Are your hostas not growing? In today's post we'll take a closer look at the problem and explain what you can do.
My garden hostas are not growing: possible reasons
For many hobby gardeners, the problem is similar: the hostas suddenly don't grow as vigorously as in previous years, remain significantly lower and produce smaller leaves. Of course you ask yourself what the problem could be. There are several possible causes and appropriate solutions, depending on whether it is for bucket orBedding plants.
The decorative leaf plant grows very slowly: loamy soil
Cause:Sparks need loose soil so that they can develop their roots. Especially young plants orfreshly transplanted hostashave a hard time getting used to the new location. If the soil is clayey, it will take twice as long for them to grow properly.
Solution:Loosen the soil, keep it moist and, if possible, choose a spot in partial shade. Regular fertilization is a must - the necessary nutrients ensure a growth spurt. And then it’s time to wait and see. The hostas need time, so you should leave them alone for at least a year.
Hosta has small leaves? Root competition
Cause:If the soil in the garden is humus, permeable and moist, then the reason for the slow growth lies elsewhere. Look around – are there trees and bushes growing nearby? They are major root competition for the foliage plant and remove water and nutrients from the soil. Young, fast-growing trees in particular can slow the growth of hostas. But other plants in the bed with long roots could also be to blame.
The problem could have been going on for several years and the hostas have probably struggled in the past. However, if there was a long heat wave last year, all plants had to fight for resources. The results are only now becoming apparent.
Solution:The best solution would be to transplant the hostas. If it is just a one-off problem and the hostas have developed splendidly in recent years and have produced large leaves, then you can simply wait and adjust the water and fertilizer doses.
Hostas do not produce new leaves: Hostavirus
Cause:Hostavirus is a species-specific disease that only affects hostas. It is first noticeable on the leaves: bleeding, tissue collapse and discoloration indicate the disease.
Solution:The diseased plants cannot be treated. To stop the spread, you must dig them up and dispose of them immediately. As a preventative measure, always quarantine new plants with the transport pots for 2 weeks and place them away from other Hosta specimens.
The decorative foliage plant does not sprout: voles
Cause:In winter, food sources for garden animals are very limited. Voles in particular like to use the fleshy hosta roots. The plant does not come back in spring, does not sprout and turns yellow.
Solution:There are various methods to get rid of voles. Fermented buttermilk, garlic and some herbs can help fight rodents. Whether the plants can still be saved depends on the damage. If only individual roots are eaten, you can cut them off and place the plant in nutrient-rich potting soil. Hopefully she will recover.
Hostas in pots stay small? That's it
Potted plants are particularly sensitive. This is because they have fewer resources and are less protected from the elements. But there are also some specific reasons why hostas stay small in containers. We list them below.
The potted plant is getting smaller: late frost
Cause:The plants remain significantly smaller than last year? Then it's the weather. Changing weather can damage the hostas. When it gets warm outside in March, the hostas sprout early. Late frosts can then stop growth.
Solution:A wind-protected location, for example in front of the house wall or the garden wall, and a layer of mulch can protect the newly sprouted plants from frost.
Growth problems in young plants: waterlogging
Cause:The soil volume in the bucket is very limited. Compacted soil and a lack of drainage layer can quickly lead to waterlogging. And it immediately has a negative impact on growth.
Solution:Repot the plant. Use high-quality, well-drained potting soil. Water and fertilize regularly.
Also read:Why is my hosta hosta not blooming? Here are 4 of the possible reasons!
Titelfoto: Shutterstock / Badon Hill Studio
