Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) care guide
Quick answer
Water your Hydrangea when the surface of the soil has dried slightly. In summer that’s typically every 3 to 5 days.
- WateringEvery 3 to 5 days · summer
Every 6 to 10 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate5–24 °C (41–75 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 3 to 5 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 6 to 10 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The root ball must not dry out. Keep the compost evenly moist, but never waterlogged.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
Hydrangea thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your Hydrangea every 21 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate5–24 °C (41–75 °F)
Humidity50–70%
Hydrangea is comfortable between 5 and 24 °C (41–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 0 °C (32 °F).
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses NC State Extension Plant Toolbox where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full Hydrangea toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a Hydrangea?
Water your Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) when the surface of the soil has dried slightly. In summer, that’s typically every 3 to 5 days. In winter, slow down to every 6 to 10 days.
How much light does a Hydrangea need?
Hydrangea thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Hydrangea safe for cats and dogs?
The source reports vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy and weakness, abdominal pain. Keep Hydrangea out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like rattlesnake plant, round-leaf calathea, African violet, or Christmas cactus.
Why is my Hydrangea turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDappled or partial shade · afternoon-sun protection · drainage · moisture · size · pests and diseases
- Iowa State University Extension and OutreachBright indirect light · 60–65°F · evenly moist soil · surface dry-down · decorative-pot drainage · post-flowering limits
- Royal Horticultural SocietyLight · moisture · H. macrophylla pruning context · ericaceous and peat-free container compost · container cultivars
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlHydrangea arborescens pet-safety record · not species-exact for Hydrangea macrophylla
- How we check our plant advice
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