How to Grow Hosta in Pots

 

The botanical name of Hosta plant is Hosta spp. And common names are Hosta, plantain lily. The Hosta plant is an herbaceous perennial plant and the plants are a very hardy and versatile plant. The plant is toxic to dogs and cats. The Hosta plant grows well in zones three to nine and it needs minimal maintenance. The Hosta plant is often considered a shade garden plant and the plant can thrive in pots as well. The Hosta plants have many shades of green and yellow leaves as well leaf variations making the plant an excellent addition to a balcony, porch, or patio area. If your garden area is actually prone to slugs, you can easily plant your Hosta in a pot.

 

Do Hostas Grow Well In Pots?

Growing Hosta plant in pots is very simple. One of the best time to plant Hostas is in the early spring or early fall before a hard frost. Do not plant the Hostas in the heat of the summer. Hosta plants grow horizontally, so it is advised that you choose a pot that has less than three inches of space between the roots and the side of the pot. This will allow space for the plant roots to grow as the leaves of the Hosta spread out.

A smaller container will actually keep the hosta plant healthy and happy. Yes, it will require more watering of the plant, so choose a pot that has good drainage. You can as well add rocks to the bottom of your pot prior to planting to help ensure drainage.

 

The hosta plants prefer partial to full shade. The hosta plants can handle the morning sun, but the plant prefers afternoon/evening shade. If the hosta plant appears stressed you can move it to a shadier area to give the plant a break for the heat, most especially during the summer months. 

 

Best Soil for Hostas in Pots

If you are actually growing your hosta plant in a pot, the plant can handle a standard potting soil. You can also plant it in a multi purpose compost or a mixture of potting soil and compost. The hosta plant will grow best in soil that is fertile and full of organic matter. Compost, ground tree bark, or composted manure is good sources of organic matter. These also aid in drainage, which is very vital for hosta plants.

 

Caring For Hostas in Pot

Can hostas grow without direct sunlight? The Hosta plants need both shade and sun to survive. Depending on the hosta variety you are planting, there are specific light requirements. The brown on the outside edges of the plant leaves or a dull color of faded spots on the leaves mean that the hosta plant is getting too much sun.

The container grown hosta plants require a lot of water. Make sure you water frequently, most especially on hot summer days. Keep an eye out that your container is draining regularly. The hosta plants like moist but not soggy soil.

 

Actually the frequent watering of potted hostas can cause it to lose much needed nutrients. You can use a slow release fertilizer when you pot it, and then continue to fertilize every other week.

 

Watering Hosta Plants in Pots

The hosta plants growing in containers need to be watered regularly. Make sure you water it below the leaf canopy and then around the crowns. Too much water on the plant leaves can leave marks. A thorough drink less frequently is better than a bit of water each day. During especially hot spells, you may need to water the Hosta plant every day or two. When too dry the hosta plant leaves will wilt, but they will not die right away. If it is wilting, then the plant needs a drink. Careful not to saturate your Hosta plant, root rot can set in. Good drainage in your pot will help prevent this from happening.

 

Fertilizer requirement

The regular fertilizing of the Hosta plants is very vital. Because Hosta plants need regular watering, a lot of nutrients are often washed away. Using a 10-10-10 fertilizer really works very well. At the least you can fertilize your container in the spring and again mid-summer. Otherwise, fertilize every other week. Stop fertilizing your plant two months before the anticipated first frost. This will actually give the Hosta plants time to get ready to be dormant. You can resume fertilizing when the new growth of the plant begins again in the spring.

 

How to Care for Hostas in Winter

The hosta plants are perennial plants. The plant requires six weeks of below forty degree Fahrenheit temperatures for their dormant period. Once the Hosta plant goes dormant you can cut the plant leaves back. Wait until the plant leaves are no longer green. Cutting the plant leaves off too early will reduce the winter energy needed for storage.

Once the hosta plants have gone dormant you can store the container in an unheated garage or a shed. Another option is to bury the container fully in the ground or transplant the hosta plants in your yard. Steer clear of natural pot materials, like untreated terra-cotta. The material absorbs water which can expand when frozen, resulting in a cracked pot. Don’t forget to water the hosta plant once a month during the winter. It is very vital that the hosta plant has its cold dormant period. So, do not bring the plant inside as a houseplant.

 

Can Hostas Grow in Pots Indoors

Actually Hosta plants are generally thought of as an outdoor garden plant. The Hosta plants can also be nurtured as a houseplant. You can start off by choosing a container that has good drainage. You need to place the pot where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight. Hosta plants like generally moist soil, yet not soggy. Water the Hosta plant when the soil feels slightly dry. Fertilize every other week with a 10-10-10 fertilizer. The hosta plants will still need a dormant time during the winter. You need to plan to move the pot to a dark area where the temperature remains around forty degrees Fahrenheit but not freezing. Don’t allow the Hosta plant to dry out. Make you water lightly once a month. Return the Hosta plant to its normal spot in the spring.