How to Care for Hibiscus Flowers
The exact origin of the hibiscus is unknown, but it does grow in the wild in Singapore, where it is called "flower of celebration." A hibiscus is a small tree, with evergreen leaves. There are five free petals, joined at the base. The Indians and Chinese used the juice from the hibiscus flowers to create dye, which they used to blacken their eyebrows and hair. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Realize that a hibiscus plant, which features large, crepe paper-like flowers in vibrant colors can be grown indoors. The plant requires direct sunlight and a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Trop-hibiscus.com.
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Combat spider mites, which can be problematic when hibiscus is grown indoors, by weekly spraying/misting your plant with water.
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Prune your hibiscus in the fall. Try to establish three main branches. Cut these three branches back by two-thirds. Cut the remaining branches back completely.
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Under-watering your hibiscus will result in yellow leaves. Hibiscus are relatively drought-tolerant but if yellow leaves are appearing and dropping off, the plant needs more water.
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Turn your plant every few weeks so that a different side is facing a sunny window.
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Realize that hibiscus are considered to be either half hardy annuals or half hardy perennials. Generally, hibiscus cannot endure a cold winter and must be lifted and brought inside if you want them to survive the cold. You can re-plant them outdoors the following spring. Hibiscus plants are tall and are excellent plants to be used as a hedging plant or in a border. They also grow well in containers.
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Choose the right fertilizer, if you want your hibiscus to bloom not only in the summer months, when it is outdoors, but throughout the winter, when it is inside. The growing period occurs between March and October. Regularly feed your hibiscus with a water soluble fertilizer. If the plant is dried out, don't fertilize; re-hydrate with water, first. Choose a fertilizer that is low in phosphorous because the phosphorous will encourage lots of small leaves but very few flowers. Hibiscus like iron and magnesium.
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Combine coarse peat (1/3) with 1/3 composted cow manure, 1/3 composted bark and add leca and vermiculite for the ideal soil. Don't add too much leca or other filler. The soil should be coarse, rather than fine, according to Hibiscus-sinensis.com.
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Resources
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