Hostas are beautiful,shade-tolerant plantswith green, waxy leaves and a wide variety of foliage colors.
These perennials with rhizomatous roots reach maturity in about five years and are typically planted in spring or fall.
Though hostas are traditionally grown outside, they can make great houseplants if grown in containers under proper conditions.
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Unlike most other houseplants, hostas require an annual dormant period in chilled conditions to thrive.
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Can You Grow Hosta Inside?
Hostas are not common houseplants, but they can certainly be grown indoors under the right conditions.
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They are not temperamental plants, and often are less affected by pests and diseases when grown indoors.
Thus, there is a hosta appropriate for just about any space you have available.
Experienced growers generally report better indoor results with the varieties that have thicker, glossier leaves.
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However, few plants will tolerate complete deep shade, and hostas are no exception.
Look into the specific light requirements of your variety.
Green-leaved varieties of hostas are the most tolerant of deep shade, though even these prefer some filtered light.
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Watering
These plants, especially when grown in containers, require lots of water.
Keep them moist at all times by watering them frequently, especially on hot days.
verify that drainage is adequate, howeverthey grow well when moist but not when wet.
Hostas grown in containers need slightly more fertilizer because they lose nutrients through frequent watering.
Wilted or yellowing leaves can be plucked off as they appear.
Container and Size
The proper container size depends on the size of your hosta variety.
No matter which size of pot you choose, verify it has a drainage hole in the bottom.
Plastic, ceramic, or clay pots all work equally well.
Potting Soil and Drainage
A well-drained commercial potting mix is ideal for container-grown hostas.
If the root clumps are pressing against the sides of the container, it’s time to repot.
And if you move actively growing plants outdoors before it is sufficiently warm, they may return to dormancy.
Propagated this way, new plants will reach maturity within a single growing season.
Watch out for pests; even indoors, slugs and snails love these plants.
They tend to chew small holes in the leaves at night.
The adult black vine weevil has also been known to enjoy hosta leaves.
