Watering your hibiscus plant in a pot is crucial for its growth and health. Choose the right time to water your plant, either early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is shining. Place the plants in bright indirect light near a sunny window away from drafts. Reduce watering and fertilizing until spring and keep an eye out for indoor pests.
To grow hibiscus in pots, follow these best practices: choose the right variety and pot, prepare the potting mix, plant and transplant, watering, and fertilizing. Tropical hibiscus plants need to be consistently moist, so water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Stick your finger in the potting mix and water when the soil is completely wet, not again until the soil is dry to the touch.
In hot summer weather, you might need to water your potted hibiscus as often as daily. Indoor tropical hibiscus benefit from regular watering from spring to early autumn during the growing season. Potted hibiscus typically need to be watered every 1 to 2 days, checking plants daily and watering when the soil is dry 1 to 2 inches deep.
Depending on the pot size, plant size, and humidity, you probably need to water at least once per week, up to three times per week. Hibiscus plants prefer consistent moisture but never soggy soil. Water the plants daily the first week after planting, water until the ground is completely drenched, and scale back to watering every other day. If the soil is wet, wait to water, as they prefer to remain moist but not too wet.
Watering your hibiscus plant correctly is essential for its growth and health.
📹 Complete Tropical Hibiscus Plant Care Guide | Hibiscus Houseplant Care and Propagation
Aloha! Join me as I guide you through all of the Tropical Hibiscus care requirements you need to know in order to grow, happy, …
How often should I water potted hibiscus?
Hibiscus plants require a significant amount of water, especially during the blooming stage in spring and summer. They may need daily watering during warm periods and a couple of times a day during hot, humid periods. However, it’s important not to overwater them. Before watering, stick a finger into the soil about an inch to two inches to determine if the soil is dry or slightly moist. If it’s wet, wait to water. Hibiscus prefer moist but not too dry soil. Fertilizing is also recommended as it promotes more beautiful blooms and healthy new growth.
Should you water hibiscus from top or bottom?
Water your potted hibiscus every few days when the soil feels dry to the touch, and ensure you have a saucer or outer pot without holes to catch the water. Avoid buying a pot that is too big for the baby plant, as it can drown the baby roots in soggy soil. Hibiscus plants are tiny, and their roots are not large enough to spread through all the soil in a big pot. To prevent this, buy a pot that is one size larger than the original pot. If you buy plants in 4″ pots, pot up to a 6″ pot (1 gallon) no bigger. This means the plant has no more than 1 inch of new soil around all sides, which its roots can quickly grow into.
Never transplant a stressed plant, as it may not show stress, but it has experienced stress from shipping across the country and emerging in a strange new place. Other stressors include high heat, cold weather, drought, heavy rain and saturated soil, and pest attacks. Hibiscus should never be transplanted under any of these circumstances. After any stressful situation, give the plants the safety of their comfortable, familiar pots until the stressful situation is completely gone and the plants have had a few weeks to recover before considering transplanting.
In summary, potted hibiscus should be watered every few days when the soil on the top feels dry to the touch, and they should be kept in a safe, comfortable environment.
Do hibiscus like to be wet?
Hibiscus plants require moist and well-drained soil for optimal growth. Overwatering can cause the plant to drop its foliage and appear dead, but it will re-bud to protect its roots. If growing in a container, ensure it has adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot. Hibiscus don’t need pruning, but cutting back old growth in late fall or winter can shape it. Pruning in early summer encourages branching and more flower stalks, while noting that Hibiscus produces new growth every year from the ground up.
Do hibiscus like sun or shade?
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a plant that prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. It produces fewer and smaller flowers in more shade, so it should be placed near a southern or western-facing window. Hibiscus require little pruning during the growing season, but cut back by half in early spring to maintain shape. For indoor plants, more frequent and lighter pruning may be needed throughout the year.
Hibiscus prefer an evenly moist root ball and need supplemental water for the first year until well established. Choose a container sized for the plant and check daily. Over time, adjust water requirements based on the forecast and the amount of sun or rain.
Do hibiscus like coffee water?
Home remedies for hibiscus can significantly improve their health and growth. Mixing coffee grounds, banana peels, or tea grounds with soil can provide essential nutrients. Watering with liquid manure or decoction from plant residues or vegetable water can also be beneficial. Potassium salts like Epsom salt offer extra potassium for winter hardiness. For more tips on caring for hibiscus, refer to the article.
How do I know if my hibiscus is overwatered?
Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves, soft, mushy stems or roots, and a squishy stress ball on the plant. A small mushroom festival on the soil surface is also a sign of overwatering. To determine the best watering practices for Chinese Hibiscus, assess the soil moisture by inserting a finger 2-3 inches into the soil. If the soil is dry, water, and adjust the schedule accordingly. Watering should be more frequent in the growth-happy spring and summer, and less so in the fall and winter. This will help prevent overwatering and ensure the plant’s health and growth.
How to keep hibiscus blooming?
