How to Grow Crocus Houseplants

The crocus grows in a variety of colors, and it can be transplanted outdoors once the winter is over. With daily care, this plant can make a beautiful orchid-like addition to your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crocus bulbs
• Shallow pots
• Peat
• Bone meal

1. Start with crocus bulbs. Purchase the largest bulbs you can, and keep them in a cool dark spot until planting.

2. Add the bulbs to a shallow pot with soil and extra peat. Mix 1 teaspoon bone meal into the soil before planting about 7 bulbs per 5-inch pot.

3. Plant so the bulb tips slightly stick out of the soil. Water the bulbs and put the pots in a dark place for several months. The temperature should stay between 35 to 45 degrees F. Keep the soil damp during that time.

4. Move into a cool, bright spot once the bulbs sprout. Temperature should be between 50 and 60 degrees F while sprouting. Keep the soil damp.

5. Take your plant to a warmer part of your home once the buds start to form. Keep it in a well-lit area. This will force the blooms during the winter months.

6. Cut off stalks after the flowers have bloomed to prevent the crocus from forming more seeds.

7. Water the plant frequently. Once it's done blooming, let the bulbs go dormant and plant them outside in spring before starting to water again.

Tips & Warnings

• If yellow leaves form, gradually reduce watering the plant and then stop. It is time to let the plant go dormant without water.
• Once your indoor crocus begins blooming, keep it warm to increase the bulb size and promote growth.
• Yellow or pale crocus don't grow well indoors.
• Only plant one type of crocus in each pot. Different varieties take longer to bloom than others.