Growing indoor hibiscus at home
Hibiscus is quite hardy and not particularly picky about indoor growing conditions. It grows pretty quickly. With good care, it blooms profusely, it happens that it blooms even in the winter dormant period.
It is better to place it in a place protected from drafts, but well lit. It is necessary to periodically apply top dressing: throughout the growing season, about once every two weeks, mineral fertilizer (10 g per 10 l) is added to the water for irrigation. In early spring, at the same time as transplanting, the plants are pruned, which contributes to better branching.
Watering and lighting
Hibiscus prefers diffused sunlight. In summer, it is best to place it near the west or east window. If the windows face south, then it is better to put the flower away from the window or protect it from direct sunlight by hanging cloth (gauze, tulle), paper (tracing paper). On warm summer days, the plant can be taken out into the open air, but must be protected from drafts, direct sun.Hibiscus are moisture-loving, they need to be regularly watered and sprayed. In summer it is possible in the morning and in the evening, and in spring and autumn - once. Much also depends on the conditions of the plants and the season. In the winter period of dormancy, watering is usually reduced, and during the growing season and especially flowering, it is watered abundantly. The soil should always be moderately moist and loose. Water the flower with well-settled soft water.
Temperature regime for the hibiscus plant
The most acceptable air temperature for hibiscus in the warm season, during the period of active growth, is 18-25 degrees. In principle, it is shade-tolerant, but it blooms in the shade much less often. In winter, the temperature should not be allowed to drop below 10 degrees, otherwise the hibiscus will shed its foliage.
Hibiscus flower buds are laid at 12-17 degrees. In late autumn, when the dormant period begins, the hibiscus is rearranged in a darker place, away from heating, where the flower is located from November to March. When small leaves appear on the branches, even before the buds appear, the hibiscus is returned to its original place.
Air humidity
Soil for planting and growing hibiscus Hibiscus is unpretentious in this regard, but it is recommended to spray it regularly. Blooming hibiscus is sprayed with warm, settled water. In autumn and winter, it can be sprayed with warm water from time to time. Spraying is an excellent prophylaxis against spider mites.
The soil for the flower must be loose, breathable, and there must be drainage in the flower pot. Usually, the soil mixture for hibiscus contains pine, leaf, sod land, sand, humus, peat, and a little charcoal.
The acidity of the soil should be close to neutral: pH 6-7, maximum 7.8, minimum 5.5. If the acidity of the soil goes beyond these limits, it becomes more difficult for the plant to take up nutrients.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Nitrogen-containing and mineral fertilizers stimulate long-term flowering of hibiscus, therefore they are very useful in spring and summer. The plant is fed regularly every three weeks with water-soluble fertilizers that contain iron, copper, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, manganese, magnesium, etc.
Hibiscus transplant In the spring it is better to feed fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, in the summer - potassium and phosphorus. Complex special fertilizers for indoor plants "Ideal", "Rainbow" are perfect.
Young hibiscus are transplanted annually into larger pots. This is usually done in late April or early May. Transplant young hibiscus until the diameter of the pot reaches about 30 centimeters.
Mature plants are transferred to large pots every three to four years. If the acid composition of the soil is satisfactory, and there are no pests in it, then you can leave the flower in the same pot, simply replacing the top layer of the soil (about 5 centimeters) with a new nutrient.
In spring, you can trim the hibiscus growth by one third of its length to rejuvenate old bushes and form new branchy bushes. Annual pruning stimulates flowering.
Watering and spraying hibiscus
Water for irrigation needs rain or river water with low hardness. Watering the plant requires moderate, depending on the drying of the topsoil. If it's hot outside, watering can be done daily. The leaves must be washed from dust and thereby prevent the appearance of a spider mite. If the color begins to fall off en masse, there is not enough moisture. Chlorosis warns of watering with water with chlorine or iron. There is no violation if a beautiful flower falls off in a day. Another should bloom to replace it. A signal of danger is the massive fall of flowers and unopened buds. And most often the cause of the disease of hibiscus garden is improper watering.