Hibiscus plants are a beautiful addition to any garden, with their vibrant flowers attracting attention during the summer. There are three main types: tropical, perennial, and common (also known as Rose of Sharon). Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), perennial or hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos), and Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). All three types thrive in sunlight and have colorful flowers, but they have distinct environmental preferences.
To ensure optimal growth, water plants thoroughly during planting and throughout the growing season, feed them with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Bloom Booster® Flower Food, deadhead and prune them, and bring them indoors during winter in most zones.
Do hibiscus like full sun?
Hibiscus is a popular plant that adds exotic allure to gardens with its big, vibrant flowers. There are three main types: tropical, perennial, and common (also known as Rose of Sharon). Tropical hibiscus plants are known for their colorful flowers and longer blooming season, making them ideal for container plants in poolscapes and patios during summer.
Perennial hibiscus, also known as hardy hibiscus, form large bush-like plants that can survive winter in zones 4 to 9. They typically have larger flowers and lighter green leaves, but the bloom size and leaf color vary greatly from species. Some plants can grow up to 7 to 8 feet tall. Rose of Sharon, a woody shrub, grows 8-12 feet tall and loses its leaves each fall. Hardy in zones 5-9, they love hot weather and are great for attracting pollinators.
Choosing when and where to plant hibiscus depends on the climate and location. Tropical hibiscus needs moist but well-drained soil, which is best planted in containers in spring. Perennial hibiscus grows best in moist soil that never completely dries out, and is an excellent bet for mid- to late-season color. Planting in the spring ensures an entire growing season to establish a good root system.
Rose of Sharon prefers moist, well-drained soil, preferring full sun to partial sun. These plants can grow quite large, 8-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide. To plant both types, follow the instructions provided on your plant tag.
In summary, hibiscus is a versatile plant that can add exotic allure to your garden or landscape. Understanding the different types and their environmental preferences is essential for successful planting and care.
How do I keep my potted hibiscus alive?
Water hibiscus plants when the top inch or two of the potting mix dries to the touch, as they require less water indoors during winter than when grown outdoors. The frequency of watering depends on factors like home temperature, humidity levels, pot size, and potting mix type. Protect your hibiscus from both warm and cold drafts, including heating vents and bursts of hot or cool air. Fertilizing your hibiscus over winter is unnecessary, as it can wait until the days grow longer in spring, around March. It’s best to give your hibiscus a nice winter’s rest before fertilizing it.
Should I cut off yellow leaves on hibiscus?
Yellowing Hibiscus leaves can be caused by various factors, including lack of shade, improper watering, soil moisture, and insect activity. To fix this issue, move the plant to a shaded spot during the hottest part of the day. Remove yellow leaves with sterilized pruners to redirect energy into new growth. Check the soil moisture to ensure proper drainage and add more drainage holes if grown in a container.
Regularly feed the plant with additional nutrients to prevent it from focusing on flowers. Ensure the pH is suitable between 6. 0 and 7. 0, as too alkaline soil can hinder the plant’s uptake of nutrients.
Care for tropical hibiscus plants by planting them in areas with suitable conditions, such as full sun in colder climates and partial shade in warmer ones. Plant them in acidic and neutral soil that is well-drained and loamy, but consistently moist. Water the plants every other day, especially in extra-hot weather, as they thrive in water-loving conditions. Fertilize the plants regularly, once per week, with a diluted mixture. Prune the plant in the warmer spring and remove damaged, diseased, or dead foliage immediately.
📹 How to Grow Hibiscus in Pots: Step-by-Step Guide
Looking to add a pop of colour to your garden or patio with beautiful hibiscus blooms? In this video, we walk you through a …
Had no idea that Hibiscus plants could be grown indoors. I have only ever seen them outdoors and I have 4 red ones that I just planted in my yard last month. I’m in 9b, so I’ll have to cover them when the temperatures dip. They are so beautiful so the extra effort will be worth it. Thanks for all of the tips!
I have a hibiscus. It belonged to my grandma and I took it on after she died. It only blooms in October now (when my grandma died), and although a lot of new growth, I’ve not really known what I’m doing. This article is super helpful- so much clear, simple and easy to understand information. Thankyou so much. I hope now I’m armed with knowledge I can get her super bushy and blooming loads like when my grandma was alive- not just one or two blooms like she does now she’s in my care (I do my best, but there’s still so much to learn!). I only trimmed my hibiscus this spring- for the first time in 3 years! So hoping that’ll help her get a bit bushier!
Hello there, this is one of the best articles I have seen about Hibiscus plants. I was recently introduced to this plant by a relative who showed me a smaller “Fruit Punch” that she had purchased at Home Depot, I have since purchased the same and moved them over to a 2.5 quart planter. After perusal your article I now see that I made a mistake repotting to 2.5 quart planter even though through pure luck they both have adapted well. I am glad I watched this article because the Los Angeles nights are dipping to low 40s where they been living so I immediately brought them inside. Thanks again and continued success!!!.
