Taking care of a hydrangea indoors requires providing the plant with plenty of indirect light, keeping the soil moist, and applying fertilizer. When selecting a location for the hydrangea, it is best to find a spot that receives plenty of indirect light or some morning sun, but avoiding the afternoon sun.
To keep the soil moist, it is best to water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry. The best way to water an indoor hydrangea is to water until it drips out the bottom of the pot, and then allow the pot to completely dry.
It is also important to provide the hydrangea with fertilizer during the active growing season. An indoor hydrangea should be fed every two weeks with a 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to ¼ strength. It is important to check the instructions on the fertilizer package to make sure it is applied correctly.
During the winter months, the hydrangea may need less water; only water when the soil is dry to the touch. It is also important to prune the hydrangea as needed to keep it looking healthy and full.
How long do indoor hydrangeas last?
Indoor hydrangeas can last for multiple weeks or even months when properly cared for. They tend to last longer in indirect light, as too much direct sunlight can cause the stems to wilt quickly. If kept in good conditions, your potted hydrangeas can last anywhere between 4-6 weeks depending on the variety.
To get the longest life out of your potted hydrangeas, you should water them regularly and keep away from direct sunlight. You can also trim off the wilted blooms and leaves to help them last longer and keep the plant looking attractive.
Can potted hydrangeas live indoors?
Yes, potted hydrangeas can live indoors. However, they need adequate sunlight, humidity, and water. You should place your potted hydrangeas in an area that receives plenty of indirect sunlight, such as a south or east-facing window.
The room should be kept at a fairly consistent temperature, preferably 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55-60 degrees at night. It’s also important to monitor the moisture in the soil by feeling for dryness.
As the plant needs it, you should water it thoroughly until the soil feels evenly moist. Furthermore, because hydrangeas thrive in humid conditions, it is a good idea to mist the leaves and blooms every few days or to place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles.
With proper adjustments and maintenance, your potted hydrangeas can thrive indoors.
How often do you water an indoor hydrangea?
Indoor hydrangeas require thorough watering when their soil surface becomes almost dry to the touch. Watering frequency will ultimately depend on the size and type of pot, the temperature in the room, and the amount of light it is receiving.
Generally speaking, most indoor hydrangeas should be watered well once every 7-10 days and left to dry out partially between each watering. If the room is particularly hot or the pot is large, more frequent watering may be necessary.
Additionally, it is important to remember that hydrangeas should never be left sitting in water, and proper drainage with an undrained pot will help ensure the health of the plant.
Why is my indoor hydrangea dying?
It is possible that your indoor hydrangea is dying for several reasons. First, it could be due to a lack of sunlight. While hydrangeas prefer partial shade, they still need a few hours of direct sunlight each day, or at least bright indirect sunlight.
Second, it could be due to the soil not having enough nutrients. Hydrangeas need soil that is rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus for healthy growth and blooms. In addition, too much watering can cause root rot as well, which can kill your hydrangea.
Ensuring you are watering the plant adequately is important. Lastly, it could be due to a temperature change or an infestation of pests. Hydrangeas like the temperature around 65F to 75F, and any drastic changes could affect its health.
Additionally, pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can cause indoor hydrangeas to die if not treated promptly. If you think any of these could be the issue, it’s important to rectify it as soon as possible to save your indoor hydrangea.
Will potted hydrangeas come back every year?
No, potted hydrangeas will not come back every year. Like any other potted plants, hydrangeas are treated as annuals, meaning that once the season is over, the plants will be removed from the pot and discarded.
If you would like to have hydrangeas come back in your garden annually, you will have to plant them directly in the ground. Unlike potted plants, when you plant hydrangeas in the ground they will return with new growth in the spring and bloom year after year.
It may take several years for them to get to full bloom size and produce an abundance of blooms, but with proper care, such as fertilizing and pruning, you can eventually have a beautiful hydrangea garden that comes back every year.
Are hydrangeas better in pots or ground?
Hydrangeas can thrive in either pots or the ground, so it really comes down to your individual preferences and needs. If you’re looking for an easy way to add colour and texture to a garden, planting hydrangeas in the ground gives them plenty of room to grow and develop and can create a dramatic aesthetic.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for the convenience of portability and design flexibility, planting hydrangeas in pots can be a great option for you. When planting hydrangeas in pots, be sure to use a deep pot, at least 1.
5 ft deep, and ensure the pot has suitable drainage holes. You’ll also need to make sure that the container has adequate room for the plant’s root system and that it’s in a location that gets morning and mid-day sunlight.
Additionally, you will need to regularly water their roots to keep the soil moist, while avoiding soil saturation, as hydrangeas in pots are more vulnerable to drought than those planted in the ground.
Ultimately, both pots and the ground can provide suitable homes for hydrangeas, so it’s up to you to decide which option works best for your needs and preferences.
Can you leave hydrangeas in pots over winter?
Yes, you can leave hydrangeas in pots over winter. A good practice is to keep the pots in an unheated shed or garage over the coldest months. Make sure the pots have good drainage and have enough soil to help protect the roots.
To keep the soil from becoming too dry, it is also a good idea to occasionally mist the plants. Once the soil in the pots gets to 40°F or colder you will want to move the plants indoors to a sunny spot in your house.
If you are unable to do this, provide the potted hydrangeas with a deep winter mulch layer such as straw or pine needles. Then cover the pots with fabric or burlap. This will help provide extra insulation from the cold temperatures.
It is essential to check on the plants regularly as temperature fluctuations through the winter can cause the soil to freeze more often than when plants are in the ground.
Do you deadhead hydrangeas?