Landing in open ground
Growing hibiscus in outdoor gardens can be afforded mainly by residents of the south of Russia, as well as Ukraine. The mild climate promotes better adaptation of the plant in the soil and long flowering. Gardeners whose areas are notable for their frostiness are advised to grow hibiscus at home. We will talk about how to care for hibiscus in pots near the end of the article.
Not all types of hibiscus are able to take root in open ground conditions in Russian beds.
Landing dates
Planting times for hibiscus vary according to specific climatic conditions. Generally speaking, it is possible to plant plants only when the probability of frost return is reduced to zero, and the earth has already begun to warm up. In some areas, planting is planned as early as April, and in some it continues in May. The main task of the gardener is to correctly determine the date, which will allow the hibiscus to adapt to the soil over the summer and take root in order to be able to successfully ride out the following winter.
In order for hibiscus seedlings to take root in the beds, you should wait until the soil warms up
Pick-up location
Due to the fact that hibiscus are considered real long-livers, the choice of a site for them should be approached with special care. Best of all, hibiscus take root in those areas that are protected from the winds and facing the sun. Many gardeners notice that these plants get along well in the company of roses. Therefore, if there are already roses on your site, then by planting hibiscus with them, you can be calm about his health.
Good light allows hibiscus to grow large and vibrant flowers
Soil requirements
In general, hibiscus are highly adaptive and do not disdain even acidic soils. However, these plants accept clay and loamy soil best of all.
Before planting a hibiscus, it is important to do the following two things:
pour a drainage layer into the planting hole, which will absorb all excess liquid and prevent the roots from rotting;
dig up and loosen the soil
In addition to the moment of planting, it is important to be engaged in loosening the soil periodically - so you can not only ventilate it, but also prevent the active reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.
The presence of a drainage layer will help protect the roots of seedlings from waterlogging.
Among the "worst enemies" of hibiscus, there are two main ones:
- waterlogging;
- excess moisture.
With excessive moisture in the soil, hibiscus takes root very poorly and quickly rots or gets sick, therefore, the condition of the soil must be monitored especially carefully.
Landing rules
In order to provide a comfortable planting environment for hibiscus, it is important to follow several important rules:
-
when calculating the size of the planting pit, keep in mind that it should be twice the size of the root system of a young plant. Roots will need a lot of space to take root in loose soil;
- the bottom of the pit must be filled with a drainage layer that will save the roots from rotting. It is recommended to use broken brick as drainage. The thickness of such a drainage layer should be at least fifteen centimeters;
- subsequently, the pit will need to be filled with a mixture consisting of two parts of sod and leafy soil, as well as one part of humus and river sand;
-
in the resulting substance, you need to carefully place the hibiscus root so that the soil only slightly covers the root collar, then fill it with a small amount of soil from above;
- then it is necessary to huddle so that the hibiscus is surrounded by a special recess for water. Pour water into this recess, and after all the liquid is completely absorbed, sprinkle it with earth to level it with the main soil layer.
In the event that hibiscus is planted in the fall, after all these manipulations, it is imperative to mulch the trunk circle - this will allow the soil to keep warm and not "freeze" the seedling. It is also recommended to bandage the hibiscus with a spruce tree so that it can safely survive the winter.
Chinese hibiscus varieties with photos and names
Borias hibiscus is decorated with white flowers with a red center
Breeders have bred more than 500 varieties of hybrids of the representative of this. Malvovs. Nurseries all over the world are engaged in crop breeding, but the "palm" belongs to the USA, where the Hibiscus Lovers Association was born. Australia, Holland and Belgium are not lagging behind America, creating more and more forms of the familiar tub hibiscus, which we are used to seeing in various institutions.
When Dutch plants appeared on the Russian flower market, various varieties of Chinese hibiscus stood out among their splendor. The crimped petals, white, yellow, pink and orange colors of the flowers were amazing. The collection "Sunny City" has become very popular. It included varieties that kept flowers for 3-5 days instead of one.
Among them:
- San Remo (San Remo) - with snow-white flowers;
- Tivoli (Tivoli) - orange-pink flowers with a yellow border last 3-4 days;
- Borias (Borias) - large lemon-white flowers with a burgundy middle, corrugated along the edges;
- Torino (Torino) - a flower of rich orange color;
- Porto (Porto) - red, large, non-double flower;
- Kyoto Yellow - lemon yellow color with a red center.
