Hortensia care guideHydrangea macrophylla
Indoor/outdoor; iconic mophead flowers. Ranked #55 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Hortensia when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Hortensia is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Hortensia problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Limp drooping leaves · Root rot · Dark leaf spots. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Dramatic wilting · Crispy leaf edges · Browning flower heads · Curling leaves. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains hydrangin (cyanogenic glycoside), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Hortensia out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like String of hearts, Air plant, or Pink quill.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: String of hearts, Air plant, Pink quill. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Flower colour tracks soil pH directly — acidic soil produces blue flowers, alkaline soil produces pink, and a neutral soil gives mauve.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Hortensia based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Hortensia?
Water your Hortensia (Hydrangea macrophylla) when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that's typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Hortensia need?
Hortensia is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Hortensia safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains hydrangin (cyanogenic glycoside), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Hortensia out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like String of hearts, Air plant, or Pink quill.
Why are my Hortensia's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Hortensia, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, limp drooping leaves, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are dramatic wilting, crispy leaf edges, or browning flower heads instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.