Kikutii Plantain Lily Hosta kikutii

Water

The Hosta, commonly known as Plantain Lily, prefers consistently moist soil, so it's best to water it deeply once a week with about one gallon of water per plant. Adjust this frequency during periods of extreme heat or drought by providing additional water, perhaps twice a week, but always allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Over-watering can be as harmful as under-watering for Hosta plants. During the dormant season in winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant requires much less moisture.

Light

Plantain Lilies thrive in dappled sunlight to partial shade, making them ideal for locations under the canopy of trees or on the north side of buildings where they receive indirect light. Avoid exposing them to the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves. They perform best with a few hours of morning sunlight that transitions to shade as the day progresses.

Temperature

Plantain Lilies prosper in a range of temperatures but prefer a climate where the daytime temperatures are between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the nighttime temperatures do not usually drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit but will start to suffer damage if the temperature falls below freezing. An ideal condition for growth is a climate where temperatures remain mild and don't experience extreme heat or cold.

Pruning

Pruning Plantain Lilies is done mainly to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain plant appearance. Cut back the foliage to ground level after the first frost in the fall to prepare the plant for winter. Remove spent flower stalks as soon as they finish blooming to encourage a tidy growth habit and possibly a second flush of flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Plantain Lily thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of one part garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal, ensuring moisture retention yet good drainage to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Plantain Lilies typically need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years to refresh the soil and manage their size. Repot in spring before the growing season or in early fall after the plant has finished blooming.

Humidity & Misting

Plantain Lilies prefer a moderately high humidity environment, ideally between 50 to 70 percent. Consistent moisture in the air without being excessively damp suits them best.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and room to grow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part-shade, rich soil, often moist but well-drained.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Hosta kikutii, commonly known as Kikutii Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in spring, to produce a small sprout that will develop into a rosette of leaves. As it matures, the rosette forms a dense clump with large decorative leaves that are a main feature of the plant. By late spring to early summer, Hosta kikutii produces tall flower stalks adorned with bell-shaped flowers that are often lavender to purplish, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seed pods that, when mature, release seeds for dispersal and new plant generation. In autumn, the plant's foliage dies back as it enters dormancy, conserving energy in its root system for the next spring. Each year the plant gradually expands in size and leaf volume, and can be propagated through division of the clump, typically in early spring or fall.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to fall

• Hosta kikutii, commonly known as Kikutii plantain lily, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this species. The ideal time to propagate by division is in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring you have a good root system attached. With a sharp knife or a pair of garden shears, you can then divide the plant into smaller sections, each with at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. After division, replant the sections at the same depth they were originally growing and water them thoroughly. The divisions should be spaced about 15 to 30 inches apart (approximately 38 to 76 centimeters) to allow for adequate room to grow. This method is quite effective and enables the gardener to multiply their Hosta kikutii plants efficiently while also rejuvenating older specimens that may be growing poorly or have become too large.