Kyoto yellow as one of the representatives of the Dutch line of hibiscus
Among Russian flower growers, the following varieties are deservedly popular:
- Hamburg (Hibiscus Hamburg) - a variety with bright red double flowers;
- Florida (Florida) - strewn with non-double flowers of a red-orange scale;
- Rose (Rosa) is distinguished by medium double pink flowers;
- Feeling Blue - a variety with bluish flowers;
- Parple Majestic (Purple Majestic) is interesting for purple flowers with white dots on the petals and with corrugated edges;
- Carmen Keene - purple-pink color scheme looks fantastic;
- Rio (Rio) - a variety with simple pink flowers and a purple center.
Syrian hibiscus is a wonderful decoration of Crimean gardens and parks
Along with large varieties, potted, not large and even dwarf plants have been bred.Variegated varieties have appeared, the foliage of which is painted with streaks, white or red spots. Dwarf varieties and varieties with non-double flowers are very popular.
Don't forget about garden varieties of hibiscus. And although in their natural environment they grow only on the coast of Crimea, they deserve close attention. Syrian hibiscus is interesting. It is grown in the form of a standard tree up to 1.5 m high.
Another species, marsh hibiscus, is not inferior to it in beauty. The plant is grown in the open air of the Crimea or at home. Caring for him is not much different from his closest relative, the Chinese hibiscus.
Marsh hibiscus is distinguished by its large flowers and bright corolla coloration.
The "visiting card" of marsh hibiscus is bright and large inflorescences from scarlet to violet and lilac. Some growers prefer to grow this particular species.
Hibiscus tea warms in the cold and quenches thirst in the heat
Hibiscus or Sudanese rose buds are used to make hibiscus tea. The drink is full of healthy ingredients. It has a sweet and sour taste and burgundy color with a pronounced floral aroma. There are contraindications for its consumption.
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Planting hibiscus outdoors
What time to plant
Before you start planting hibiscus, you need to choose the most suitable place for this. From this, as well as how well you take care of the plant, depends on how long it will decorate your garden. If everything is done correctly, then the bush in the same place can grow for about 20 years.
Planting hibiscus seedlings in open ground is carried out in the spring, after the spring return frosts are left behind. In this case, during the summer, the bush will be able to take root well and acclimatize in a new place. It is best to choose a well-lit place for planting crops that is reliably protected from the wind. The soil should be light, rich in nutrients and well-drained, roses still grow well in such soil. If desired, hibiscus can even be planted among the roses.
Landing rule
For tree-shaped planting, the planting hole should be 2 times larger than the volume of the seedling root system. After the pit is ready, a layer of drainage from pieces of brick should be laid on its bottom, its thickness should be about 15 centimeters. From above it is covered with a layer of sand 10 centimeters thick, then a fifteen centimeter layer of compost and again a ten centimeter layer of sand. To fill up the planting hole, you will need a soil mixture; for its preparation, the soil pulled from the hole, sand and peat are combined in a ratio of 2: 1: 4. Carefully place the seedling in the hole, with the root collar only slightly submerged in the soil. Then the pit is covered with soil mixture that you prepared in advance.
After the tree is planted, it must be well spud, as a result, a rather deep hole for water should be formed around it. Pour water into this recess and wait until it is completely absorbed into the soil. Then fill the hole with soil so that the trunk circle is even and level with the surface of the site.
If you need to plant a seedling in open ground in the autumn, then the surface of the trunk circle should be covered with a layer of mulch, and the plant itself should be tied with spruce branches.
Pest control
Street hibiscus is disease resistant. At the same time, in hot weather, with a lack of moisture in the crown of the bush, parasites will certainly start. These are aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. Do not forget about this terrible threat to hibiscus and water it abundantly in the heat. If you notice that parasites are still in the crown, treat the foliage with insecticides.You can spray the crown no more than once a week.
