Tropical Hibiscus

About Hibiscus

There are over 200 Hibiscus varieties, this plant has a spectacular looking flower. They are are huge and multicolored flower from red, pink, white, yellow even blue. Blue hibiscus is a rare variety.  Hibiscus can be grown as indoor or outdoor plant. Hibiscus is national country of Malaysia and state flower of Hawai. There are two categories of Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus and Hardy Hibiscus.

Tropical Hibiscus ( Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis)
Being a tropical plant, hibiscus thrives well in warm area so treat them as human temperature . In Indonesia this plant is known as Bunga Sepatu (shoe flower in English). Most of Indonesian people plant them on the ground.
Tropical Hibiscus has glossy deep green leaves, 3-6" flowers of red, pink, orange, yellow, double or single flowers. Many of the hybrid varieties can have blooms around 10" in diameter under ideal conditions.

Basic things to care Tropical Hibiscus

Light : They do like full sun at least 4-5 hours for best growing and flowering. However they tolerate in partial shade but they may reduce their flower productivity.

Temperature :
Hibiscus should be located where the temperature between 60 and 90 degrees most of the time. Short periods of either hot or cold will not injure them, they may show shedding leaves or dropping flower's bud.
Temperature below 50F will injure Hibiscus, they will need special treatment for winter. Simple bring them indoor in your house or greenhouse when temperature continouesly drop below 60F.

Water :
During summer season ( average above 90F),  provide them generous amount of water but avoid root wet .
During winter ( below 60F) reduce watering.
During the cooler seasons, water the hibiscus only when the soil is no longer moist.

Soil :
Hibiscus prefer well drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. Organic matter in the soil and mulch on top help to maintain a constant level of moisture in the summer. Correct preparation of the soil prior to and after planting will ensure vigorous, healthy plants and reduce the problems of after care. Do not overpot, means if they are in 1 gallon pot,  re-pot them in 2 gallon pot.

Fertilizer:
To keep Hibiscus flowering, it 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.

Picture were taken in Tampa Florida. Most commercial building and residency  have Hibiscus as border and they add beauty to any landscape.