Misting hostas ----Water absorbing crystals

mcplant · Post by **mcplant** » Jun 08, 2008 11:16 am

I have read in old posts that some recommend misting. At other locations I have read that wter droplets on leaf surfaces can cause damage.
Also I noticed a reference to using water absorbing crystals. I was wondering how they work in beds and in pots.
I am sure there will be differences of opinion, but I would like to hear them.
Thanks

John · Post by **John** » Jun 08, 2008 12:09 pm

Interesting question. I think the answer will depend on your specific location. Is it difficult to grow hostas in your climate there in Napa? It might be a matter of selecting species and hybrids best-suited to growing in hot areas; I've been to Napa, and loved it, but remember it as very hot with very infrequent rains. Here in NJ, I'd say hostas are so easy, why bother with misting or water crystals, but you may have to do what it takes if you wish to grow them...

Perhaps someone from your general area will post...

Kas · Post by **Kas** » Jun 08, 2008 4:11 pm

Don't know about the misting thing, but the water crystal things really work. Just make sure to soak them first so they get as big as they can. If you just mix them dry in the soil they will expand your plant right out of the pot when they swell! The hostas I planted with the crystals eight years ago are the only ones that have survived and thrived under the spruce trees. All the others under there started to dwindle away.

Kas

addieotto · Post by **addieotto** » Jun 08, 2008 4:53 pm

Misting can really reduce the temperature and I have done it for my hostas in the shade on ridiculously hot days (like yesterday but water restrictions won't allow me to do it today). I haven't though, tried misting any hosta that were still in the sun. I am looking into a misting system that would make it automatic but haven't found one yet that I feel comfortable with. I've heard nothing but good things about the water crystals but haven't used them myself yet.

GrannyNanny · Post by **GrannyNanny** » Jun 08, 2008 8:48 pm

Never misted a hosta in my life, but I have used the crystals, and recommend them highly, especially for all your potted stuff. Things in pots don't dry out nearly as quickly, giving you time to remember to water them again! I tried using them in the garden, under the trees, but the hostas I planted with the crystals mixed with the soil wound up with MORE tree roots than the others did, because the roots seek out the water, and the crystals always stayed damp. Phyllis