The hibiscus flower is one of those quintessential tropical blooms that leaves us dreaming of sunsets, beaches and fruity blended drinks, and luckily here in Powell River, our weather is just warm enough to reliably care for hibiscus plants even though it isn’t exactly a tropical rainforest climate.
While most hibiscus plants can only be kept as annuals here since they can’t survive sub-zero winter temperatures, there are a few cold-hardy varieties available that can be planted as perennials. We have brought in a very special Hibiscus that can withstand the coldest temperatures that our climate can subject it to. With deep green, almost black tinted foliage and 9 inch diameter bright red blooms, this hibiscus is appropriately named the “Holy Grail.” It will come back year after year, growing up to 5 ft in height and spread. The Holy Grail won’t bloom until early August but we promise it will be well worth the wait.
While hibiscus plants can be a little bit needier than some other popular flowers, mastering the basics of hibiscus care isn’t exceedingly difficult, and their vibrant blooms are well worth a little extra effort. With repeated blooming that lasts from spring until fall, there’s so much to love about these bright, exotic flowers. We’ve assembled this hibiscus care guide so you can confidently grow your own hibiscus right at home.
Hibiscus plants are admired for their large, colorful flowers that can really make a statement in any garden. But did you know these tropical beauties can also thrive as houseplants and be enjoyed indoors? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine how to successfully grow hibiscus plants both inside and outside
Hibiscus belong to the mallow family and originate from tropical and subtropical regions around the world There are several hundred species, but the most popular varieties for ornamental use are in the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis group. These hibiscus are treasured for their striking blooms that can reach up to 6 inches across The flowers come in a range of colors including red, pink, yellow, orange, purple and white. They have a noticeable central stamen that provides an exotic, tropical appearance.
In warm climates, hibiscus are fast-growing shrubs. Outdoors, they can attain 6 feet tall and wide within one to two years. The leaves are glossy and green offering a pleasant backdrop for those magnificent blooms. Hibiscus flower during the summer and fall, but can bloom year-round in tropical zones.
Growing Hibiscus Outdoors
If you reside in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11, you can cultivate hibiscus outdoors all year long. They flourish in the warm temperatures, abundant sunlight, and moderate humidity of these areas. Space hibiscus plants 4-6 feet apart in well-draining soil. Provide regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing period.
In zones 8 and below, hibiscus can be grown outdoors in summer but must be brought inside before the first fall frost. Choose a location with full sun exposure. Plant in nutrient-rich, humus-heavy soil with proper drainage. Whenever the top inch of soil dries out, provide water. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks to stimulate growth and blooming.
To prepare your hibiscus for moving indoors, prune back lanky stems in early fall. This will make the plant more compact for indoor living. Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before bringing it inside to harden off new growth.
Always verify first and last frost dates for your region so you know when it’s time to bring hibiscus back inside. Even a light frost can damage the foliage and buds.
Caring for Hibiscus Indoors
The key to growing hibiscus as a houseplant is supplying ample bright, direct light. A south or west-facing window is ideal. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get sunlight. Supplement with grow lights if necessary.
Indoors, hibiscus prefers daytime temperatures of 65-75°F and nights around 60°F. Maintain humidity around 40-50% if possible. Thoroughly water when the top inch of soil dries out, being careful not to overwater. Proper drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
Fertilize monthly during active growth with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Cease feeding for 2 months in fall and winter when light and growth decrease.
Trim back elongated, leggy stems to keep plants full and compact. Pinch off spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Periodically wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
With proper care, hibiscus will reward you with stunning, tropical flowers even when it’s cold outside! They make an eye-catching and conversation-starting houseplant.
Troubleshooting Common Hibiscus Problems
Here are some potential issues and solutions for growing healthy hibiscus:
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Leaf drop – This can be caused by stresses like overwatering, underwatering, temperature extremes, or low humidity. Improve conditions and damage should stop.
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Buds drop – Again, inconsistent watering and temperature can lead to bud drop. Keep conditions steady.
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No flowers – Insufficient light is the most common reason for no blooms on hibiscus. Increase sunlight exposure.
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Wilting – Both under and overwatering can cause wilting. Check soil moisture and water correctly.
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Pests – Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs may attack hibiscus. Wipe or spray away insects using insecticidal soap.
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Yellow leaves – This can signify overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Allow soil to dry and fertilize as needed.
With proper care, your hibiscus will remain healthy and continue producing sensational blooms indoor or outdoor! It’s a fabulous plant that’s well worth cultivating.
Best Varieties for Indoor Growing
If you’d like to grow hibiscus as a houseplant, consider these compact, floriferous varieties:
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Jazzy Jewel Hibiscus – This series from Monrovia includes cultivars like ‘Ruby’, ‘Amber’, and ‘Opal’ with 6-8 inch blooms. They flower abundantly indoors.
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Panama Red Hibiscus – A mid-sized variety that prolifically blooms in red, white, or pink. Thrives in containers.
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Luna Hibiscus – A prolific bloomer with large red or yellow flowers and glossy leaves. More compact than other varieties.
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Beauty of Houston Hibiscus – Sizable 8-9 inch blooms in red, pink, white, or peach on a smaller plant. Great for pots.
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Hawaiian Hibiscus – Classic tropical look with bold red or orange flowers. Stays compact as a houseplant.
No matter which variety you select, following the care instructions above will set your hibiscus up for success inside or out! With a little TLC, these tropical beauties can transform any indoor area into your own personal paradise.
Why Grow Hibiscus as Houseplants?
There are many benefits to growing hibiscus indoors:
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They beautify living spaces with large, vivid blooms in sunset colors.
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As houseplants, they clean and purify the indoor air.
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Hibiscus raise humidity in dry, heated rooms.
