Can Hostas Be Grown Indoors?

Container and Plant Selection

• The container that you plant hostas in will need to be deep because of the deep roots. The depth should be at least 12 inches if you are growing a medium-size plant. Ideal hosta plants for containers are the Kii Hime hosta, which grows 4 inches tall and 6 inches wide, the Lakeside Elfin Fire hosta, which grows 4 inches tall and 10 inches wide, or the Little Red Rooster hosta, which grows 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

Soil

• The soil in which you plant the hostas must have a neutral pH. Generally, a high quality potting soil will work. Add 1 cup of ground limestone to 20 lbs. of potting soil and mix it thoroughly. Once a year, add 1 oz. to the surface of the soil just before watering.

Water

• Hosta plants need moist soil, but not wet or soggy. After watering the plant, remove the drainage tray underneath the plant and empty out the excess water that has collected. Before watering the plant, insert your finger 1 inch into the soil. If the soil is dry, add water.

Fertilizer

• Feed the hosta every three months with 1 tsp. of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 NPK fertilizer for every 1 gallon of soil in the container. Salt buildup can be a problem for container hostas after many applications of fertilizer. Plants that have a yellowish or whitish crusty salt buildup on the surface of the soil will need to be leached. Scrape away the crusty buildup and flush the plant soil with water. Hold the plant under the faucet and run water into the soil for two to three minutes until the water runs out the bottom of the container.

Light

• Place indoor hosta plants in a location where the plant will get two to three hours of direct sunlight and shade for the rest of the day. Hosta leaves will be brighter in color with some direct sun. If the plant is growing and thriving in the location you have chosen for it, don't move the plant around to different locations. The only time you should move the plant to a different location is if the leaves are dull or appear to droop. This is a sign of too little or too much sun. Avoid placing the plant near heating and cooling vents or locations without air circulation.