How to Grow Mums Indoors

Chrysanthemums, or mums as they are often called, come in a variety of colors and can be grown indoors. Because the mums sold for indoor use are not quite as hardy as the ones sold for outdoor gardens, many growers sell mums as a throw away plant and suggest disposing of a plant after it has flowered rather than keeping it. This practice is completely unnecessary as the plants can last for several years with minimal needs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fertilizer
• Water
• Pruning scissors

1. Place mums in a location where they will get direct sunlight until they bloom. Once the plant flowers, you can prolong the life of the blooms by moving the plant out of the direct sun.

2. Make sure mums are not placed right next to a heating vent.

3. Keep the soil fairly moist, watering 3 or 4 times a week. Mums require good drainage, so check and make sure the saucer under the pot is not full of water. If it is be sure to empty it.

4. Fertilize every other week when the mums are not in bloom. There is no need to fertilize them when they are blooming.

5. Remove any spent flowers to keep the mums looking healthy.

Tips & Warnings

• If your mums don't seem to be doing as well as you would like, try watering them with bottled or filtered water rather than tap water.

Resources

• Detailed Information about Mums