Hibiscus can be grown both outdoors and indoors. Depending on the species, the bushes reach a height of around two meters. If you are allowed to call one of these colorful plants your own, do you want to enjoy the sight of the beautiful flowers for a long time? To ensure this, it is essential to follow some basic instructions in terms of care, cutting, propagation and wintering.
Abstract: care, plants, substrate, water & Co
- In the winter months, the hibiscus allows itself a break and should be a little cooler during this time. Between 12 and 14 ° C are completely sufficient here. Otherwise the plants prefer a mild room climate.
- Grow your hibiscus in a bright spot. The plants can tolerate some sun, but should not necessarily be exposed to the midday sun.
- Use a mixture of compost and sand for planting.
- Repot the hibiscus in a larger container once a year. The ideal time for this would be spring.
- Water the plants moderately, but not excessively, so that the root balls do not dry out as much as possible but are also not too moist.
- Fertilize the hibiscus with a liquid fertilizer outside of the rest period every two weeks.
- Cut the plant in spring. Shorten any branches and shoots that are too dense.
Cutting the hibiscus
The upbringing cut.
With this type of cut, you remove all sick or weak shoots. This also applies to young plants, because this is the only way for them to gradually sprout stronger shoots. Shorten to two buds, but leave the main stem out. This does not have to be cut. The best time for pruning is February. You can gradually grow a crown by shortening the shoots around the crown to a few buds.
The maintenance cut
If the hibiscus already has a stately crown, then only remove the weak and dry branches. Shorten thinner branches accordingly to a few buds. In order to maintain the shape of its growth, it is best to also shorten the shoots that grow out of the shape. If you want to increase the flowering, then use the late winter and shorten all fruiting shoots from the previous year by about a third. So that the plant does not grow too dense, you can also thin it out a little if necessary.
The rejuvenation cut
If the hibiscus has grown too big, simply remove the old and diseased shoots and shorten the plant or the remaining shoots by two thirds.
Propagating a hibiscus
Propagating hibiscuses is not a problem. Depending on the genus, these can be propagated either via seeds or in the form of cuttings. The latter is particularly suitable for hibiscus species that do not form a seed stand – this applies primarily to tropical species.
Propagation by cuttings
In the case of a single shoot, first make a cut that gets the branches going. Use the warm season for propagation, because in winter it is much more difficult to get the cuttings to take root.
With a pot, some soil and a pair of scissors, you can practically take action. Cut off the shoots you want – three eyes are enough for a cutting and, if necessary, dip it in a special rooting powder, which you can get at any well-run garden center. Then put the cutting in the pot with soil – potting soil is suitable here and covers it either with a plant cone or a simple freezer bag – you should fix this with a rope or rubber. Now place the cutting nice and warm and, above all, light.
Give it around five to eight weeks for the first to form roots. However, this may take a few weeks longer, but this depends on various circumstances, such as the location, the temperature and the nature of the cutting.
Propagation by seeds
Various breeders try and experiment with the species. This results in different color nuances, which tend from blue to brownish to green variants. For hobby gardeners, however, this is not that easy to copy, because you have to know the ancestors of the respective plant. Most of the plants are from red ancestors. Ideally, you turn to an experienced breeder for such a project, although these are not always correct in advance with regard to the later coloring of the hibiscus that has been grown. In addition, it takes a long time before the first flower of the seedling appears. That could well be two or even three years.
If you sow the seeds either in spring or in summer, the plants will be strong enough for winter. The seed should be scratched lightly and then placed in a flower pot or seed tray with potting soil. Cover the seed lightly with the soil – but do not press it down. After that, the pot is moved to a warm place. It would be ideal if you use an indoor greenhouse for the sowing. Otherwise, simply stretch a plastic bag over the seed container.
Now we have to wait and see. As soon as the sowing has reached a height of six centimeters, you can isolate the plants. Be careful not to keep the plants too moist.
Wintering the hibiscus
If you want to overwinter a free-range hibiscus, you should cut it a little in advance. However, you should refrain from radical pruning. The plant can now recover over the winter and recharge its batteries. The result is stronger shoots in spring that make the hibiscus grow bushier.
Simply place the plant in a cool, bright room to overwinter. If the hibiscus is too dark during the winter, it will lose its leaves. Temperatures around 13 ° C are ideal. Only water the plant every now and then so that it does not dry out, but also does not stand too moist. Otherwise you don’t have to pay much attention to the plant during this time.
Pests and diseases
In the case of a hibiscus, diseases usually occur due to incorrect or insufficient care. But pests can also affect the beauty and health of the plant.
Leaf spot
fungus If brown, irregular spots appear on the leaves, this can be a sign of leaf spot fungus. Here it is sufficient to first remove the affected leaves.
Leaf thickening
If you discover deformed leaf veins on your hibiscus, you should change the location. Put the hibiscus a little warmer and it will recover quickly.
Aphids
Do the little grabbers cavort on your hibiscus – especially on the shoot tips and the buds? Then you should act quickly and, if necessary, use a special remedy for the aphids.
Chlorosis
If the leaves of the plant turn slightly yellow, then it is time to supply the plant with more nutrients and to place them in a lighter and warmer location.
Gelbfleckigkeit
form is scattered yellow spots on the leaves, you need to remove a large area. This disease is caused by viruses and may cause the disease to be passed on to other plants. You should therefore act as quickly as possible and first move the hibiscus to a different location so that no other plants come into contact with the virus.
Conclusion
If you follow all the care instructions carefully and take sufficient care of your hibiscus, you will discover changes at an early stage that indicate, for example, a disease or an infestation of pests, and you can treat them in time. With good care you can enjoy the plant for a long time. As for the propagation of the plant, I was able to achieve good results by propagating cuttings. When it comes to experimenting with the color nuances, you really need a lot of time and, above all, luck, because as already mentioned, it is not that easy to cultivate new colors.
The enchanting and above all colorful flowers are a feast for the eyes for every flower lover and simply belong to a colorful garden picture.
