I propagated five hydrangeas in late spring, and overall they’re growing well, though some are stronger than others. All have shown new growth and new leaves. I recently trimmed them. The plants on the left look more bare because they had more dead leaves, which I pruned. The plants on the right had fewer dead leaves and stronger leaf growth. They’re all in solo cups with good drainage (not visible), using a mix of potting soil, perlite, and a bit of coco coir. I water regularly, keep them under a grow light, and fertilize them — most recently a few days ago. My questions are: • Is it normal for leaves to drop at this stage? • What signs should I look for to confirm healthy growth? I plan to transplant them into the garden either next spring or later this summer and want to make sure they’re healthy before doing so. Any tips to help them thrive would be appreciated.
