How to Grow, Care and Propagate Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
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Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) requires bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth, moderate humidity and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis also called Tropical Hibiscus, Rose of China or Shoeblackplant is one of the popular flowering plants on account of its large, ruffled, trumpet-shaped blooms which come in many vibrant colors.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The species name, 'rosa-sinensis', means 'rose of China', although the plant is not closely related to true roses, nor is it from China.
Tropical Hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is called, 'bunga raya', in Malay which can be translated as, 'great flower' or 'celebratory flower.'
Chinese Hibiscus is commonly called, 'Shoe Flower' because in Malaya and Indonesia, the flower petals were used to produce a black dye for polishing shoes.
Botanical name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Family: Malvaceae
Common names: Chinese Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus, Rose of China, Shoeblackplant, Hawaiian hibiscus
Most Tropical Hibiscus grown nowadays are hybrids and cultivars of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis which is native to the warm, tropical regions of Asia and Pacific Islands. They are hardy in USDA Zones 10-11 where the temperatures do not go below -10C in winter.
Unlike the cold-hardy Hibiscus, in the colder climates, Tropical Hibiscus can only be grown in containers which can be taken inside during the harsh winter weather to shelter them from frost. Do not move a plant that is in flower as it can shorten the flowering period.
Origin
Chinese Hibiscus is widely cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions but it is not known in the wild, so its native distribution is uncertain though it is thought to be some part of tropical Asia and Pacific Islands.
Size
Tropical Hibiscus is an evergreen shrub growing to a height of about 8-16 feet and 5-10 feet wide with 3 inches saw-edged glossy leaves.
Flower
With proper care, Rose of China will give you a succession of Hibiscus' papery flowers in early spring to late fall. They come in red, white, yellow , pink, orange, purple, peach and may be single, double or semi-double. These exquisite flowers place these plants among the best plants for the front porch or entrance for adding pomp and color.
Varieties
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has numerous varieties like Magic Moment, Bonjour, Cajun Cocktail, Cooperi which has variegated foliage among others.
Toxicity
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is non-toxic to humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. They are some of the pet-friendly plants ideal for growing indoors.
Where to Buy
Are looking to add Chinese Hibiscus to your plant collection? You may acquire this plant online from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Care Indoors
Chinese Hibiscus blossoms in bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 16-290C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic, all purpose potting soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis requires repotting when it becomes root-bound and regular pruning to control growth, encourage bushy growth and promote blooming. Keep reading for more on the growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Water Requirements
Water Chinese Hibiscus Plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil consistently moist.
Reduce watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is reduced at this time but do not let the soil dry out completely.
For container-grown plants, do not allow the plant to sit in soggy soil. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes and that the soil is well-drained as soggy soil can lead to root-rot and loss of the plant.
After watering your plant, always discard any excess water from the catch plate or saucer to prevent the soil from gettting soggy.
Avoid watering the plant with too cold water as it can lead to shock of this tropical plant which can result in leaf and flowerbud drop.
Light Requirements
Chinese Hibiscus Plant grows best in bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. It will not bloom if the light is not enough. Therefore, if the natural light is not sufficient, you may instal a full spectrum grow light to supplement it.
For uniform growth and to prevent leggy growth, regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides.
You may also grow Tropical Hibiscus outdoors as it is one of the sun-loving plants. However, where the summers are very harsh, grow the plant in a shaded spot to protect it from the hot midday and afternoon sun to avoid scorching of the leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
Chinese Hibiscus thrives in average warmth of 16-290C during the growing season. Keep it cool at about 150C during the dormancy period. The container-grown plant should be brought indoors when the temperatures dip to 00C as it cannot tolerate frost.
Keep the Rose of China away from cold and hot drafts to avoid sudden changes in the temperature as it can cause leaf and flowerbud drop in addition to reduced growth.
Hibiscus Plant has no need for extra humidity, average humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. However, indoors the air can get too dry in winter. To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and discourage pest and disease infestations. Ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Tropical Hibiscus is a heavy feeder which requires regular feeding to keep it healthy and blooming. To promote flowering and healthy growth, feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season or apply a slow-release fertilizer every 8 weeks (early spring to late summer).
Do not feed the Chinese Hibiscus in the cold season (winter) as growth is minimal at this time and it can lead to fertilizer burn.
