Hortensia care guideHydrangea macrophylla

Indoor/outdoor; iconic mophead flowers. Ranked #55 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

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Scientific name
Hydrangea macrophylla
Origin
Japan
Difficulty
Moderate
Light
Medium / indirect light
Watering (summer)
every 5 to 7 days
Watering (winter)
every 10 to 14 days
Humidity
50-60%
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs
IKEA SKU
10612764

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.

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 Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

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 Botanicaly

FAQCommon 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 Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

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