Hostas are a popular shade loving perennial grown for their attractive foliage. With their lush green leaves, hostas make excellent groundcovers and border plants.
But like any other plant, hostas also need proper care and nutrition to thrive And one secret nutrient for growing big, bushy hostas is – Epsom salt!
So is Epsom salt good for hostas? Let’s find out
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is a mineral compound made up of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Its chemical name is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate.
Some key benefits of Epsom salt are:
- Provides magnesium – an important secondary nutrient
- Supplies sulfur – helps with disease resistance
- Improves absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus
- Aids in photosynthesis
- Encourages bushy growth
This makes Epsom salt an excellent supplement for hostas.
How Does Epsom Salt Help Hostas
The magnesium in Epsom salt aids in chlorophyll production and the sulfur helps the plant build disease resistance.
Together they provide many benefits:
- Produces more chlorophyll resulting in greener, lush leaves
- Aids photosynthesis so more food is produced
- Encourages thicker foliage growth
- Helps plants absorb nutrients better
- Provides disease resistance
- Stimulates bushy growth
So using Epsom salt provides hostas with nutrients they need for optimal growth and health.
4 Best Ways to Use Epsom Salt for Hostas
Here are some of the best ways to leverage the benefits of Epsom salt for hostas:
1. Get Rid of Slugs
Slugs are the #1 pest that plague hostas. Place 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt around hostas in a ring. The salt crystals irritate slugs so they avoid plants surrounded by it. Reapply weekly.
2. Fix Yellow Leaves
Yellowing leaves indicate magnesium deficiency. Dissolve 1 tablespoon Epsom salt per 12 inches of plant height in water. Pour this solution around the plant monthly until leaves green up.
3. Foliar Spray for Lush Growth
Mix 2 tbsp Epsom salt per gallon of water. Spray on leaves monthly during rapid growth. Reduce to 1 tbsp after growth slows. This foliar feed keeps hostas lush.
4. Mix with Fertilizer
Add a pinch of Epsom salt to all-purpose fertilizer before feeding hostas. This provides magnesium and sulfur along with other nutrients.
Tips for Using Epsom Salt on Hostas
When using Epsom salt for hostas, keep these tips in mind:
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Always follow label instructions carefully
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More is not better – avoid overuse
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Test on a small area first to check for sensitivity
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Water in well after application
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Reapply after heavy rain
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Use it along with regular feeding
The Verdict – Is Epsom Salt Good for Hostas
Epsom salt provides two secondary nutrients – magnesium and sulfur that are beneficial for hostas.
It leads to greener leaves, healthier growth, more blooms and resistance to pests and diseases.
So the answer is yes, Epsom salt is definitely good for hostas. When used properly, it can help grow bigger, bushier and lusher hosta plants!
Follow the tips shared above on the best ways to leverage Epsom salt for your hostas. It is an excellent addition to your hosta care regimen.
How to use Epsom Salt in the Garden and on Your Potted Plants
FAQ
How to use Epsom salts on hostas?
What is the best fertilizer for hostas?
What plant should you not use Epsom salt in?
Will Epsom salt keep slugs away from hostas?
Does Epsom salt help hostas grow?
The application of Epsom salt in hostas reduces stunted growth, makes their leaves greener and thicker, and boosts chlorophyll levels. It also facilitates bushier plant growth and their resistance to diseases and pests. What Does Epsom Salt Do for Hostas? Epsom salt is “hydrated magnesium sulfate.”
What are the benefits of using Epsom salt?
The inorganic name of Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate. Its a combination of magnesium, Sulphur and oxygen. It is crystalloid and appears white just like the normal salt. It is safe to use externally as a bath salt or in dressing for wounds as it is readily absorbed into the skin. In olden days it was used in treating constipation, muscle fatigue and insomnia. Oral intake should be under medical supervision. Consumption of more than a pinch results in diarrhea, abdominal bloating, nausea, headache, light headedness and flushed skin. Daily soaking of the feet in warm water with added Epsom salt would reduce magnesium deficiency.
Can You Spray a hosta with Epsom salt?
For those who are avid sprayers, you can use your sprayer to douse your hosta in a mixture of water, fertilizer, and Epsom salt. Here’s how to do it. Note: You can also use water and Epsom salt in your sprayer – no fertilizer is required. Will Epsom Salt Kill Hostas? Too much of anything is never a good thing – and that includes Epsom salt.
How much Epsom salt do you put in a hosta bush?
If you went above two tablespoons or used Epsom salt far too regularly, the best option is to water the hosta with several gallons of water. The second thing you can do is transplant bush into fresh soil. Epsom salts are loaded with magnesium, which your hosta needs to thrive.
How do you water a hosta plant with Epsom salt?
To ensure the Epsom salt soaks into the soil and is absorbed by the hosta, water the soil. If you want to revamp your watering routine with some Epsom salt, you can easily do so. For those who are avid sprayers, you can use your sprayer to douse your hosta in a mixture of water, fertilizer, and Epsom salt.
Can Epsom salt kill a plant?
That’s because an excess of Epsom salt can cause many detrimental side effects, such as fertilizer burn, aluminum release, and nutritional deficiencies, all of which can destroy your plant’s health, eventually leading to death. The best way to avoid this misfortune is to have your soil checked to uncover a genuine magnesium deficiency.