Sometimes hibiscus gets chlorosis. This disease is the reason why hibiscus leaves fall off and turn yellow. The fallen leaves on the branches are replaced by new leaves, but not green, but yellow. Chlorosis occurs when there is a lack of nitrogen and iron in the soil. Avoid this deficit and feed the bushes regularly.
Hibiscus diseases and their treatment will hardly seem difficult to you, but flowering will delight.
Sometimes it happens that the plant is looked after correctly. But why doesn't hibiscus bloom? The reason for this is the lack of boron and phosphorus in the soil. Only regular feeding will remove this problem.
Garden hibiscus loves to coexist with roses and lavender. You can use this property to create stunningly beautiful compositions on your site.
Olga Danilina
Watering the plant
You need to water the Syrian hibiscus with rain or settled river water. It is impossible to allow the ground near the trunk of the bush to become dry. On hot days, this shrub needs to be watered daily.
Use a spray bottle to periodically remove dust from foliage and flowers. This procedure will protect the crown of the bush from the appearance of cobwebs and ticks. The first sign of a lack of moisture is the active dropping of flowers and buds. Don't let this happen.
If lavender grows in your area, be sure to plant it nearby. The scent of lavender flowers cannot be tolerated by aphids. This will protect the hibiscus from the most dangerous pest. Scares off aphids and the smell of cigarette ash (sold in flower shops).
Home care
If caring for a garden hibiscus includes taking into account such integral factors as:
- lighting;
- temperature regime;
- watering;
- air humidity;
- fertilizer;
- transfer.
We will talk about each of the listed components of care further.
Lighting
Despite the fact that hibiscus is considered a very unpretentious plant, it cannot do without lighting (natural or artificial) in any case.
To prevent your plant from withering, it is important to place the hibiscus pot on the windowsill so that it receives its portion of the sun's rays. At the same time, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause burns to the plant.
In order for the hibiscus to receive a sufficient amount of sunlight, it should be placed on the sunny side.
Watering
Hibiscus can go without liquid for a long time, but if you expect your plant to bloom abundantly, then you should take care of periodic watering. In winter, watering the hibiscus is needed no more than once every few months. Accordingly, with the beginning of the growing season, the amount of watering should increase. However, be careful - with an excess of liquid, the buds of a hibiscus can weaken and fall off. In summer, hibiscus usually needs watering twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. In the fall, he is content with one watering a day.
Watering too often leads to unwanted stagnation of liquid in the soil
Temperature regime
During the growing season, hibiscus requires a temperature of twenty degrees - optimal for most rooms. After the plant fades, it is advisable to transfer it to colder conditions (for example, to a glazed loggia), where the temperature does not rise above fifteen degrees. The coolness provides the hibiscus with a more comfortable wintering.
Air humidity
Hibiscus is able to take root in rooms with both high and low air humidity. However, if the house is actively heated and the air is distinguished by its dryness, it is advisable to acquire a spray bottle and periodically spray the plant so as not to stress it.
During the heating period, it is advisable to prophylactically spray the hibiscus
Fertilizer
At different times of the year, hibiscus needs fertilizers of various compositions:
the spring-summer season, during which the growing season begins, requires the gardener to apply fertilizers at least twice a month. As a top dressing, special soluble fertilizers are used for indoor plants. Fertilizers of both mineral and organic nature are used;
the autumn-winter season coincides with the dormant period, therefore it does not require frequent use of fertilizing from the gardener
On average, hibiscus is satisfied with a monthly feeding, but it is important to monitor the condition of the plant and its changes.
The need for fertilizers arises in hibiscus with the onset of the growing season
In spring, emphasis should be placed on fertilizers that contain a large amount of nitrogen, since this element promotes abundant flowering. In the summer, you should switch to potash and phosphorus fertilizers.
Transfer
The need for a transplant depends on which container you choose for keeping hibiscus. When using pots, young plants are recommended to be replanted at least once a year.
At the same time, during the transplanting process, it is important to shorten the lateral shoots and give the plant the correct shape, getting rid of dried branches. If you initially grow hibiscus in tubs, then all that is required of you is periodic loosening and renewal of the upper layers of the soil.
Video - Transplanting hibiscus in the autumn
Other details about caring for indoor plants can be found in a separate article on our portal.
