Hibiscus Care

Placing

Since hibiscus is a tropical plant, light and warmth are necessary for both its care and growth. Additionally, they require an adequate amount of heat and direct sunlight every day for a couple of hours in order to bloom. It is advised that the hibiscus is placed on a large window facing the South, West or East. If you live somewhere warm then the hibiscus will require partial sun whereas in colder climates a hibiscus will need full sun. During winter a hibiscus owner should be cautious as a cold draft might give the plant frostbite. 

Temperature

When you care for a hibiscus, it is essential to remember that the temperatures 60°F – 90°F are best for a hibiscus flower. They are unable to tolerate temperatures below 36°F. In the summer, you can put your hibiscus plant outside. However, once it gets colder you should bring your hibiscus indoors.

Watering

Since hibiscuses are tropical plants make sure that they do not dry out. However, they should not be soaking wet as it may drown the plant. The soil of the plant needs to stay dry in-between the sessions of watering in order to protect its’ roots from decaying. After half an hour of watering no excessive water should remain. When your flower is in a blooming stage then it requires large amounts of water. 

During the summertime it will require daily watering. Similarly, in the colder months far less water is needed, so water your hibiscus only when the soil is dry. Avoid watering the hibiscus plant with cold water during the wintertime. Use warm water, but make sure it isn’t too hot.

Also, people interested in growing hibiscus need to make sure that the drainage of the pot is excellent. 

Fertilizing

A growing hibiscus plant needs lots of nutrient in order to bloom. March to October is the growth period for hibiscus and to see the results of prolific flowering regular feedings are necessary. During every watering a water soluble formula should be used. In an attempt to prevent salt buildups in the pot, water it several times with the fertilizer, and then spray it with water the last time. While choosing a fertilizer select one that contains low phosphorous value. Excessive phosphorous may lead to fine leaves, but few blooming flowers. Elements such as iron and magnesium are necessary for the growth of any hibiscus. During summer use a high potassium fertilizer, and in the winter there is no need to fertilize.

Soil

Normal potting soil is ideal for a hibiscus as it requires rich soil. A mixture of soil can also be used, like a third of coarse peat, a third of composted bark mixed with a third of cow manure. The soil should be rough. Avoid soil that is fine peat as it results in aerated roots. 

Replanting

Healthy roots of a hibiscus plant are white or tan in color and their texture is crisp. February to March is the replanting period. During springtime you can observe the roots coming out of the pot. When the root ball is unties and raised out of the pot, you can see that the roots are wrapped around the bottom of the pot. The roots should be undone properly and shortened. Roots that are soft and are dark brown in color should be cut. 

Pruning

August to October is the greatest period to prune hibiscus. However, there are others that prune during the springtime successfully. Pruning is done to get a good looking plant, and to encourage bussing. To get a pleasant looking plant get at least three upright branches. Cut only one third of the bigger branches. Completely remove branches that are weak, unproductive or misshapen. 

Pests

• Spider mites are a common pest on this plant. A successful way to getting rid of spider mites is to shower it with lukewarm water. 

• Clean the bottom of every leaf, and make sure that the water is on strong blast. 

• Perform this once a week. If your plant has a lot of pest infestation then apply commercial insecticides or soap water. 

Yellow Leaves

Occasionally all hibiscuses get a few yellow leaves, which only suggests that the leaves are getting old. If your hibiscus has several yellow leaves it may be stressed. The most common cause of this may be pest infestation, low-watering, or drastic changes in the environment. 

Observe your plant as several yellow leaves may indicate a problem. If you see yellowing leaves at the top of the hibiscus it suggests that the plant is not getting an ample amount of water. Yellowing leaves in the middle or towards the bottom of the plant suggests that the plant may be suffocating with too much water. 

Hibiscus Care in Different Seasons

In warmer regions during the end of summer and the beginning of autumn fertilize your hibiscus, and make sure you keep the plant moist. Even during the winter time you will see some flowers blossom. In the Northern areas the rules for caring for a hibiscus are a bit different, but still easy. During the summertime you have to easy on the fertilizer. At the first sign of cold weather put the plant indoors, making sure the temperature is not lower than 36°F. This is also the time that the aphids may show up on your plant. Don’t prune the plant and make sure that the plant is more on the moist side once you move it inside. Also, during this time of the year it is a good idea to put a humidifier next to the plant so that it receives humidity as it does in its natural environment. 

Bud Drop

Bud drop is often the result of either a drought or pest attacks. Some flowers varieties are more vulnerable to bud drop than others, and the reason remains unclear. Avoid turning a hibiscus in bud because the buds will inevitably fall off. If it has buds, then turning the hibiscus is necessary to even growth, but note that it should be done no more than one fourth turn every time. 

Make sure the location on the plant is such that is receives full sunlight and is in well-drained soil.

Planting a hibiscus should occur during spring, summer, or fall. Make sure the plants are 3 to 6 feet at a distance. Dig a hole that is as the depth of the root ball and twice the size in width. If the current condition of your soil is very poor then it is necessary to make adjustments. After which, you should set the plant into the hole. Fill it half full with soil and then water it. Once the water has been drained, then fill the rest of hole with soil and make sure to water it thoroughly.