Lush hydrangea bushes are widely used to decorate home gardens. However, you can grow a luxurious beauty not only in the garden, but also in an apartment. In order for the hydrangea to please with its bright, abundant and long flowering, they adhere to the rules of care.
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Features of indoor hydrangea
Indoor hydrangea is a perennial shrub. It has wide, ovoid leaves with a serrated edge.
Inflorescences are large, spherical, can have various shapes:
- rounded;
- shield;
- umbrella;
- brushes.
Consist of two types of flowers:
- Fertile. Small, centered.
- Barren. Large, located on the edge.
The color of the petals directly depends on the acidity of the soil:
- sour gives a blue tint;
- neutral - cream or white;
- alkaline - lilac or pink.
Sepals have a rich color. It is they who give the plant a decorative look.
When grown indoors, the plant can grow up to 1 m in height.
Room hydrangea care
Hydrangea is demanding in terms of growing conditions. Achieve lush and long-lasting flowering is possible only if you follow the rules of agricultural technology.
Lighting
Perennial prefers bright lighting and a lot of free space around. However, it is not placed in direct sunlight as the plant may burn.
The pot is placed 2 m from the south window.
Temperature
The optimal temperature regime is 20 ° C, without sudden jumps. Hydrangea is placed away from heating appliances, in a place where there are no drafts.
At the end of flowering, the plant is removed to a shaded place with an air temperature of no more than 7 ° C. At this moment, a period of rest begins. It lasts until February, when the first buds appear on the shoots. At this point, the hydrangea is returned to its usual place.
This procedure allows the plant to accumulate enough energy for a new wave of flowering. If the hydrangea is left in the same place, it will bloom only after 12 months.
Irrigation scheme
The shrub is very moisture-loving, therefore, in order for it to actively grow, develop and bloom, it is important to follow the irrigation scheme. They are carried out systematically and abundantly.
In the summer, moisture is applied in large quantities in order to wet the earthen lump well. The excess from the pan is poured out to prevent the appearance and development of fungal diseases.
In autumn, water is applied in moderation.
In winter, only to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Suitable water:
- soft;
- settled;
- filtered;
- room temperature.
Use rain or thawed.
The soil is acidified once every 30 days. To do this, add 5 drops of lemon juice during watering.
Humidity
Hydrangea prefers a humidity of at least 80%. Therefore, the pot is placed away from heating appliances. Periodically, the plant is sprayed with a spray bottle.
In winter, arrange additional moisture. Place containers with water nearby.
Fertilization
Top dressing is important for abundant flowering. During the growing season, nutrient compositions are applied at least once every 14 days. They use ready-made mineral fertilizers that are suitable for rhododendrons and azaleas.
The first fertilization is carried out in February, as soon as the hydrangea began to awaken and buds appeared on the shoots.
Using various formulations, they achieve multi-colored flowering. Some gardeners apply a small amount of lime to one side of the pot. Then the petals take on a lilac or pink hue.
On the other hand, potassium-ammonium or iron salt is added. And the sepals take on a bluish color.
Pruning rules
Indoor hydrangea must be pruned. The procedure is carried out 2 times a year: in autumn and spring.
In the fall, all weakened branches are removed at the root. Strong ones shorten 1/2 of the length.
All weak and elongated shoots are subject to pruning in the spring.
Keeping a hydrangea at home is not easy. However, if you follow all the rules for caring for the plant, you get a very beautiful, lush blooming bush.
Do you grow hydrangea at home?
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