How to Care for a Hibiscus With Yellow Leaves

Hibiscus trees with yellow leaves can be restored to health.

A hibiscus tree with yellow leaves can signal a problem with the tree's care, but it does not necessarily mean that the tree has been damaged irreparably. There are many things a gardener can to do to help bring a hibiscus with yellow leaves back to full health and ensure that it continues growing and producing flowers for many years. One common cause of yellow leaves is that the hibiscus is going dormant, in which case it needs no special care. Other problems can be treated by adjusting the care of the hibiscus tree.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Insecticide
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Alter the amount of water the hibiscus is receiving. Too much water can drown the plant and promote the growth of harmful fungus, while too little water will prevent the hibiscus from processing nutrients. Check the soil to see whether the hibiscus has too much or too little water.

2. Water the hibiscus once a week, to keep the soil around the base of the tree moist. The water should be moist half an inch into the planter.

3. Drain the planter if the hibiscus is standing in too much water. This will remove excess water from the hibiscus and help restore it to health. Allow the soil to dry and continue watering the hibiscus as normal.

4. Prune the hibiscus tree. Remove any branches that have died or sustained serious insect or fungal damage to prevent them from spreading disease to the remainder of the hibiscus. Cut off the branches close to the nearest adjoining branch, or remove them from the trunk of the tree. Dispose of the branches immediately.

5. Change the location of the hibiscus tree. Direct sunlight can dry out the leaves of a hibiscus and cause them to become scorched and yellow. Hibiscus trees should be kept in indirect sunlight, where they are able to photosynthesize without being damaged.

6. Check the hibiscus tree for insect damage, including mites or other insects. Signs of insects include the insects themselves, eggs, larvae and holes on the leaves, branches or bark of the tree.

7. Apply an insecticide or pesticide to the tree to kill of insects and restore the hibiscus tree to health. Follow all directions on the insecticide for best results.

8. Add fertilizer to the hibiscus planter. One of the main causes of yellowing leaves on a hibiscus is nitrogen deficiency, which can be resolved by adding a balanced fertilizer to the planter.

References

• North Dakota State University Extension Service: Questions on Hibiscus
• University of Minnesota Extension: Hibiscus
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Hibiscus
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Hibiscus for the Florida Landscape
• University of Illinois Extension: Chinese (Tropical) Hibiscus
• University of Illinois Extension: Hardy Hibiscus

Resources

• Utah State Univerity: Hibiscus