How to Care for Mums Indoors and Make Them Last

Thanks to their full, lush blooms, mum are everyone’s favorite fall flower to decorate with. Did you know that If you take care of them properly, these cheerful flowers can last up to 6-8 weeks indoors?

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During the fall, you’ll find chrysanthemums (aka mums) sprinkled throughout my home. They are perfect for adding a touch of color and for reinforcing my cozy fall vibe.

There’s no need for replanting with dirt – just plop the nursery pot into your favorite container. This year I used several different colors with my fall decor.  

Sure, I adore using them in my landscape or mixing them with pumpkins on my front porch, but I much prefer to use them indoors where I can enjoy their beauty all the time!

Perhaps one of the best things about them is that when they begin to fade indoors, they can be transplanted to gardening beds for next year. More on that below.

Choosing the best mums for indoors

To get the most out of indoor mums, it’s important to choose the healthiest and most vibrant plants to ensure they last as long as possible. 

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The are two main types of mums – hardy mums (or garden mums) and florist mums. 

If you plan to replants yours outdoors, look for hardy mums. Those are more likely to survive the winter and bloom again next year.

Here’s what else to look for:

• Healthy foliage is a good indicator that the plant is  well cared for and not stressed. You’ll want your plant to have leaves that are green and lush, with no signs of yellowing or wilting. 
• If the plant is already in full bloom, it may look fabulous in the store, but it won’t last as long. Instead, choose mums that have plenty of unopened or partially opened buds. They will continue to open under the right conditions.
• Be sure to inspect the plant closely for any pests, such as aphids, or disease. Look under the leaves and around the base for webbing, insects, or any odd spots.
• Look for plants with even growth. If a plant is blooming lopsided or has empty spots, it may indicate that it had improper care and insufficient light during the growing process.

What’s the best location for indoor mums?

Mums are fairly low maintenance plants, but where you place them indoors will make a big difference in how long they bloom and how fresh they stay. 

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• They love bright light, but too much direct sunlight can cause the blooms to bleach out and fade quickly. The ideal spot is near a bright window where they will receive plenty of indirect sunlight. Avoid windows that get direct midday sun to prevent withering. 
• Mums will thrive best in rooms with temps on the cooler side. The ideal temperature is between 60 – 70°, but that’s likely too chilly for humans to live in. To keep them from fading quickly, just be sure to avoid placing them in rooms that get hot, such as kitchens, where a lot of stove activity occurs or in rooms with poor air circulation.
• Heat is one of the biggest enemies of indoor mums. Things such as heat vents, fireplaces, or radiators will dry the plant out quickly and cause them to wilt.
• Mums don’t need a lot of humidity, but extremely dry air will affect their bloom time, causing them to wilt and dry out. 
• Good air circulation will prevent mold or rot, so don’t place them in cramped or closed spaces.
• Be sure to keep them away from ripening fruits, such as bananas and apples, which release ethylene gas as they ripen. The gas that ripening fruit releases will cause them to will prematurely.

Watering tips for long lasting plants

Possibly one of the most important factors in keeping your indoor mums vibrant for weeks is by practicing proper watering.

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• The soil should be evenly moist, but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. 
• Avoid getting the leaves wet by always watering mums at the base of the plant – never from above. Wet leaves are prone to disease and rot, especially when mums are kept indoors. 
• Using water that’s too cold can shock the root ball, while water that’s too hot will damage it. Always use water that is room temperature.
• Make sure the pot your mum is in has good drainage so that the roots don’t become water logged and develop root rot. If needed, place a saucer underneath to catch excess water.
• Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. Sure signs that you could be overwatering are yellow leaves, wilting even though you’re watering, and mushy stems. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. 
• When the heat is on, water more frequently. In indoor heated environments, you’ll need to compensate for the drier air in your home.
• If you want your mums to last beyond the fall season, feed them with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks, but stop fertilizing once the flower buds have fully opened.
• Reduce watering once your mums have finished blooming. But continue to keep the soil moist if you plan to plant them outdoors after the season.

Be sure to deadhead those beauties

One of the best ways to keep your mums fresh looking while enjoying them is by removing dead blooms. 

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It encourages the plant to produce more flowers and for the unopened buds to open. Don’t let your plant waste energy on dying blossoms.

To properly deadhead, pinch or cut a wilted or browning bloom at the base, just above the healthy leaves. 

Check for spent blooms on a regular basis and work gradually. Mums produce lots of blooms (which is why we love them!), so keep an eye on your plant and deadhead as needed.

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Want to enjoy your mums for the long haul? There’s no need to toss them out once they’ve begun to fade indoors.

Give them new life by transplanting them to your garden beds where you can enjoy them year after year.