Hibiscus trees belong to a broad genus of flowering plants ranging from tropical forms that thrive in heat to hardy varieties that can resist the winter. Hibiscus is a small-to-medium-sized plant that can be pruned to appear shrub-like or its stems can intertwine to give the appearance of a tree.
Well-kept hibiscus trees can reach a height of eight feet and has dark green leaves that are four to six inches long with a serrated edge. Hibiscus Tree's precise origin is uncertain. Different species are thought to have originated in China, Hawaii, India, and Madagascar.
Hibiscus is a simple way to give your landscape a tropical feel. You will be rewarded with many years of beautiful flowers if you know how to care for hibiscus plants. Let's have a look at some hibiscus care tips.
Hibiscus Tree Growing Conditions
Hibiscus Trees do not require much maintenance; they merely requires certain conditions in order to thrive. Let's look at some tips for developing a healthy hibiscus plant.
Soil
Hibiscus prefers to be grown in slightly acidic soil. If your garden soil is not acidic, you can try adding peat moss to raise the pH level. Plant the hibiscus approximately two or three feet apart in the dirt; these plants may appear little at first, but they will grow to be quite huge over time.
Water
Hibiscus require moist soil to thrive, but it must also be well drained. This prevents the roots from sitting in a huge amount of water, which could cause them to rot. If the plant is under-watered, the blooming process may be interrupted, as this is a protective mechanism for the plant's roots.
Sunlight
A place that receives direct sunshine for five to six hours every day is ideal for a hibiscus tree. They will grow in partial sunshine, although this will reduce the number of blooms produced. Hibiscus Trees need as much full light as possible for best growth.
Temperature
Temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for hibiscus plants to thrive. When the temperature approaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit, hibiscus must be brought inside to avoid harm from the cold.
Nutrition & Fertilizer
You'll want a fertilizer with a high potassium content because potassium is good for hibiscus tree growth, but you'll want to avoid phosphorus because it's a mineral that can damage the plant, especially if it accumulates in the soil. Adding compost bark or worm castings to the soil once a year or more is an excellent technique to boost plant growth.
Hibiscus Tree Propagation
From March to September, hibiscus plants reproduce easily from softwood cuttings. To propagate Hibiscus from cuttings, follow the steps below:
- Remove the bottom leaves from 3′′ to 5′′ softwood cuttings.
- Dip the cut ends in a rooting hormone solution and blot excess off.
- Fill a tiny pot with a mild soil mix and place the clippings in.
- Place in a well-lit location and keep the soil moist
- After 3-5 weeks, a root system will develop
- After the root system is developed, place the seedling into individual pots
Growing Hibiscus Trees in Containers
Growing hibiscus trees in a container is easier for many people than growing the plant in the garden. If you plant the hibiscus in a pot, you can easily move it to ensure that it receives the light it needs to thrive. Keep any dogs or pets away from newly planted trees or flowers.
In the winter, you may make sure the temperature is warm enough for the plant to survive, and if it becomes too cold outside, you can quickly bring the hibiscus inside. Make sure the planter has a good drainage system.
Planting & Growing Hibiscus Trees
When planting hibiscus in the ground, dig a hole one foot by two feet deep to give the roots plenty of room before filling it with compost. Space plants around four feet apart to allow for branch growth.
- Plant hibiscus trees with their stems just above the soil level.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Mulch around the plant to keep it moist and protect the roots from the elements.
- Hibiscus bloom on new wood (growth from the previous year), so pruning should be done in the spring.
- Remove dead stems from established plants in the early spring and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer.
Common Hibiscus Tree Issues
The leaves of Hibiscus plants can sometimes become yellow. This is frequently caused by giving the plant too much water during the winter months. Reduce the amount of water you give the plant if this happens. There's also a danger that the plant's leaves will burn on exceptionally hot days.
Even though hibiscus is a tropical plant, it may need to be moved to a shadier spot every now and again. Aphids, mites, and whiteflies can all harm hibiscus plants, so if you discover an infestation, spray the plant with a hibiscus-safe anti-pest treatment.
Conclusion
Hibiscus will bloom virtually constantly, although most prolifically throughout the summer and fall months, if given sunlight, soil moisture, proper drainage, and a temperature that stays above 32° Fahrenheit year-round.
They should appeal to even northern gardeners. From spring through late summer, Hibiscus make lovely potted plants for a sunny window or in container gardening or on the patio in full sun. These vibrant flowering plants give brightness to the yard and can also be used as cut flowers.