Basic care

Hibiscus are rewarding plants that thrive with consistent care. Here's what they need:

W A T E R :

Water daily and ensure good drainage. Spray leaf tops and bottoms during watering for hydration and natural pest control.

S U N L I G H T :

Hibiscus thrive in full to partial sun, which broadly translates to 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you live in a hot climate, you can reduce the sun exposure, and if you live in a cooler or cloudy area, increase the sun exposure, and if you are growing indoors, they will need a minimum of 2-hours of direct sunlight daily.

N U T R I E N T S :

Consistent feeding with medium nitrogen (N), low phosphorus (P), and high potassium (K) fertilizer will ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms. For best results, use a granular fertilizer in the soil, and add a water-soluble fertilizer for additional root and foliar feeding to balance out the nutrients and give the extra potassium needed for spectacular blooms. Optional, but necessary, and you will be able to visually see the results versus just watering alone.

When choosing a fertilizer, use the 2-1-3 method for your N-P-K. For example; 10-5-30, 17-8-26, 15-5-25, close is good, work with what's available in your area. 

Granular fertilizer: 
This fertilizer is added to the soil, and watered in. It typically comes in monthly, or three-, six-or nine-month formulations. For convenience, I recommend choosing the longest lasting slow-release with the lowest phosphorus (P) content and adding to your soil as needed, using the ratio of 1 tsp per 1 gallon of soil if growing in a pot, and if planted in the ground, sprinkle about 2-4 tablespoons around the base of the plant. Water in and feed on a consistent schedule.

Water-soluble fertilizer:
This fertilizer is mixed with water for additional root and foliar feeding on a schedule that works for you. Choose a low phosphorus (P) and high potassium (K) nutrient and water in, ideally in the early morning or late afternoon; avoid fertilizing midday and in hot weather, as it will stress and damage your plant.

Mix the following with 1 gallon of water:
- 1/2 tsp for daily feeding
- 1 tsp for weekly feeding (recommended)
- 1 tbsp for bi-weekly to monthly feeding

P R U N I N G :

Regular pruning encourages new growth, better flowering, and desired shape. All cuts should be done with sharp clean sheers cutting at a 45° angle about ¼” above a node. Tip pruning can be done by making a small cut at the tip or by taking the apical leaf.

M O N I T O R I N G :

Regularly inspect your hibiscus for signs of stress, disease, or pests, as early intervention maintains a healthy plant.

Common pests like aphids, spider mites and mealy bugs can be mitigated naturally by spraying the entire plant with each watering, paying especially close attention to the tops and bottoms of leaves, and the very tips where the new growth is coming in, knocking off whatever pest is trying to move in uninvited. If your issue persists, you can treat topically with Neem Oil applied in the early morning or late afternoon, and/or with a systemic pesticide like BioAdvanced or one of your choosing.

Erinose mite infection, which can be easily identified by the visible bumpy leaves on your plant should be mitigated immediately as it will spread across your hibiscus and other plants and food trees like lychee, etc. The proper way to take care of this is to remove all affected plant material, which means pruning all infected leaves or branches and placing in a plastic bag and securely tying, place it in the sun for 2-weeks until they suffocate and die, then dispose of per usual. It is important not to throw the fresh plant matter directly into your compost or neighboring bush as the mites will just catch the wind and fly right back into your garden or neighboring area. Kill it, then compost it please. 

Removing yellow leaves and spent flowers daily are also beneficial to plant health.

P L A N T I N G :

Hibiscus love having room to grow, and do very well in the ground, but if container gardening is preferred, they will flourish in a 3-gallon or larger pot. Larger pots are recommended but choose a pot that you can manage as there will be some necessary maintenance to keep your plant happy and healthy. 

Use a well-draining slightly acidic soil with about of 30% perlite or cinder if you live in a dry area, to 50% if you live in a wet area. Our plants are potted and sold in a 50% mix, so please water daily as recommended, and repot as needed to suit your climate. A good ready to use medium is Promix HP which already contains 30% perlite, and you can adjust for your growing conditions.

Add granular nutrients into your soil in the ratio of 1-teaspoon of fertilizer to 1-gallon of soil and mix well. Fully saturate the soil, gently loosen a few roots from the root ball, and tip prune to encourage new growth and branching below.

Preparing the ground:
Choose a spot that gets optimal sunlight and dig a hole at least 2 feet around and 2 feet deep. Test the drainage by pouring about a gallon of water and observing how it drains. If it drains quickly, you’re fine, but if the water is standing for over an hour, do what is necessary to allow the water to flow away from the plant. Dig deeper and add drainage rocks or drill relief holes, so the roots are not sitting in water. Root rot often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

Preparing the container:
Choose a 3-gallon or larger pot with 5 or more drain holes and add more if needed. Keep in mind that the bigger the pot, the bigger your plant can comfortably grow.

With these practices, your hibiscus will reward you with vibrant blooms season after season.