Are Hydrangeas Good Indoor Plants?

The How-To Guide on Growing Hydrangeas Indoors explains that potted hydrangea plants can be grown indoors, as long as they meet their basic needs. Some of the best varieties for indoor growing include Hydrangea macrophylla, also known as the mophead hydrangea, which offers hundreds of varieties and is one of the easiest to grow. These plants require specific care and growing conditions, making them a tough but doable indoor plant choice.

The Baptisia species are hardy in zones 3 through 8, suitable for most soils and climates. They grow well in a sunny window or near a heat source, and with special care, indoor hydrangeas can thrive annually. Trim off flower heads once they turn brown, and force a period of dormancy during fall and winter. Move the plant into an unheated room with temperatures around 45 F.

However, indoor hydrangeas are not just for outdoor use; they can also be enjoyed indoors to brighten up your living space. Depending on the type of indoor hydrangea and the location in the house, the plant will bloom for at least 3 weeks. Indoor hydrangeas prefer bright, indirect sunlight for several hours daily, and the soil should be consistently moist but not sopping.

While indoor hydrangeas don’t require extensive pruning, faded blooms may become unsightly. With the right variety, lighting, and potting media, hydrangeas can thrive indoors, providing a beautiful and functional addition to any home.

Why do hydrangeas wilt so fast?

The stems of hydrangeas are susceptible to rapid wilting due to the presence of a sticky substance that obstructs the flow of moisture, preventing it from reaching the upper portions of the plant. To obviate this issue, one must first cut 10 cm off the stem, then place it in boiling water and allow it to remain there for 24 hours. It is essential to ensure that there is sufficient space for steam to escape and that the bucket is not overfilled.

How close to the house should I plant a hydrangea?

Two feet of spacing between hydrangeas is likely too close, especially near your house, which can cause them to become crowded. It is best to have shrubs have a couple feet of clearance near the house walls. The type of hydrangea you bought can determine the spacing, with some growing up to 10 feet and others 5-6 feet apart. Endless Summer, a newer variety, is planted about 3-5 feet apart and can bloom on both new and old wood. Older types bloom only on old wood and may bloom the following summer in harsh winters.

If you have any plant tags, check the Lowes website for typical plant tags. To increase the distance, lift some hydrangeas and group them in groups of 3 or five. Hydrangeas have shallow roots, making them easy to transplant.

What does an overwatered hydrangea look like?

Overwatered hydrangeas can be identified by yellow or brown leaves, wilted or drooping leaves, wilted or fewer flowers, mold around the plant, and root rot. These signs indicate that the plant is overwatered and is not producing enough water. If the leaves appear heavy and mushy, it may be overwatered. If the plant is consistently wet, mold around it may also indicate overwatering. If the signs are hard to see, it is likely that root rot is present. It is possible to remove wilted hydrangea blooms, which triggers the plant to stop producing seeds and encourages root and foliage development. Overwatering can be repaired by following these steps:

1. Remove the wilted blooms.
2. Re-pot the plant.
3. Re-pot the plant.
4. Re-water the plant as needed.
5. Re-pot the plant as needed.\n7

Does sugar water help hydrangeas?

To nourish the stems of hydrangeas, a solution of 1/4 cup of sugar dissolved in room temperature water and a few pumps of hand soap can be prepared to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Do hydrangeas like to be misted?

Cut hydrangea flowers can wilt quickly, but they can be revived by submerging them in room-temperature water for half an hour or longer. Hydrangea flowers absorb water through their petals, making them suitable for daily misting. Another method is to plunge stem ends in boiling water for 30 seconds, then place them in cool water. Once rehydrated, change the vase water every other day and give the stems a fresh cut at an angle before returning them to the vase. Some people also dip freshly cut stems into alum, a common pickling ingredient, to prevent bacteria from clogging the stems. This will help keep the flowers fresh and prevent wilting.

Will wilted potted hydrangeas come back?

The sensitivity of hydrangeas to excessive sunlight and heat can result in drooping of the plant, particularly when temperatures are high.

Do potted hydrangeas come back?

While hydrangeas can be successfully cultivated in large containers for extended periods, it is important to recognize that they are not a permanent solution. If the plant becomes difficult to water, appears stunted, has small leaves, or has diminished flowers, it is advisable to transfer it to a larger container or to start anew with a fresh plant.

Does boiling water revive hydrangeas?

To revive wilted hydrangeas, boil them in boiling water and remove the stems. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle, make a vertical slit in the incision, and hold the stem upright in the boiling water for 60 seconds. Place the hydrangeas back in the floral arrangement and they should revive within an hour. For your next bouquet, avoid cutting hydrangea flowers too young, as they still have moisture in the petals. Wait until the flowers have a papery or “leathery” feel, and your hydrangea blooms will last longer in your bouquet. For more tips on arranging flowers, check out our pro tips for arranging flowers.

How to save a potted hydrangea?

The process of reviving hardy plants necessitates the establishment of an appropriate irrigation schedule. In the event that the leaves of the hydrangea begin to wilt following a period of elevated temperatures, it is recommended that the irrigation be increased or that the plant be transplanted. Furthermore, if the new shoots display evidence of distorted growth, particularly in conditions of high temperatures and low humidity, an increase in the amount of water provided to the plant should be considered.

Why is my indoor hydrangea dying?

Winter cooping can cause wilting leaves due to oversaturated soil causing root rot or potted hydrangea being too root-bound to take in enough water. To address this, remove the hydrangea from its container, examine its roots, trim off any root-bound ones, and repot them in a clean container with fresh potting soil. If the roots are brown-black and slimy, it’s root rot. Trim the roots back to healthy levels, repot in a clean container with good drainage holes, and water sparingly. Sterilize garden tools after repotting and choose a shaded area to prevent sunscalding.

How do you keep hydrangeas alive inside?

To maximize the bloom time of your hydrangea, keep it cool and well-watered but never soggy. As the flower fades, you can either leave the spent blooms in place or remove them. Some hydrangeas age more gracefully, but once all blooms have opened and faded, the show is over, especially if growing indoors. Despite being sold as “indoor hydrangeas”, they are not houseplants, meaning the chances of long-term success are limited. The light levels and temperatures of a home may not allow the hydrangea to set flower buds again, and low humidity and air circulation can cause pests or diseases.