When somebody sends you a bouquet of fresh flowers, it’s normally pretty clear that you need to trim the stems, give them fresh water and place them in the perfect location in your home. Potted plants, however, require some more care and consideration but they do make an great house warming, birthday and Mother’s Day gifts. If you are planning to send flowers in the form of a potted Hyacinth or if you have received one as a gift, here are some handy tips to help keep your plant happy and healthy.
Understanding
The first important point to remember is to know when you should expect your potted plant to bloom. Hyacinths normally bloom during the spring but, even when they aren’t in bloom, they are still attractive displays.
Selecting your Hyacinth
The fate of any potted plant and the pay off will largely depend on the condition of the plant when you purchase it. If you buy yours from your online or local florist or even a nursery, make sure that you are getting your money’s worth. The leaves should be dark green and glossy while the stem should be strong as well.
The right pot
You will also need to select the right pot for your Hyacinth in order to allow for growth. When planted as a bulb, Hyacinths need to be planted at least 8 inches deep. With this in mind, you can quite easily assess whether your current pot is adequate or not.
Soil type
Hyacinths grow best in sandy soil. Avoid hard to penetrate clay since it does not offer sufficient drainage. An added advantage of growing Hyacinths is that they do not require any kind of fertilizer.
Finding a home for your Hyacinth
This is probably the most important step of all. Once you are happy with the pot, soil and condition of your Hyacinth, it’s time to find the perfect home for your new potted plant. Just like fresh cut flowers, it’s important to keep your Hyacinth away from heaters and direct sunlight. Hyacinths love indirect light so place them in a brightly lit room but be careful of the direct rays of the sun since this will shorten the life of the plant.
Regular watering
Different plants require different amounts of water. Since the sandy soil offers great drainage, you will notice that the soil may start to dry out faster than some of your other house plants. Water your Hyacinth every two to three days. During the winter, you will probably water less frequently whereas, in the summer, you will water more often. Don’t let the soil dry out completely but, at the same time, take care not to over water your plant either. Too much water is no good for the roots. Your pot should obviously have drainage holes and you should place a drip tray underneath to catch any excess water.