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They can insulate rooms from temperature extremes.
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Studies show houseplants boost mood, speed healing, and increase productivity.
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Gorgeous tropical flowers bring joy and transform rooms into mini-paradises!
So if you’d like to enjoy vibrant hibiscus flowers in your home, give these tropical dynamos a try as houseplants. Follow the tips above and you’ll have amazing blossoms even when it’s cold outdoors. Growing hibiscus indoors does require some effort but the rewards are incredibly worthwhile.
Whether grown outdoors in the garden or inside as houseplants, hibiscus offer fabulous tropical flair from their bold, colorful blooms. For outdoor growth, select hardy varieties for your climate and protect from frost. Indoors, give them ample sunlight and grow lights if needed. With the proper care, hibiscus can thrive in both settings, allowing you to enjoy their exotic flowers all year long. Just be prepared to get addicted to these tropical dynamos!
Hibiscus Care: Water and Sunlight
The first rule of hibiscus care: always water them with warm water. Cold water from the hose will shock your plants, so it’s best to fill a watering can with warm tap water instead (not too hot, though—you don’t want to cook your hibiscus). During the sunny summer months, hibiscus plants will need to be watered frequently, but it’s important to make sure their soil has excellent drainage, so the roots don’t become waterlogged. Container hibiscus should be watered daily, whereas garden hibiscus needs to be watered about every other day. If you’re overwintering your hibiscus indoors, always wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.
As for sunlight, hibiscus plants like lots and lots! The more direct sunlight, the better they will bloom. Aim for 8+ hours of direct sun, daily. While they can sometimes tolerate a bit of partial shade, the blossoms won’t be quite as frequent or impressive, so if you’re planting your hibiscus in the garden, make sure it’s in a spot that isn’t going to get shaded by tall trees or a nearby fence. As we mentioned before, one of the nice things about a container hibiscus is that you can move it around to make sure it’s getting enough sun, so keep an eye on your container plants to make sure they’re thriving in your chosen spot for them.
Hibiscus Care: Containers vs. Outdoor Planting
Hibiscus can be grown in containers or planted in garden beds outdoors, but all things considered, most folks find it a bit easier to care for them in containers. The beauty of container gardening is the freedom to move your plants around to make sure their needs are being met. If the spot you’ve chosen for your hibiscus isn’t getting quite enough sun, you can easily move it to a new spot. Once temperatures begin to drop, you can even bring it inside to overwinter it so you can enjoy it for a second summer.
When choosing a container to put your hibiscus in, don’t get one that’s too large. Hibiscus plants actually prefer a slightly snug fit around their roots, so a smaller pot with some drainage holes will work best. If you’re keeping it indoors, find a sunny windowsill to place it on, but don’t let it touch the glass as the sun can heat the windowpane and end up scorching the plant.
Hibiscus plants in containers should be fertilized a little more frequently than ones planted in garden beds— about once a week during the blooming period should suffice. Garden hibiscus should be fertilized about once every two weeks. Neither require any fertilizer during the winter months. A slow-release 14-14-14 fertilizer, or one specially formulated for hibiscus plants should work fine— just don’t go too overboard, as too much phosphorus could bring your hibiscus to an untimely end. Fertilizers with a bit of extra magnesium and iron will help them to bloom especially well.
When planting hibiscus in the garden, make sure there are about 2-3 feet between each plant. They grow pretty quickly during the summer, so they’ll fill out really nicely. Do a little pH test of the soil if you think it might be more on the alkaline side— hibiscus does best in slightly acidic soil, and you can make conditions a bit more ideal by mixing in some loam.
Hibiscus Flower Plant – Grow Hibiscus in a pot anywhere – Hibiscus plant care
FAQ
Do hibiscus do better inside or outside?
Hibiscus are sun-loving, tropical plants that have big showy flowers with a famous, prominent stamen. You don’t need to live in California or Florida to grow them. In temperate climates, you can grow them outside during the summer and enjoy them indoors as houseplants over the winter.
Can hibiscus be grown as a houseplant?
They make beautiful houseplants in even the warmest climates. Like all flowering houseplants, there are some necessary tricks you need to learn to keep hibiscus growing, thriving, and blooming in the house. This article will give you all those tricks and make you an expert at growing hibiscus as houseplants.
Can I leave my hibiscus outside?
Hibiscus does very well planted in large pots that can be brought outdoors for the summer months, and then moved back inside when temperatures begin to fall. Hibiscus is a shrub, and can get unwieldy in smaller spaces. Prune it as needed.
Where is the best place to put a hibiscus plant?
Since hibiscus is a tropical plant, light and warmth are necessary for both its care and growth. Additionally, they require an adequate amount of heat and direct sunlight every day for a couple of hours in order to bloom. It is advised that the hibiscus is placed on a large window facing the South, West or East.
Can Hibiscus be planted outside?
Many people find that planting hibiscus in containers outdoors is optimal, as they can be moved indoors in frost conditions. Whether you decide to grow container plants or ground plants, you’ll need to plant them, give them basic care, and keep them warm during winter to successfully grow them outdoors. Grow hardy hibiscus, not tropical hibiscus.
Are hibiscus plants good indoor plants?
These plants are native to tropical regions and are commonly found in warmer climates. The most popular Hibiscus plant species used as indoor plants is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, also known as Chinese Hibiscus or rose mallow. The plant is easy to care for and will reward you with beautiful flowers if given the proper care.
Can Chinese hibiscus grow indoors?
A lack of humidity indoors can cause bud and leaf drop on Chinese Hibiscus plants. As these are tropical, they do well with high humidity. In greenhouse conditions, they can cope with humidity levels as high as 90%. Indoors, do not try that. A healthy range for indoors, according to Mayo Clinic is between 30% and 50%.