Ranunculus are absolutely stunning, vibrant spring bloomers that look just as great in a pot indoors as they do in the garden. If you’re looking to brighten up your home, you’ll be happy to know that caring for them inside is pretty similar to growing them outdoors.
Planting Potted Ranunculus
If you want to grow ranunculus as houseplants, your first step is ensuring good drainage. Start by adding a layer of clay pebbles or broken terracotta shards at the bottom of the pot. This is the best way to prevent the dreaded “wet feet” (root rot) right from the start. After that, here’s what you do:
- Fill the pot with a high-quality, nutrient-rich potting soil.
- Soak your tubers in lukewarm water for three to four hours before planting.
- Plant the tubers about 2 inches (5 cm) deep in the soil.
- Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater.
- Place the pot in a shady, relatively cool spot to get started.
Bloom Time Starting in April
Once your ranunculus has sprouted and settled in, you’ll start to see the first buds appearing around April or May. At this stage, give your plant a little boost by using a liquid fertilizer once a week. Try to find one that’s low in nitrogen so the plant focuses its energy on those gorgeous flowers. Generally, potted ranunculus don’t need much pruning. Just snip off the faded blooms and any yellowing leaves near the base. If the plant is getting a bit too crowded, you can thin out a few stems. Deadheading (removing old flowers) actually encourages the plant to grow new buds, while removing yellow leaves helps prevent any fungal issues.
Watering Tips
Ranunculus grown in pots—especially those kept indoors—are thirsty plants! You’ll likely need to water them two to three times a week. It’s best to use room-temperature tap water that has sat out for a bit. Always make sure the water can drain away freely; standing water will cause the tubers to rot. Once the blooming season is over, start cutting back on the water, and stop completely by late autumn. That’s your signal that it’s time for winter storage.
Overwintering Your Ranunculus
Potted ranunculus should always be kept frost-free during the winter. You have two choices: leave the tubers in the pot or dig them up. If you leave them in the pot, let the soil dry out completely and move the container to a cool (around 45°F or 8°C), dark, and dry spot like a basement. If you prefer to dig them up, store the tubers in a basket or box in a cool, dry, dark place until spring. Just make sure the storage area isn’t too warm, or the tubers won’t get their “beauty sleep” and will try to sprout way too early!
