How to Grow Hydrangeas Indoors?

Hydrangeas are known to beautify landscapes with their large, showy flower clusters. But can you grow them indoors as a houseplant?

They can brighten your living space with vibrant coloured blooms.

Though traditionally grown outdoors, hydrangeas can survive in indoor environments if given proper care.

Water, light, and fertilizers are key requirements of a plant. This write-up will help you understand the growing requirements of hydrangeas and how you can mimic a similar environment indoors.

Is it Possible to Grow Hydrangeas Indoors?

Yes, it is possible to grow hydrangeas as a houseplant, but you should pay more attention to replicating the favourable outdoor environment.

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In contrast to outdoor plants, indoor hydrangeas need bright light and adequate moisture.

Potted plants are prone to overwatering, so you should reduce the watering frequency of hydrangeas.

Along with light and water, you must maintain proper humidity and temperature.

With the right setup and regular maintenance, you can enjoy the lush blooms of hydrangeas within your indoor space.

Growing Requirements of Hydrangeas

Before you rush to buy hydrangeas from the nursery, it is essential to know the plant’s growing requirements.

Below mentioned are essential requirements.

Soil (Well-drained soil)

Hydrangeas prefer well-draining, loamy soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.

A mix of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite can create an ideal environment. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.

Using a soil pH tester can help you maintain the right acidity level.

Sunlight (6-8 hours of Bright light)

Hydrangeas need plenty of bright, indirect light to thrive indoors. Place them near a south-facing window where they can receive filtered sunlight for at least six hours a day.

Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so it’s crucial to protect them from intense afternoon sun.

If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light to supplement their light needs.

Fertilizer (Balanced liquid fertilizer)

Fertilizing hydrangeas is vital for their growth and flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.

Feed your plants every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer), but reduce feeding to once a month in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.

Humidity and Temperature

Hydrangeas thrive in a humid environment. Indoor air can be dry, especially in winter, so using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plants can help maintain the necessary humidity levels.

Aim for a humidity level of 50-60%. The ideal temperature range for indoor hydrangeas is between 65°F and 75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid placing them near drafts, heating vents, or air conditioners.

Water Requirements

Proper watering is crucial for hydrangeas. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Hydrangeas are sensitive to water quality, so using distilled or rainwater can prevent mineral build up in the soil.

Ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid water logging, which can lead to root rot.

Also Read: Why You Shouldn’t Use Baking Soda for Hydrangeas?

How to Care for Hydrangeas Indoors?

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Caring for indoor hydrangeas involves more than just meeting their basic growing requirements.

  1. Choosing the right potting soil is very crucial, as it helps to avoid overwatering hydrangeas.
  2. Soil should drain well and retain the required moisture.
  3. Indoor hydrangeas need indirect light of about 6-8 hours.
  4. The water requirements of hydrangeas in your backyard are different from those indoors. With the temperature decreasing, you should decrease the watering frequency of indoor hydrangeas.
  5. Compared to outdoor plants, indoor hydrangeas need less fertilizer and water.
  6. Using well-balanced liquid fertilizer will boost the blooming of hydrangea plants.

Here are detailed steps to help you keep your hydrangeas healthy and blooming.

Potting and Repotting

When you first bring home your hydrangea, ensure it’s potted in a container with adequate drainage holes.

Choose a pot that is 2-4 inches larger in diameter than the root ball to allow room for growth. Repot your hydrangea every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound.

Repotting in early spring before new growth begins is ideal. Use fresh potting mix to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of your hydrangea. Remove any dead or damaged stems and flowers regularly. Prune back leggy growth to encourage a fuller plant.

For most hydrangea varieties, prune in late winter or early spring. However, if you have a variety that blooms on old wood, prune immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s flower buds.

Check this: Is Epsom Salt Good for Hydrangeas?

Pest and Disease Control

Indoor hydrangeas can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation, such as discoloured or distorted leaves.

Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat affected plants. Good air circulation and proper watering can also prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot.

If you notice any signs of disease, treat promptly with appropriate fungicides and adjust care practices to improve plant health.

Seasonal Care

Hydrangeas have different needs throughout the year. During the active growing season (spring and summer), ensure they receive ample light, water, and nutrients.

In the fall, gradually reduce watering and feeding to prepare the plant for dormancy. Indoor hydrangeas may not go completely dormant like outdoor ones, but they will have a period of slower growth.

In winter, provide cooler temperatures and reduced watering, and avoid feeding until new growth appears in the spring.

Encouraging Blooms

To encourage blooming, ensure your hydrangea receives the right light and nutrients. Pruning correctly and maintaining proper humidity and temperature levels also play a role.

Some hydrangea varieties may require specific pH levels to produce blue or pink flowers. To maintain a soil pH of 5.5 or lower for blue blooms, add aluminum sulfate. To keep the pH above 6.0, add lime.

Propagation

Propagating hydrangeas can be a rewarding way to expand your indoor garden. The most common method is taking stem cuttings.

In early summer, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4-6 inch section just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone.

Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of peat moss and perlite. Keep the soil moist and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.

Place it in a bright, indirect light location. Roots should develop in a few weeks, and you can then transplant the new plant into a larger pot.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to beautify your living space with vibrant-coloured blooms, hydrangeas are the best choice.

But, unlike outdoor hydrangeas, indoor plants need comparatively less water and nutrients.

You should also compare outdoor plants with indoor plants, as hydrangeas in your backyard get ample sunlight, so they would certainly look healthier.

However, with proper care, you can grow healthy hydrangeas indoors.

Regular care, attention to light, water, and humidity, along with proper pruning and pest management, will ensure your indoor hydrangeas thrive and bloom beautifully.