Hostas are one of the most popular perennial plants, and it’s easy to see why. They have striking foliage that remains striking from spring all the way to frost.
Grown for their showy leaves, hostas don’t disappoint in variegation, size, and shape. And they’re easy to take care of: as long as you give them the right amount of water, they will thrive.
Notably, hostas are fairly simple to grow. However, they do have particular watering needs. Giving it too little water can result in wilting leaves, but a bit too much can also lead to problems. Here’s a guide to help you ensure that your hostas get just the right amount of water.
How Much Water Do Hostas Need?
Hostas, once established, can get by with very minimal watering. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you must keep up with this watering schedule. They do need a lot of water. Don’t mistake this for the plant’s ability to withstand drought. Although they do get by, they won’t grow as well and may not be able to resist common pests and diseases.
With that being said, we recommend that you give your hostas at least one and a half-inch of water per week. This can be through rainfall or supplemented with irrigation.
Their leaves are known to droop when they need water. If you see this happening, give your plant a good soaking. Don’t worry; they won’t die immediately, but watering too little can sometimes result in less vibrant foliage and, in extreme cases, death.
Additionally, newly planted hostas will need more water than established plants. For the first year, you should water your hosta twice a week to help it develop a deep and extensive root system. This deep root system is the key to a healthy and drought-tolerant plant.
How to Tell if Your Hosta is Overwatered
While too little water can be a problem, overwatering is an even bigger one. The yellowing of leaves is just part of the problem. The plant may wilt, or even worse – its roots may rot. Once the problem has reached its roots, it’ll be difficult to save your plant.
Here are some ways how to tell if you’re overwatering your hostas:
The Soil is Soggy
You can tell by now that watering hostas play one of the most significant roles in its growth. However, too much water can also lead to potential problems. The first way to tell if you’re overwatering your hosta is by examining the soil. Is it soggy? If it is, then that’s a problem.
When your soil is becoming too soggy, it’s either it doesn’t drain well, or you’re giving it way too much water than it needs. As mentioned earlier, 1 1/2 inches of water per week is the optimum amount. Unless you live in an area with scorching summers, your hostas shouldn’t need more than that.
The Leaves are Yellowing
Another way to tell if you’re overwatering your hosta is by examining its leaves. Are they yellowing? One of the effects of overwatering is a nutrient imbalance. When the roots sit in water for too long, they can’t get the air they need. Plants can also suffocate, and this happens when the roots are deeply soaked in water all the time.
The leaves will yellow out. This is a sign of distress. Once you’ve noticed a few leaves turning yellow, it’s a sure sign that you’re watering it frequently or more than the desired amount.
There is Mold or Mildew on the Plant
Mold and mildew usually form when there’s too much moisture in the air or on surfaces. Molds often appear as fuzzy growths, while mildew looks like a powdery film. These can be harmful to your plant as these diseases can spread quickly, especially in humid conditions.
If you see any mold or mildew on your hosta, it’s a sign that you’re overwatering it. Normally, mold and mildew usually form on the soil surface. It will then spread to the stem and take over the plant.
These fungi thrive in wet and moist conditions. If you notice any of these growths on your plant, make sure to take action immediately as they can quickly spread and infect other plants.
Do Hostas Need a Lot of Water: Final Thoughts
Watering your hostas is essential to their health and growth. Hostas can get by with minimal watering. But for their leaves to create that striking variegation and lush foliage, they need a consistent supply of water.
They are hungry for water and would provide you with a stunning display of foliage if you give them what they need. Striking the right balance is essential. By taking into account the tips mentioned above, you’ll be well on your way to having healthy and beautiful hostas.
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