I propagated 10 brown stems containing nodes from my tropical hibiscus in the spring, and I got back 6 new plants from them. I just don’t know what I’ll do with them all now. My original hibiscus has grown so much, and I live in Tennessee so it comes inside this summer. Thanks for mentioning if plants are toxic to dogs and cats. I always have to look it up. People give me plant some what frequently, because they don’t know how to take care of them or they don’t want to. I’ve got 2 beautiful Peace Lillies that I have to make sure to keep the door closed to the room they’re in. Thanks for all the advice. I’ve had my hibiscus for 3 years now, it was a gift and it’s sentimental. I still need all the help I can get, flowering mostly.
I just purchased a pot of 4 hibiscus planted together, all grown into the “tree” form, and their stems are braided together. I love it. They’re all tropical Hibiscus with varying flower colors, but I was just wondering if you feel like that’ll cause issues in the future? If I keep it fertilized enough and watered, they shouldn’t compete with each other and choke each other out, right? I bought it as a birthday present to myself and she’s already one of my all-time faves of all my plants lol
I took two beautiful tropical hibiscus trees inside and they are alive- but struggling. Im hoping they will come back to life once the days get longer. She’s alive- but she looks sad. She keeps blooming though! We have been surprised by how many flowers she keeps producing! I didn’t expect that at all!
Wow great article I’ve grown plants most of my life . I’ve got some really huge ones but I had no idea about hibiscus. I just bought two of them. For a spot i head .But I don’t think it’s going to work now after perusal this article so thank you for your information I would have hated to have lost them.
I have a tropical hibiscus in a terracotta pot. I brought it inside last winter and it survived fine. The plant is about 4 feet tall now and I’m going to bring it inside soon. Should I prune it back some now or wait until the spring after I take it outside again? Also last winter I misted the foliage light every day which it seem to like plus lightly watered about once every 10 days. Am I doing it correctly? Thanks for your excellent tutorial. Sam.
Thank you so much for this. I just planted 5 hibiscus (3 gallon size) in my back yard in South Florida. Question: 4 are more up right but one does not have a clear upright pattern (it is a bit more spread out). I heard you should pick plants with an upright growth pattern. Do you think I’ll be OK or should I look to replace that one?
hello great article! hope you can help me. my tropical hibiscus is infested with what i believe are aphids. they are stuck on the blooms and surrounding areas and when the blooms drop it makes the floor sticky. so i suspect they are attracted to its sap? it is currently winter here (NJ zone 7a) and too cold to take her outside to get a good hosing (our water is shut off for winter as well). i contemplated pruning her even if it means cutting off developing blooms because i think it is the only way i can get rid of the bugs for now 🙁 do you think it is ok to do this? will it affect her growth later on or will she eventually bounce back? this july will be 4 yrs since we’ve had her.
Hello I have tropical hibiscus inside in large pots and hardy hibiscus outside on the side of my house. The outside ones are doing great it seems. But the inside poted ones not so much. I have tried plant food, fertilizer, making sure they have good light and they sill have yellow leaves. The one is like a tree and though it has a lot of yellow leaves it’s blooming a lot still. The other one is a twisted tree and that one we did find spider mites on. We were able to take care of that and seems to be getting new growth. My question is, why the yellow leaves? Am I watering to much? Also, is there anything else I can do?
I need some help with my Hibiscus! I noticed that it is not growing full at all and it has different shapes of leaves on it. It hasnt bloomed in about 7 years. Some of the leaves are the beautiful tear drop shape and others have like a 3 point shape. It is indoor and it is very leggy. I was able to propagate a few clippings which i will be potting closer to spring and are doing great with the tear drop shape leaves. I am just not sure what I can do anymore. I play all my plants spa music and water them when needed. The only thing I have not done if use feritlizer and I have not moved the hibiscus in question into a bigger pot as it would be too large for me to move. What can I do? It is a very special plant and the longest one Ive had I dont want to lose it!
I feel like mines getting too much water???? It’s leaves are curling, but it’s budding and has grown alot since the last time I pruned, and I also I have it in one of those large black slotted pots for extra drainage so maybe I’ll let her dry out fully, I have hibiscus/palm fertilizer that’s granulated
This is funny! IT HAS NO FLOWERS… IT SHOULD,!!! At all times, tons of buds too. I live in Florida and these r EVERYWHERE!!! They thrive in HOT HUMID CONDITIONS! I can’t imagine growing this indoors. Yours has no flowers! It should ALWAYS have flowers on them. Tons of buds and all times. I’m sorry I know u think u know about this plant but living in south Florida we know our tropical plants, like many northerners usually own more about plants or flowers that can’t grow here in Florida. Also, why does EVERYONE say to use such complicated soils, mixing this, mixing that… no u don’t! Just plant them in potting soil, that’s it! To many articles actually make it to much for a beginner. This is very easy to grow, especially in hot climates of southern states. Don’t make things so difficult, to many YouTubers do this! Mildew however is common! It’s common to get black spots. Just remove foliage! Or prune a little bit. Because all these diseases are usually on the ground and stems. Just adding info for other viewers so they know, ur making this more difficult then it is. But your plant is beautiful but not right!! It should always be in bloom with tons of buds!