Hibiscus plants are known for their large, colorful flowers. These blossoms can make a decorative addition to a home or garden, but they also have medicinal uses. The flowers and leaves can be made into teas and liquid extracts that can help treat a variety of conditions.
Hibiscus Plant – Varieties + Growing
There are three major types of Hibiscus flowers, including Perennial Hibicus plants, Tropical Hibiscus and Hardy Hibiscus.
Many who wish to grow a Hibiscus plant often opt to use a container, as this allows them to move the plant to the perfect location. Hibiscus plants require at least six hours of sunlight a day.
Although these plants love warm, tropical environments, when growing them at home, it’s a good idea to provide them with a little shade every now and again – especially when it’s overly hot.
Watering Hibiscus
When Hibiscus plants are in their blooming stage, it’s important to give them lots of water.
In warmer weather, you will need to water your plant on a daily basis, while in cooler weather, less water is required. In the winter months, only water your Hibiscus plant when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilising Hibiscus
A growing Hibiscus Plant requires a good fertiliser in order to bloom to its full potential.
A high potassium fertiliser is recommended in the summer months, however, come winter, Hibiscus Plants require no fertiliser. To increase your plant’s lifespan, use a diluted liquid fertiliser once a week and a slow release fertiliser once a month. Alternatively, add soil with a high level of potassium to compost.
Preventing blooms from dropping on a Hibiscus Plant
Insect pests, particularly thrips, are one of the most common causes of Hibiscus blossoms falling off plants. These tiny insects attack the flower buds, causing them to fall prior to blooming. One way to prevent this from happening is to use an organic insecticide at least once a week.
Other insects and pests that are common attackers include midge, spider mites, hibiscus beetles, whiteflies, aphids and mealy bugs. Asides from insect sprays, yellow sticky traps can also be used to ward off and eliminate bugs.
High humidity, overly moist soil, nutritional deficiencies and environmental conditions can all add to the deterioration of blooms. Feeding your Hibiscus Plants with a quality fertiliser and checking for problems on a regular basis can help to prevent this.
Replanting and basic care
When the Hibiscus flowers begin to fade, this is the best time to transplant them. Traditionally, hibiscus shrubs cease blooming in late August or September.
When it comes to replanting Hibiscus flowers, pick a location that lives up to their needs. Once you’ve sourced the perfect environment, begin by digging a planting hole. A good tip involves planting the shrub as quickly as possible, as this will help to reduce the chance of transplant shock and moisture loss. To make the job swift, place the soil you remove from the hole on a tarp, as this will make it easier to fill once the plant is re-homed. Once replanted, give the plant plenty of water – particularly in the first four to six weeks.
Hibiscus plants require at least one inch of rain (or water) per week. It’s important to ensure the plant is moist but not saturated. During the growing season, feed the plant twice a month and prune by cutting branches just above the side shoot.
Products from Hibiscus
- Hibiscus tea: This tea is often drunk by those who have high blood pressure, as it contains essential fatty acids and much-needed vitamins. It’s also a popular diuretic. The flower has also been used in China for many years in traditional medicine.
- Food: The flower can be eaten and is often used to adorn salads.
- Dried Hibiscus: This is considered a delicacy in Mexico and can be used to decorate various surfaces.