Caring for Your Hibiscus Indoors
November 18, 2007 by Linette Gerlach
Filed under Flowers, How to Grow Stuff
My mom asked me the other day how to care for her Hibiscus after she brought it inside for the winter. She was concerned many of the plants leaves were turning yellow. I assured here that it was normal. Hibiscus often lose several leaves when they’re brought indoors for the winter.
When they’re used to direct sunlight, moving to the indirect sunlight they receive even in a sunny window can be a shock to the plant. They will usually lose several leaves, and stop blooming temporarily. They should come out of it within a few weeks, and adjust to their new home.
When you bring your Hibiscus plant in for the winter check it over carefully for pests. White aphids love Hibiscus. I usually give my plants a spray with insecticidal soap, or a mixture of Fels Napthia soap and water. This helps get rid of any bugs before you bring the plants into the house. You can find Fels Napthia in the detergent isle of the grocery store, it comes in a bar form. I shave a tablespoon off with a grater, and add it to a small spray bottle of water then shake.
Find a spot for your Hibiscus in or near a sunny window. Try to keep the plant away from heat vents, the warm dry air is not good for tropical plants. I usually water all my houseplants once a week. When I water most plants I soak the soil, but don’t leave them standing in water. When it’s time to water again I check the plant first to be sure the top layer of soil has dried. If the soil is still moist I skip the watering.
During the winter you should not fertilize your Hibiscus plant. Most plants are dormant during the winter, and do not need extra vitamins, or nutrients. If you take care of your Hibiscus it will reward you with beautiful blooms even in the winter.
This was very informative and appreciated! My daughter phoned me from a local grocery store asking about hibiscus (and I know nothing)–I suppose this is going to be my Mother’s Day gift, so now I have a good foundation from which to work! Thank you, and Happy Mother’s Day!
I have a very interesting comment, about Hibiscus plants.
Mine got struck by frost, last year, early in the fall, it turned all brown, so was eventually going to heave it, but just neglected to.
Low & behold, after sitting for weeks on end, all the brown leaves were off, & new green ones started appearing.
Now, I have a very healthy looking plant.
will be just setting it out, this summer, instead of transplanting it.
Normy Hersey