How to Start a Hibiscus Tree
You can start a hibiscus tree by growing one from cuttings. Propagating is something you can do at home if you follow a few simple steps. Both the hardy and tropical species of hibiscus can be started from cuttings, although hardy hibiscus cuttings are typically easier to grow. The early summer is the best time to take hibiscus cuttings. This way you can plant a new hibiscus tree in your garden without purchasing a new tree from your garden center. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Garden gloves
- Pruning shears
- Rooting hormone
- Potting soil with perlite
- Clear plastic bag
Instructions
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Cut a 4- to 6-inch-long piece of new hibiscus growth with pruning shears. Take a cutting by trimming just below the bottom leaf node of a new growth. The new growth will be soft and not fully mature; it will have a greenish cast.
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Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and place it in a container with well-drained, wet potting soil; put your finger in the soil to make a hole for the cutting, place the end of the cutting in the hole, and back fill it with soil.
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Cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag that is large enough that it doesn't touch the leaves.
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4
Place the cutting in partial shade and make sure the soil stays damp but not wet.
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Leave the cutting for eight weeks until it grows a root. Re-pot in a larger pot as it grows. At this point you can put the plant in full sun.
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Tips & Warnings
Hardy species of the hibiscus thrive in areas as cold as zone 5. However, the tropical species doesn't tolerate more than one or two nights of frost. One hard frost, below 25 degrees, could kill the tropical species of hibiscus.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hibiscus image by Cédric FROEHLICH from Fotolia.com
