Growing Forget-Me-Nots Indoors: A Beginner’s Guide
Forget-me-nots are charming little flowers that can brighten up any home. They’re relatively easy to grow indoors, and with a little care, they can bloom for months on end.
Choosing the Right Variety
There are two main types of forget-me-nots: annuals and perennials. Annuals will only live for one growing season, while perennials will come back year after year. For indoor growing, annual forget-me-nots are the best choice.
The most popular variety of forget-me-not is the European forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides). However, this variety is toxic to pets and children. If you have pets or small children, it’s best to choose a nontoxic variety, such as the annual forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica).
Planting and Care
Forget-me-nots can be grown from seed or cuttings. To grow from seed, sow the seeds in a container filled with fresh potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate in about two weeks.
To grow from cuttings, take a cutting from an established plant in midsummer. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a container filled with potting mix and keep it moist. The cutting should root in about four to six weeks.
Once your forget-me-nots have germinated or rooted, you can transplant them into individual pots. Choose a pot that is at least 6 inches in diameter and has drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the pot with fresh potting mix and plant the forget-me-not at the same depth it was growing in its previous container.
Light and Water
Forget-me-nots prefer bright, indirect light. They can also tolerate partial shade, but they won’t bloom as profusely. Water your forget-me-nots when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your forget-me-nots monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct dosage.
Temperature and Humidity
Forget-me-nots prefer cool temperatures, between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They also prefer high humidity. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase the humidity around your forget-me-nots by placing them on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Pinching and Deadheading
To encourage continued blooming, pinch back the tips of the stems as the flowers wilt. You should also remove any dead leaves or stems to keep your forget-me-nots looking neat and healthy.
Toxicity
As mentioned earlier, the European forget-me-not is toxic to pets and children. The annual forget-me-not is nontoxic, but it can cause an upset stomach if eaten in large quantities. If you have pets or small children, it’s best to keep your forget-me-nots out of reach.
Troubleshooting
If your forget-me-nots are not blooming, it could be due to a lack of light, water, or fertilizer. It could also be due to the wrong temperature or humidity. Check to make sure that your forget-me-nots are getting the right amount of light, water, and fertilizer. Also, make sure that the temperature and humidity are within the ideal range.
If your forget-me-nots are wilting, it could be due to overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil to make sure that it is not too wet or too dry. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
If your forget-me-nots have brown or yellow leaves, it could be due to a nutrient deficiency. Fertilize your forget-me-nots with a balanced liquid fertilizer and see if that solves the problem.
Conclusion
Forget-me-nots are beautiful and easy-to-grow flowers that can brighten up any home. With a little care, they can bloom for months on end. So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your indoor garden, forget-me-nots are a great choice.
