There are more than 300 species of hibiscus in the world, notable for their large, gaudy flowers and lush, green foliage. The vibrant hibiscus flower rarely lasts for more than one day before dropping to the ground. Although hibiscus is typically a tropical plant, it grows readily indoors in colder climates with enough sunlight and heat. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the variety most commonly available in nurseries, but gardeners can order other, rarer species online.
Hibiscus needs a 2:2:1 combination of potting soil, peat moss and perlite for well-drained soil. Plant the bush in an unglazed ceramic pot with drainage holes on the bottom. Keep the soil moist by watering the plant gently. Don't saturate the soil, but don't allow it to dry out too much either. If flower buds start to drop off of the plant, you are keeping the soil too dry.
Light and Temperature
The hibiscus plant requires at least 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. Keep outdoor plants in a sunny location and move throughout the day if necessary. Keep houseplants in a well-lit, multi-window room. As a tropical plant, hibiscus does not tolerate cold. The ambient temperature should be no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, although higher temperatures are better for flowering.
Prune your hibiscus plant heavily in the late winter or early spring to promote growth, increase blooms and to keep the bush from looking gangly. Cut the bush back by a about a third, making sure to leave at least two leaf nodes on every branch. Use sharp, sterile scissors and wipe the blades down with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent contamination.
Aphids and spider mites are the most common unwanted visitors to hibiscus plants. Wash the hibiscus leaves with an insecticidal solution a few times per year to stave off a pest invasion.
Although hibiscus is otherwise low maintenance, you need to fertilize it frequently. Buy a hibiscus-specific fertilizer and give your plant half of the recommended dose every 2 to 3 weeks if the plant is outdoors or every month for a houseplant.
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