Gail's current tropical plant pick

Hibiscus Plant

Hibiscus like the conditions that appeal to people thus these tropical plants are well suited to be grown indoors. Growing hibiscus in pots is not too difficult if you follow a few simple rules. Potted hibiscus can become very old, forty years or more is not that rare. Below is a short course in indoor hibiscus care. These tips are most suitable for people in Northern regions but can be applied elsewhere where indoor culture is necessary.

Location
Hibiscus are tropical plants that need light and, perhaps more importantly, warmth to thrive. They prefer moderate heat and to continue blooming must have a few hours of direct sunshine every day. Place your plant in a bright South or West facing window. An Eastern window might also work. In winter watch out for cold drafts that can give hibiscus frostbite. In the winter you also need additional light.

Watering
Hibiscus like water but do not let it stand with 'wet feet'. The soil needs to dry up between waterings to protect from root rot. Make certain no excess water remains in the planter half an hour after watering. Pay particularly attention to this for plants that are placed in a cool spot where the temperature stays below 60F (+16C). It's important to refrain from watering with cold water in winter. Always give warm water, 95-102F (+36-40C), during the colder months. Feel with the hand that the water doesn't get too hot.

Fertilizing
For prolific flowering, hibiscus must have regular feedings every week during the growth period, March-October. Water soluble formulas can be used with every watering. Never fertilize dried out plants -you may damage the roots. First rehydrate the soil by putting the pot in a bucket with about 2" (5 cm) of water. Leave pot for 30 minutes in bucket then return to planter. When the soil is once again moist through you may fertilize. Choose a fertilizer with a low phosphorous value: N (Nitrogen) 20 P (Phosphorous) 5 K (Kalium) 20 is close to ideal. Too much phosphorous makes for many fine leaves but few flowers. Hibiscus also need trace elements, especially iron and magnesium.

Soil
Hibiscus want loamy but not too heavy soil. Regular quality potting soil with added [leaf]compost is an ideal base. The soil should be coarse rather than fine. Watch out for soil that is mainly fine peat, it tends to compact in the pots, resulting in badly aerated roots.

Replanting
Hibiscus have good root systems. Healthy roots are white to tan in color, crisp and plump. Replanting is usually carried out in spring, February-March. Often you can at that time observe roots poking out of the bottom of the pot through the drainage holes. When the root ball has been carefully loosened and lifted out of the pot, it can at times be seen that the roots are wrapped around the inside of the pot. These roots must be loosened up properly and perhaps shortened. Completely cut away any dark brown and soft roots. It doesn't matter if some of the roots break off. A root pruning might have to be carried out if there is too much roots. Replant in a one size larger pot than before.

Pruning
The best time for pruning hibiscus is August-October, but some practice spring pruning with good results. Pruning is carried out not only to get a more harmonious plant but also to stimulate budding as hibiscus flower on new shoots. To create a good looking plant, try to establish 3-4 main branches. These should be sturdy and upright. Cut back 1/3 of the main branches and completely remove weak growth or sideways growing branches. You might decide to root prune at the time of replanting. Never prune off more than 1/3 of the root mass. It is better to err on the careful side here.

Pests
The most common pest on hibiscus to benefit from a dry indoor environment is Spider Mites. The most effective way to get rid of them is showering the plant with lukewarm water, strong blast, at least once a week. Make sure to clean the underside of the leaves. Daily water spraying may also be useful. Aphids can be treated in a similar way. If you suffer a severe pest infestation use soap water or commercial insecticides.

Yellow Leaves
All hibiscus have yellow leaves now and then. A few yellow leaves usually only mean that those leaves are getting old and need replacing. If your plant has many yellow leaves it is stressed. The most common causes of plant stress are under-watering, drastic environmental changes or pest invasions, especially spider mites.

Bud Drop
Bud drop is often the result of drought or severe pest attacks. Some double flowering varieties are more prone to bud drop than other hybrids, why is unclear. Attention! Hibiscus in bud should not be turned because then the buds almost invariably fall off. If the plant has buds, and turning of the plant is desired for more even growth, then it should not be twisted more than 1/4 turn each time.