Hibiscus care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Hibiscus

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 2 days

It drinks heavily while growing: water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide, which can mean morning and evening for pots in midsummer.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 3 days

Cooler weather slows drying, so about every two or three days once the surface dries is the guide.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 7 days

Indoors it goes semi-dormant, so water sparingly a few days after the soil dries, on a mild morning, as a guide.

Light and placement for Hibiscus

From spring to fall give it the sunniest spot outdoors, as a guide, since low light drops the buds; in winter use the brightest window indoors.

Overwintering Hibiscus

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

Cold-tender: move it to a bright window when nights fall below about 10°C; above 5°C it regrows in spring even after dropping leaves, and cutting the branches back by half before bringing it in helps.

Fertilizing and repotting Hibiscus

Fertilizer

A heavy feeder from May to October: slow-release fertilizer monthly or liquid feed about weekly; none in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Hibiscus

• Dry soil or a root-bound pot in summer turns the buds yellow and drops them.
• Left outdoors in winter it dies of the cold.
• In too little sun it stops flowering and grows only leaves.

Tips for growing Hibiscus

• Roots fill the pot fast, so repot one size up every year in May or June.
• Each flower lasts a day but more follow, so deadhead to keep the plant from tiring.
• Spider mites appear in summer; spraying the undersides of the leaves helps prevent them.

More flower care guides

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