Funkas lead a shadowy existence - one would think, since they prefer to be in shady places. But with their large, attractively colored foliage and longevity, they are not perennials to be overlooked. To ensure that your hosta maintains its beautiful appearance for a long time, you should not underestimate care!
How do I care for hostas properly?
Caring for hostas includes regular watering (especially for potted plants), fertilizing in spring and after flowering, protection from pests such as snails and occasional pruning of wilted foliage and inflorescences. Hostas should be divided every four to five years to rejuvenate them.
How often should the hosta be watered?
Funkas are considered to be extremely water-requiring. However, since they are usually in the shade or partial shade, they do not need to be watered frequently. If you also spread a layer of bark mulch over your root area, you only need to water it in dry times.
If your hosta is in the pot, watering is more important. First of all, you should ensure that the bucket has good drainage so that waterlogging does not occur. Water the hostas in the pot regularly and keep the soil moderately moist. The earth must not dry out even in winter!
Did hostas need fertilizer to look good?
Young hosta specimens in particular should be fertilized once or twice a year so that they grow quickly and have large, strong foliage. The first fertilizer is applied in spring around April. The second fertilizer application can take place after flowering until autumn. Suitable fertilizers include compost and guano fertilizer.
What pests do hostas like to eat?
In addition to the less common lily hens, there are the snails that like to eat the fresh shoots of the hostas:
- check for snail infestation, especially during sprouting
- It's better to water in the morning instead of in the evening
- if applicable Spread slug pellets (€16.00 at Amazon)
- Collect snails
Does pruning make sense?
This is worth paying attention to when cutting:
- not necessarily necessary
- moves in over the winter
- cut away stems and wilted leaves in autumn for visual purposes
- remove wilted leaves regularly
- cut off old inflorescences
- Better: Leave old leaves lying around in autumn as they serve as frost protection
- Remove old plant parts in spring at the latest
Tip
Every four to five years you should divide your hostas in the spring to rejuvenate them (at the same time they can be propagated).
