How to Grow Hibiscus: Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Hibiscus is a plant that combines ornamental value and medicinal value in one, and it is very common in our country at present, deeply loved by consumers. Nowadays many people want to grow this flower, but when growing it, if the methods are not paid attention to, it may cause some problems, so mastering its cultivation techniques is very important.
How to Grow Hibiscus
1. The flower pot must be sufficiently breathable. When choosing a flower pot for hibiscus, select an unglazed earthenware pot or wooden barrel pot with good enough breathability. For nutrients, do not apply a single fertilizer only; provide a complete range of nutrients. For light, the best is 8 hours of sunshine every day.
2. Hibiscus is a sun-loving tree species, so management after autumn must be careful; pay attention to reducing fertilization in the later period to avoid sending out autumn shoots. Autumn shoots are tender in tissue and weak in cold resistance, and will suffer frost damage in cold weather. Move it indoors in time. Hibiscus is not tolerant of frost, so after Frost's Descent and before the Start of Winter it must be moved indoors to keep warm.
3. In early May, move it outdoors to a place with plenty of sunlight. This is also the growing season for hibiscus, so strengthen management such as fertilizer and water, loosening the soil, and weeding. Apply a thin liquid fertilizer once every 7-10 days. Watering should depend on whether the potting soil is dry or wet; too dry or too wet will both affect flowering.
Hibiscus Cultivation Methods
1. Fertilization: During the growing season, hibiscus has a relatively large demand for fertilizer. Apply a thin liquid fertilizer once every 7-10 days.
2. Watering: During the growing period, hibiscus needs sufficient watering. It must not lack water, nor must it be waterlogged. Usually water once a day, and during the dog days of summer water once each in the morning and evening. Sprinkle water on the ground frequently to increase humidity and lower temperature, preventing tender leaves from scorching and flowers from dropping early.
3. Overwintering: After the weather turns cool at the end of October, move hibiscus into a greenhouse and keep the temperature above 12°C. Management after autumn must be careful; pay attention to reducing fertilization in the later period to avoid sending out autumn shoots. Autumn shoots are tender in tissue and weak in cold resistance, and will suffer frost damage in cold weather.
4. Pruning: Hibiscus can be pruned and shaped around early spring before and after being moved outdoors. Except for leaving 2-3 buds at the base of each branch, cut off all the upper parts. Pruning can promote new branches, make growth more vigorous, and also make the plant shape more attractive. After pruning, because the aboveground part consumes less, appropriately control water and fertilizer.
Precautions for Growing Hibiscus
For potted hibiscus, the soil should preferably be loose, fertile sandy loam. Before moving it outdoors in early spring each April, it should be repotted. When repotting, replace with new culture soil, cut off some of the overly dense and curled fibrous roots, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and add a little phosphate fertilizer at the bottom of the pot.
What to Do If Hibiscus Drops Its Flower Buds
1. Unreasonable watering: The soil for planting hibiscus must be kept in a moist state at all times. Even by the time of the next watering, the soil should still be slightly moist. Never wait until the soil has become somewhat dry before watering, and even more, do not allow water accumulation or waterlogging. The above situations will not only cause its flower buds to drop, but also cause its leaves to turn yellow and drop over a large area.
Solution: When watering, you can record the cycle, how many days it is from the start of watering to before the next watering, and when the soil begins to become drier and drier. However, record it once for each season, so as to avoid watering too many times; when watering, also pay attention to how much water is needed to water thoroughly at one time, so as to avoid water accumulation or waterlogging.
2. Unreasonable fertilization: Hibiscus has a fairly large demand for fertilizer. Because it blooms all year round, it needs the support of nutrients. If nutrients are insufficiently supplied for a long time, it is very easy to cause its flower buds to drop.
Solution: Fertilize once every half month. Each time you fertilize, the fertilizer must not be too concentrated. With sufficient fertilizer supply, hibiscus can bloom more fully and brilliantly, and its leaves will also be more emerald green.
3. Insufficient light: Hibiscus naturally likes sunlight. If it is placed in a place without sunlight for a long time, it is very easy for its flower buds to drop, and it will also affect the plant's growth.
Solution: Try to choose a place where sunlight can shine in directly to place the hibiscus. Hibiscus grows best between 20 degrees and 35 degrees, and it also needs a relatively good ventilated environment. Add these to the previous three points, and you will grow very beautiful hibiscus.
When growing hibiscus, you can start according to its growth habits. When growing it, be sure to pay attention to temperature and light. In the later stage of cultivation, fertilizer and water management also need to be strengthened, otherwise it may cause flower buds to drop. Friends who like it can try growing a pot at home!