The Care And Feeding Of Hibiscus

In recent years the hibiscus has become a very popular house plant because of its showy flowers and glossy green foliage. They are quite easy to grow if the plants are given sufficient water and plenty of bright light. Here are a few hints on how to care for hibiscus.

A greenhouse window or sun room is the ideal place in which to grow hibiscus, especially during the winter, because the flowers need bright light for extended periods.

The type most often grown as a house plant is hibiscus rosa sinensis, commonly called Rose of China. The flowers on most varieties range from about 4 to 10 inches. Although most varieties are solid colors, some are multicolored. Flowers are pink, rose, red, yellow, apricot, orange and white, with shades in between. The flowers last for only a day on most varieties, but they tend to bloom prolifically.

The green, glossy foliage alone makes this an attractive houseplant. The leaves are about 2 to 4 inches long and most are serrated.

The plant can attain a height of 10 feet or more. However, it can be pruned or sheared to keep the the hibiscus shorter. Keeping the plants pruned at 2 to 3 feet helps keep the plants bushier and more attractive.

This plant can be trained into a miniature tree. All one needs to do is remove all but one of the main stems, pinch off the bottom leaf growth and clip off the tip growth when it gets to the desired height. Additional grooming will need to be done as the tree grows by occasionally shearing the top growth and removing any new low growth at the base of the plant.

About 10 to 14 hours of bright light are needed to ensure good bloom. For humidity, the plant should be placed on a tray filled with gravel and then half filled with water. Or a glass of water can be placed near the plant.

The third requirement, and maybe the most important, is the need for water. This plant requires more water than most houseplants because of its large leaves and quick growth. Check the plant every two to four days, until a regular watering schedule can be determined. Less water is needed during the cooler fall and winter months.

Hibiscus also benefits from monthly feeding with an all-purpose house-plant-type food. Any standard fertilizer, such as fish, 20-20-20, Miracle-Grow, Rapid-Grow, etc., can be used. To encourage bloom, use 0-10-10 for a month or two.

The plant should be pruned when it is not in bloom. The best months are March, April or May, just as the new growth starts.

Should aphids, spider mites or white flies become a problem, spray the plant with an environmentally safe house-plant-type insect spray. Apply according to label instructions.

Hibiscus can be started from tip cuttings. The best time to do this is November to February. Take cuttings only 4 to 6 inches long, dip in a rooting hormone and place upright in sand, vermiculite or potting soil.

It is not unusual for a few of the lower leaves to fall off during the late fall and early winter as the plant goes into the winter dormant season. At other times when leaves fall, check for water and for the presence of insects.