Growing conditions and cultural practices can affect size. They will not tolerate soggy conditions, which can lead to rot, especially during winter months. Rather than making regular applications of fertilizer, hostas respond best to enriching the soil over time. One inch of water per week is ideal during the growing season. If weather is hot, additional water may be required and should be applied only to the soil around the plants.
Light requirements range from full sun to dense shade.
It is important to know the specific needs of each hosta. With too much sunlight, leaf color may deviate from normal and some plants may suffer from leaf scorch. However, there are responses to increased light considered desirable by propagators. It results in more flowers, therefore, more potential seeds, and the development of multiple crowns, allowing for a greater number of divisions per plant. Planting, transplanting and dividing should be done in early fall or spring before leaves unfold.