To keep hydrangeas alive indoors, you need to provide them with proper light and temperature, water them regularly, and feed them with a balanced fertilizer.
For lighting, place your potted hydrangeas in a bright, but indirect, area. Avoid keeping them in a south or west facing window where the light could be too intense. With regard to temperature, keep your hydrangeas in a cooler area of the home—somewhere between 55 to 65 degrees is ideal.
Avoid placing them in particularly hot or sunny areas of the home, as these can dry out the plant easily.
To ensure your potted hydrangeas are well-watered, it’s best to make sure that the soil stays consistently moist. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out before you water the plants again. When it comes to feeding, your hydrangeas should be given a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks when the plants are actively growing.
By following a few easy tips, you can keep your hydrangeas alive indoors. Not only will the plants thrive, but your home will be filled with beautiful, long-lasting blooms.
Are hydrangeas hard to grow indoors?
Growing hydrangeas indoors can be a bit of a challenge, but it is possible with the right conditions. The biggest challenge is providing enough light, as hydrangeas need four to six hours of direct light per day.
You can supplement with additional artificial light if needed. Other considerations are maintaining a consistent temperature and ensuring that the soil stays moist, but not soggy. If you can provide the right environment, hydrangeas can definitely be grown indoors.
How long do indoor hydrangeas last?
Indoor hydrangeas can last anywhere from a week to several months depending on the variety of hydrangea and how well it is cared for. The longevity of indoor hydrangeas is also largely dependent on the environment in which they are kept—indoor humidity, air circulation, temperature, and light are all important factors.
If consistently provided with adequate water and misted every week or so, a hydrangea in the correct environment can last for up to two months. Additionally, cutting the stems of the hydrangeas every couple of weeks will help to keep them fresh for a longer duration of time.
Can I bring my potted hydrangea inside for the winter?
Yes, it is possible to bring your potted hydrangea inside for the winter. However, there are several important steps you should take to ensure that your hydrangea survives the transition indoors and thrives throughout the cold months.
First, it is essential to thoroughly clean your hydrangea plant before bringing it inside. This will help to minimize the chance of bringing pests or diseases into your indoor space. Therefore, inspect the plant for any lice, bugs, mold or mildew and use an insecticidal soap to remove them.
Next, you should acclimate your hydrangea to the indoor environment. This can be done by leaving the potted plant in a protected area outside, such as a porch or garage, for a few days before bringing it inside.
This will allow your hydrangea to adjust to the temperature and light levels it will experience indoors before making the final transition.
Once your hydrangea is inside, you should try to replicate the environment it enjoyed outdoors as much as possible. Place it in a location with bright indirect sunlight and make sure the temperature of the room remains between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you want to bring in additional humidity, consider placing a humidifier in the room or misting the hydrangea with water every couple days.
Lastly, you should continue to water and fertilize your hydrangea as you would normally. This will help the plant stay healthy and may even encourage some blooming.
With a few simple steps, you can successfully bring your potted hydrangea inside for the winter and give it the best possible chance at surviving the season.
Why is my indoor hydrangea dying?
It is possible that your indoor hydrangea is dying due to a variety of environmental factors such as inconsistent watering, temperature, and light exposure. Inconsistent watering can lead to root rot and dehydration, while too much or too little light can both cause the leaves to yellow and gradually die.
In addition, indoor hydrangeas will often struggle to survive in dry climates, not getting enough humidity which leads to drying and wilting of the leaves. Finally, fluctuations in temperature can cause uneven growth, leading to a lack of nutrients and hydration in the soil and cause yellowing of the leaves and eventual death.
If you believe your indoor hydrangea is dying, you should give it an immediate hydration boost with some tepid tap water, as well as consider potentially changing the environment or pot size to better suit the hydrangea’s needs.
This can include providing more consistent light exposure, warmer temperatures and more frequent watering with nutrient-rich soil. You may also want to consider introducing more humidity into the room with the use of a room humidifier or mist spray to ensure that the hydrangea has the best environment to grow in.
Will potted hydrangeas come back every year?
No, potted hydrangeas will not come back every year. While these plants can be healthy and happy in potting soil, they will not survive in the same pot year to year. Hydrangeas need to be planted in the ground in order to survive.