Yes, you should deadhead hydrangeas in order to keep your plants looking their best and to promote future blooms. Deadheading involves removing spent blooms as soon as they begin to fade. In addition, removing deadheads helps keep the plants tidy, prevents some diseases that can be caused by deadhead molds and fungi, and helps spur new growth.
For the larger, showy blooms of the “mophead” hydrangeas, you should use a pair of garden pruners to snip off the stem of the flower just above the nearest healthy leaf. With the “lacecap” varieties, you can snip off the faded flower and any of the nearby seed heads simply by pinching them off with your thumb and fingers.
You should also deadhead any seed heads during fall cleaning. Doing this helps improve air circulation, limiting the chances of developing molds and fungi. Make sure to leave any newly forming buds; allowing them to develop should mean a more beautiful bloom the following year.
Can I leave my potted hydrangea outside?
Yes, you can leave your potted hydrangea outside. They thrive in full to partial sun, so you should place your potted hydrangea in an area with both direct and indirect sunlight. You should also keep the pot in a sheltered area protected from strong winds.
Water your hydrangea regularly, about once or twice a week during hot days. Monitor your soil’s moisture levels; if you notice any wilting, water your plant as soon as possible. Additionally, fertilize your hydrangea monthly during the spring and summer months with a balanced fertilizer.
Be sure to use half the recommended amount of fertilizer to prevent nutrient burn. Take your potted hydrangeas indoors if the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Lastly, trimming and pruning your hydrangea will encourage new growth and encourage blooming.
Can hydrangeas survive winter in pots?
Yes, hydrangeas can survive winter in pots. To ensure they stay healthy, they should be protected when temperatures drop. If you live in colder climates, your hydrangeas may need extra care. You should consider bringing the pots indoors, or storing them in a sheltered, dry area where they can be easily monitored.
When temperatures get low, provide the hydrangeas with a layer of winter mulch. This will help protect the roots and provide insulation. You may also need to water the plants periodically when it is dry.
During frosty nights, move the hydrangeas to a sheltered area or cover them with a frost cloth. This will ensure the winter wind does not damage the foliage.
Hydrangeas require plenty of filtered sunlight to stay healthy. Indoor plants should have bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch their foliage, so cover the windows if necessary.
Finally, it is important to prune your hydrangeas in late winter or early spring. Pruning will keep the plant healthy and allow for more blooms when the season arrives.
Where do potted hydrangeas go in the winter?
Potted hydrangeas can be overwintered in a variety of locations, depending on the climate and situation. In colder climates, the best option is to move the hydrangeas to an unheated garage or shed. If these options are not available, move the hydrangeas out of the wind and possibly to an area near the house where it is slightly warmer.
Be sure to cover the pot with a cloth or burlap and keep the plant’s soil moist.
If your climate is mild, you can leave potted hydrangeas outdoors as long as they are in a sheltered spot, such as against a wall. Additionally, you can choose to bury the pot in a cold frame or wrap the pot in bubble wrap for extra insulation.
If you opt to keep your hydrangea in the pot indoors, be sure to find a sunny spot by a bright window, water regularly, and use hydrangea-specific fertilizer.
Do hydrangeas last a long time?
Hydrangeas depend on their variety, the amount of water they are given, and the amount of sunlight they receive and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Hydrangea blossoms usually last from late spring to early fall, and in some cases, even longer, depending on the variety and the environment in which it grows.
Hydrangeas also last longer if you remove old blooms as soon as they fade, which encourages new buds to form that will give your hydrangea additional blooms. Additionally, pruning hydrangeas occasionally throughout the growing season helps to keep the plants healthy and increase blooms.
If properly cared for, hydrangeas can last for many years and can be enjoyed for their flowering beauty.
How many times a year does a hydrangea bloom?
Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall and grow new leaves in the spring. As such, their blooming period will be different depending on the hardiness zones, temperature and plant varieties.
Generally, hydrangeas flower from late spring through summer, from around May or June through August or September. The exact blooming period will vary depending on the variety and the climate, with some hydrangeas blooming more than once per year.
Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood, such as the mophead, bigleaf, oakleaf, and climbing hydrangeas bloom only once per year in the spring or summer. Hydrangeas that bloom on both old and new wood, such as the smooth and panicle hydrangeas, can bloom once or twice a year.
When should I cut the flowers off my hydrangea?
It is best to wait until the flowers start to wilt and die off before you cut them off your hydrangea. This is because the dead flowers will provide insulation for the buds and new growth, which will make them hardier and more likely to survive the winter.
It is also important to cut off dead flowers to prevent disease and fungus growth. When you are cutting off the flowers, make sure to get as close to the stem as possible and don’t leave any of the dead flower heads behind.
During the summer months, it is also a good idea to trim off the spent blooms to keep your hydrangeas looking neat and tidy.
Should I cut my hydrangea back?
Whether or not you cut back your hydrangeas is largely dependent on the type of plant. Some types of Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood should not be cut back, or you will be forfeiting next year’s blooms.
These varieties of hydrangeas include oakleaf, Peegee, and French Hydrangeas. On the other hand, if you have a paniculata (sometimes called a PeeGee) or a smooth hydrangea, called an Annabelle, then it’s recommended to cut it back.
Paniculatas should be cut at least half way to the ground, and Annabelles should be cut all the way to the ground. Even if you’re uncertain of your hydrangea type, you can err on the side of not cutting anything off if you’d rather be safe.
If you’re dead set on cutting something off, you can always wait until mid February and remove dead, dry branches or branches that crisscross. That said, some experienced horticulturalists report that cutting down your hydrangea can improve the overall health of your plant, and that the blooms tend to become more bountiful the more you prune.
So if you have the time and energy, you could always give a light prune in late winter to promote a larger and healthier bloom.