What a year for hibiscus! I grew one of my favourites of all time (picture above) and now I want to save it for years to come! Here are the steps:
If planted in a garden, pot hibiscus in a container using container soil, insure pot has drainage.
Before bringing indoors, spray both top and underside of leaves with insecticidal soap like Scotts Bug B Gon.
Place in a bright room with a south or west facing window away from any heat vents or radiators.
Reduce watering and only water when dry. Over watering is the #1 killer. Be warned most tropical plants will drop some of their leaves while adjusting to indoor light levels. Do not react by watering.
Do not fertilize until March, daylight hours are getting short and indoor plants don’t need as much nutrients. In mid March begin feeding by applying a water soluble like Miracle Gro Ultra Bloom 15-30-15
Add a humidifier to your home, increasing humidity helps plants in winter and will help you breath easier too!!
Bring back outdoors in late Spring after risk of frost has past.
When brought outdoors prune by 1/3 of overall growth, increase watering and apply regular fertilizer.