When you keep them in a pot, you must replant them in fresh soil every year to give them the nutrients they need. In addition, they need to be properly cared for while in a pot, including proper watering, fertilizing, and exposure to sunlight.
If the pot is too small for the hydrangea or too shallow, the roots won’t have enough space to grow and the plant will die. Therefore, it’s best to plant your hydrangeas in the ground if you want them to come back each year.
Can indoor hydrangeas go outside?
Yes, indoor hydrangeas can be moved outside. However, it is important to note that some care and preparation is necessary for these plants to make the transition, as too much or too little sunlight or water can damage them, and extreme temperatures can cause them to die.
Before taking the hydrangea outside, it can be helpful to gradually introduce it to increased amounts of direct sunlight, starting with a few hours per day. Once the hydrangea is accustomed to the light, it can then be planted in outdoor soil or a pot with well-draining soil.
Outdoor hydrangeas should be given a generous amount of water, and when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important to cover the plants or bring them indoors at night. Additionally, it is important to fertilize the hydrangeas on a regular basis to ensure the plants are receiving enough key nutrients.
If the move to the outdoors is successful, the plants will then enter a dormant period during the winter, where they need very little water. By following these steps and caring for the hydrangeas in the outdoors, they can thrive and be enjoyed for many years.
How do I know if my hydrangea needs water?
The best way to know if your hydrangea needs water is to check the soil. Stick your finger into the soil about two inches deep, and if it’s dry, your hydrangea needs water. If the soil is moist, you can wait until it dries out before adding more water.
You should also look for wilting leaves or branches, yellowing or drooping, or smaller than normal leaves, as these are all signs that the hydrangea needs more water. If your hydrangea is growing in a container, be mindful of how often you need to water, as it will require more frequent watering than plants in the ground.
Additionally, make sure to keep an eye on weather conditions, as certain conditions can increase the need for water. For instance, hot, dry conditions will cause the plant to need water more often than normal.
Should I water hydrangeas every day?
No, you should not water hydrangeas every day. Too much water can cause root rot and fungal diseases in the plants, and can also lead to leaf yellowing and wilting. Instead, water hydrangeas deeply and thoroughly once per week; the soil should be moist but not soggy or soaked.
If the soil feels dry to the touch about an inch beneath the surface, it’s time to water again. You should also add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help conserve moisture. In extremely hot temperatures or when the plant is in bloom, you may want to water more often, but be careful not to over water.
How long can hydrangeas go without water?
Hydrangeas can survive without water for about 1 to 2 weeks at most. If their soil is completely dry, they are likely to start wilting. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, they may require more or less water to remain healthy and vibrant.
Generally, they should be watered at least weekly, with even more frequent watering during hot, dry times. Additionally, during extended periods of drought, they should be watered more deeply and infrequently in order to help the root system to grow deeper and stronger.
Established plants may need 1 to 2 inches of water every 5 to 10 days to maintain their growth and bloom production.
Can you water hydrangeas with tap water?
Yes, you can water hydrangeas with tap water. It is important to give the plants enough water, but not too much. Regularly check the moisture levels in the soil. You’ll know they need water if the top inch of the soil is dry.
Water thoroughly once a week or twice a week during dry periods or periods of intense heat. Make sure the water reaches the entire root system. If you’re using a sprinkler rather than a watering can, adjust it so it gives off a light spray instead of one that is too fierce as this could damage the flowers.
To keep the soil consistently moist, mulch around the plants with a layer of compost, bark chips or straw. Additionally, hydrangeas prefer a pH-neutral water, so if your tap water is acidic, try to use rainwater or collected well water.
Is coffee grounds good for hydrangeas?
Yes, coffee grounds are good for hydrangeas in moderation. Adding grounds to the soil helps to acidify it and make it more beneficial for the plant. The grounds provide beneficial microorganisms, nitrogen, and phosphorus to the soil that promote plant growth and development.
Coffee grounds also help retain moisture and improve drainage. When applied in moderation, coffee grounds can be beneficial for the health and growth of hydrangeas. It’s recommended to use slightly less than one-half to three-quarters of a cup of grounds for every 10-square-feet of garden soil.
Be sure to mix the grounds evenly throughout the soil and water it thoroughly to help make sure the grounds dissolve evenly. It’s also important to note that one should avoid adding too much coffee grounds to the soil because it could lead to an overly acidic environment that would stunt the growth of hydrangeas.