how much light does a hibiscus need

Full Answer

Does Hibiscus need a lot of light?

The light is actually not the only thing that should be the focus. When growing the hibiscus, there are some other planting cares that you have to know, including:

How much water does a hibiscus need?

The amount of water needed heavily depends on the amount of sunlight and the temperatures your hibiscus is confronted with. If you are growing your hibiscus in warm water you might have to water it daily.

What is the right temperature for hibiscus?

The right temperature for your plant depends on whether you have a tropical hibiscus or not. Tropical hibiscus prefers temperatures between 50 – 70 °F (10°C – 21°C). The higher the amount of sunlight, the lower the temperatures should be for your hibiscus.

How do I choose the best hibiscus flowers?

For those living in cooler parts of North America, opting for a hardy variety or the shrubby rose of Sharon ( Hibiscus syriacus ), which are both easier to grow and can withstand colder winter temperatures, will be the better choice. Regardless of variety, hibiscus flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

See more

How much sun does a potted hibiscus need?

about 6 hoursAs a rule, a hibiscus plant needs about 6 hours of full sun per day in order to bloom to its fullest potential. It will still grow perfectly well in partial shade, but it won't fill in as fully or bloom as spectacularly. The more light a hibiscus gets, the better it will bloom, up to a point.

How often should hibiscus be watered?

Water Regularly Keep the soil surrounding the hibiscus moist but not soggy. For the first week after planting, water daily, tapering off to once every two days in the second week, and then about twice a week thereafter, when there is no rainfall. If the weather becomes especially hot and dry, water every other day.

Is hibiscus a good indoor plant?

Hibiscus as a Houseplant. Hibiscus are sun-loving, tropical plants that have big showy flowers with a famous, prominent stamen. You don't need to live in California or Florida to grow them. In temperate climates, you can grow them outside during the summer and enjoy them indoors as houseplants over the winter.

Does hibiscus grow well in shade?

Location and Light Hardy Hibiscus does best in full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but growth and flowering will suffer. If you live in areas with very hot summers, during the hottest part of the day, Hibiscus may need shade. Hibiscus should be planted along, or in the back of perennial flower beds.

How do I keep my hibiscus blooming?

How to Keep My Hibiscus BloomingRe-pot your hibiscus in January or February of every other year. ... Cut the plant back by 1/3 to 1/2 in very early spring. ... Place the plant outdoors in late April in a location that receives full sun all day or at least for six hours. ... Fertilize the hibiscus every two weeks.More items...

Can hibiscus grow in pots?

Hibiscus do well in most types of planters. Plastic is a good option since it is lightweight, and the plant will likely grow to be rather big, so it may be easier to move the plant if it calls a plastic container home. Although, if you prefer the aesthetic of terracotta and ceramic, that works well for Hibiscus, too.

How do you keep a hibiscus alive indoors?

Once indoors, place hibiscus in bright light with some direct sunlight daily. It rests somewhat during the winter, and at that time it enjoys room temperatures lower that your normal ones - more like 55 degrees. Do not fertilize during the winter rest period.

How do you care for a potted hibiscus?

Tropical hibiscus plants should be kept consistently moist, so water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. (Stick your finger in the soil to check.) Containers may need to be watered 3 to 4 times weekly at the beginning of the summer and daily toward the end of the summer as the plants grow.

How long do hibiscus plants live?

Many traditional varieties of tropical hibiscus can live for over 50 years, but newer hybrids have a lifespan of up to 10 years.

Why are leaves on hibiscus turning yellow?

Inadequate light: Hibiscus leaves can turn yellow if they are not receiving enough light. As tropical plants, hibiscus plants need full sun to partial shade to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can result in leaf sunburn, causing little white spots to appear on the foliage.

Do hibiscus like coffee grounds?

For indoor hibiscus, pour a small number of coffee grounds on top of the potting soil. Do not overdo it as it will make the soil too acidic and could prevent the plant from receiving the water it needs.

How can you tell a hardy hibiscus from a tropical hibiscus?

Inspect the leaves of your plant. Deep green leaves with a high gloss signify a tropical hibiscus. Heart-shaped, dull-colored leaves signify a hardy hibiscus. Perennial hibiscus plants are also called hardy hibiscus plants.