Some gardeners clip off the flower stalks when they appear, although more savvy growers recognize the value of the white or purple flowers to bees and other pollinators .