How To Care For A Hibiscus Plant 14 Steps With Pictures

A mix of 1 part coarse peat, 1 part composted bark, and 1 part composted manure mixed with a little bit of leca and vermiculite is also a great soil mix for hibiscuses. [2] X Research source

Give the roots time to soak up the excess water, but if water is still in the tray after 12 hours, dump it out. [4] X Research source

Overwatering can cause root rot, so always touch the soil before watering.

With the proper amount of sunlight, hibiscus plants will bloom from spring until fall.

You can also mix up a weak solution of water-soluble fertilizer (half strength or less) and dose your plants with a little fertilizer each time you water them. [9] X Research source Avoid over-fertilizing since too much phosphorus can kill hibiscus plants. [10] X Research source

Hibiscuses cannot survive frost or freezing temperatures.

To improve drainage, mix in organic matter like well-rotted manure, compost, or peat moss. If the soil drains well, you don’t need to add anything else to it. [14] X Research source

Water the plants thoroughly after putting them in the ground. Plant hibiscuses 3 ft (91 cm) to 6 ft (180 cm) apart.

Touch the water before pouring it on the plants. They don’t like cold water, so use water that feels warm but never hot to the touch. Hibiscuses need a minimum of 1 in (2. 5 cm) of water every week. [17] X Research source These plants prefer rainwater, but will do fine with city water.

Don’t use chemical fertilizers on hibiscus plants. If you can find a fertilizer with a very low amount of phosphorus in it, like a 10-4-12 or 9-3-13, go with that. Avoid over-fertilizing since too much phosphorus can kill the plants. [19] X Research source

Avoid insecticides that contain the ingredient imidacloprid since this ingredient can worsen spider mite infestations.