How to grow and care for Hydrangea macrophylla
plant care guide about watering, fertilizing, trimming, repotting, cutting, propagating Hydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangea macrophylla 101 - Plant Care Instructions
Bright direct light
18C° ~25C°
Every 7 days
Botany Encyclopedia
Genus : Hydrangea
🔖 Care Tips
Prune in June and July by cutting four nodes below the top. After pruning, stems will grow in the direction of the lower leaves. If they overlap with side branches, cut one more node to prevent ventilation issues. Too many flowers can hinder airflow and photosynthesis, so remove unnecessary ones after checking. Thin stems struggle to support flowers, so it's best to remove them. New stems always grow in the direction of the lower leaves, so consider this when pruning.
🏝️ Habitat Conditions
This plant primarily grows in East Asia. It thrives in moist soil and shaded areas.
🪨 Soil Mix
When planting, it's best to use well-draining soil. Typically, mix 40% potting soil, 20% bark, 20% leaf mold, 10% perlite, and 10% charcoal. However, the ratio can vary depending on the situation and environment. It's also advisable to use well-draining soil when planting in the yard.
🌡️ Environment
Maintain the temperature between 18-25°C. Keep the humidity at 60-80%. It's best to keep it slightly moist. However, poor air circulation can lead to mold. Ensure good air circulation.
☀️ Light
Plants thrive with plenty of light, but it's best to avoid direct sunlight when they are blooming. Ensure they receive indirect light for extended periods.
💧 Water
In summer, water the plant as soon as the surface soil dries. In winter, water when the inner soil is completely dry. It's best to water in the morning. Avoid getting water on the flowers, as they can easily be damaged. While the flowers are blooming, ensure the soil does not dry out. After watering, place the plant in a well-ventilated area.
🌱 Propagate
Separate a stem about 10-20 cm long for propagation, though success rates are not high. For propagation: 1. Water method: Avoid clear containers, place the stem in water, and add hydroponic fertilizer once roots appear. Transfer to soil when roots are 5-7 cm long. 2. Soil method: Plant deeply in soil without fertilizer. After propagation, avoid exposing to bright light. Gradually increase light exposure to help the plant adapt. Maintain high humidity and a temperature of 18-25°C.
🪴 Repot
It is best to repot after the flowers have fallen, and it is recommended to do so every 1-2 years for healthy plants.
💊 Fertilize
Use fertilizer at the recommended dosage during the spring and summer growing seasons to promote more vigorous growth.
🌺 Flower
Flowers bloom on mature plants that have been propagated for over two years. Ensure adequate sunlight during blooming to prevent insufficient light. Keep the soil moist while flowers are blooming, and ensure good drainage and air circulation to avoid overwatering. During winter, maintain a low temperature of about 0-10°C. Extremely low temperatures, generally below -5°C, can freeze flower buds, preventing blooming. Prune immediately after flowering; pruning after bud formation will prevent next year's blooms. Hydrangea flower color varies with soil pH: blue in acidic soil and red in alkaline soil. Create acidic soil by mixing in plenty of peat moss or blue soil, and use lime for alkaline soil.
😵 Toxicity
Be cautious with pets and young children as it is toxic.
water
How to water Hydrangea macrophylla
How often should I water?
check Hydrangea macrophylla Every 7 days if it needs water when it’s very cold (below 5℃), water less frequently
When do I need to water?
the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry
Light & Location
How much light does a Hydrangea macrophylla need?
Bright direct light
Grow light
Light preference
Hydrangea macrophylla likes Bright direct light, Grow light day. The brighter the space, the better this plant grows.
Check if there’s an optimal place in your house!
This plant prefers
2K ~ 20K lux to thrive!
0
20K~
2K
20K
Temperature
Houseplants
-15
18~25℃
45
Plants that grow in the wild and those that grow indoors prefer different temperatures. If you grow Hydrangea macrophylla at home, make sure the temperature is 18~25℃.
Humidity
Ideal humidity
0
40~70%
100
Hydrangea macrophylla prefers humidity about 40~70%. If necessary, increase humidity by misting, humidifier.
Fertilize
Collective Knowhow
When should I fertilize?
Only when your plant is healthy
How frequently should I fertilize?
1-2 times in growing season. A pinch for a small pot.
Characteristic
The taxonomic classification of Hydrangea macrophylla is as follows. - Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Cornales, Family: Hydrangeaceae, Genus: Hydrangea, Species: Hydrangea macrophylla
| Characteristic Name | Characteristic Value |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Japan |
| Taxonomy Name | Taxonomy Value |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
| Species | Hydrangea macrophylla |
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