Hibiscus plants are a popular flowering plant that can be found in many gardens and flowerbeds. They come in many different colors and sizes. Some people even use them to make tea. The Hibiscus has been used for centuries by people around the world for both medicinal purposes as well as for decoration purposes, such as weddings or other celebratory events. Growing and caring for hibiscus is relatively easy, especially if you are in a warmer climate.
There are two types of hibiscus plants: the tropical hibiscus and the hardy hibiscus. The tropical type is usually grown indoors as a houseplant, but it can also be grown outdoors if you live in a warm climate zone like Florida or Southern California. The hardy type is usually grown outdoors and is more cold-hardy than its tropical counterpart.
Caring for Hibiscus Indoors
Growing hibiscus is a great way to bring color and beauty to your home, so lets talk about how to grow hibiscus indoors.
The first thing you need to do is find a good location for your plants. Hibiscus plants prefer bright, indirect light. You should avoid putting them in direct sunlight or near heating vents or windows that get direct sunlight for long periods of time.
After you have found a good location, it’s time to choose the soil that you will use for planting your hibiscus plant. The soil should be loose and well-drained, with a pH between 5 and 7. You can test the pH level by using either liquid plant food or a soil testing kit from your local garden center.
To care for your hibiscus, make sure to keep the soil moist by watering with warm water, cold water can shock the plant causing it to die. Hibiscus are wetland natives so moist, fertile soil is best.
Caring for Hibiscus Outdoors
When caring for hibiscus outdoors, check your zone before planting. Hibiscus is a perennial in zones eight and up, or where temperatures do not drop below 50 degrees at night. It grows well in a greenhouse however, it thrives growing outdoors. In Zones 7 and below, the hibiscus is an annual and must be replaced yearly.
To grow and care for hibiscus outdoors is to choose a planting area that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight and has enough air circulation. If the location is too hot, or if the soil drains too fast, your hibiscus will need more watering. Make sure that the soil drains well since hibiscus can develop root rot if it sits in a pool of water.