Hosta Hosta 'Praying Hands' (v)

Water

Hostas, including 'Praying Hands', prefer consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly once a week with about one gallon of water per plant. Increase watering to twice a week during hot, dry spells to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. To avoid leaf burn and fungal diseases, water the plant at the base and early in the morning, allowing the foliage to dry throughout the day. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.

Light

Hostas like 'Praying Hands' thrive in partial to full shade conditions. They perform best in a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, protecting their leaves from the harsh midday sun. Bright, indirect light will help to enhance the leaf color and patterns without risking sunscald.

Temperature

Hostas like 'Praying Hands' prefer cooler temperatures and are hardy in zones 3 to 9. They can tolerate a range of temperatures but grow best when the weather is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 'Praying Hands' should not be exposed to temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods as this can damage the plant.

Pruning

Pruning of 'Praying Hands' hostas is usually not necessary for the health of the plant but can be done to remove any dead or damaged leaves. This helps to maintain a tidy appearance and reduce the potential for disease. The best time for pruning is in the spring when new growth begins or in the fall after the plant has gone dormant. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy back to the leaves.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hostas, commonly known as plantain lilies, thrive in well-draining, moist soil rich in organic matter. A soil mix with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or pine bark fines is ideal. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral, for optimal growth and health.

Repotting

Hostas usually need to be repotted every 3-5 years. Dividing clumps can be done during repotting. If growth slows or roots circle the pot, it's time to repot.

Humidity & Misting

Plantain lilies prefer a humidity level of 50-60% but are quite adaptable and can tolerate some variability as long as they are not in excessively dry conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light and away from dry heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part shade to full shade in fertile, moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Hosta 'Praying Hands', commonly known as Praying Hands Hosta, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in moist, well-draining soil, ideally in a shaded or partly shaded area. The seedlings emerge and develop into young plants with characteristically upright, folded leaves resembling hands in prayer. As the plant matures, it forms a tight clump of foliage, expanding outward and upwards each growing season. Throughout late spring to summer, it sends up tall flower spikes with bell-shaped, lavender flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. After blooming, seeds form and can be dispersed to generate new plants, although Hostas are more commonly propagated by division. The plant then enters dormancy in the winter, with foliage dying back, to conserve energy and re-emerge stronger in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The most popular method for propagating Hosta 'Praying Hands', also known as hosta, is through division. This process is typically done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To divide a hosta, dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp knife or spade, cut through the root ball to separate it into smaller sections, each with at least two or three shoots and a corresponding portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously and water them thoroughly. In time, these divisions will grow into mature plants that are identical to the parent. Dividing hostas not only propagates the plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become too dense.