Potting Soil
The best soil for Tropical Hibiscus should be slightly acidic at PH 6.5 to 6.8, rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.
A soil with the following composition is ideal for Chinese Hibiscus; 30% multipurpose potting soil, 30% compost like vermicompost, 30% coco coir and 10% perlite.
If the PH is not within the recommended range, it should be ammended. If it is too acidic, add lime to the soil. If it is too alkaline, add soil sulphur. Allow a 2 weeks period for the soil to correct the PH.
Tropical Hibiscus requires warm soil conditions. To keep the soil warm in the cold season, apply a 2-3 inch mulch of dry vegetation on the soil surface but take care not to let the mulch come into contact with the stem to prevent rotting.
Repotting
Repot Chinese Hibiscus at the beginning of the growing season (spring) when it becomes root-bound; check for roots growing through the drainage holes. Select a pot 1 size larger than the current one. Ensure that it has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from becoming soggy as it can lead to root-rot.
Use a pot that is wider rather than a deeper one. A deeper pot will cause the plant to direct more energy to root development at the expense of flower production. Inspect the roots and cut away dead roots. To control size, cut off a third of the roots during reppotting. Take a look at these pots with multi mesh drainage holes on Amazon.
Chinese Hibiscus Outdoor Care
Outdoors, plant Chinese Hibiscus 12-15 feet apart, in full sun to light shade. However, protect the plant from harsh hot sunshine to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Where the summers are very hot, grow Rose of China in a shaded spot or in containers which can be easily moved to a shaded area when the sun is too hot.
Ensure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils as they retain too much water which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
For optimum growth, keep the soil moist through out the growing season and do not allow it to dry out. Cut down on watering during the cold season as growth is reduced at this time.
Fertilize Tropical Hibiscus with a balance, fertilizer every 3 weeks during the growing season to enhance flowering.
Withhold fertilizer during the cold season as growth is reduced at this time and excess fertilizer can lead to fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning Chinese Hibiscus is easy. Remove dead flowers and leaves to maintain the plant neat as well as minimize pest and disease infestations. Pinch off the growing tips to encourage compact growth and prevent the plant from getting too huge. In late winter or early spring, cutback the stems by half to rejuvenate growth and to keep the plant compact.
Propagation
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese Hibiscus) can be propagated from stem-tip cuttings during the growing season (late spring or early summer).
How to propagate Chinese Hibiscus from stem-tip cuttings
Take a 4-5 inches stem-tip cuttings from a healthy Chinese Hibiscus plant. Ensure each cutting has at least 2-3 leaf nodes as new growth will arise from the leaf nodes.
Strip off the lower leaves from the lower end of the cutting and dip it in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.
Carefully, insert the lower end of the cutting in moist, free-draining soil and place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot.
Maintain the soil moist through out until the new Tropical Hibiscus are well established after which routine care can begin.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Problems
Chinese Hibiscus Plant (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) problems are leaf drop, yellowing and curling leaves, flowerbud drop, lack of blooms, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Pests
Common pests in Chinese Hibiscus are aphids and spider mites which attack the new growth from where they suck the plant sap. This causes the plant to become dehydrated and results in wilting.
Regularly inspect the plant underneath the leaves and in the growing tips for these pests and take timely control measures. You may treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Lack of blooms
Lack of blooms in Chinese Hibiscus is caused by failure to give it the right growing conditions for blooming like light, water, warmth, fertilizer, soil among others.
Read more on these 10 Tips on How to Keep Tropical Hibiscus Blooming.
Leaf drop
Leaf drop in Chinese Hibiscus is due to two possible causes. One possible cause is incorrect watering; either underwatering or overwatering. Maintain the soil consistently moist but not soggy during the growing season.
Reduce watering in the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil ball to dry out completely. In addition, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil drains freely to prevent it from getting soggy. Learn more on how to water houseplants the right way.
The second possible cause of leaf loss in Tropical Hibiscus is sudden drop in temperature. Keep the plant away from cold drafts like windy doors and windows to maintain an average temperature of 16-290C. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Yellowing and dropping leaves
Tropical Hibiscus Plant yellowing and dropping leaves is due to too little light. Position the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunshine. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Flowerbud drop
Flowerbud drop in Chinese Hibiscus is due to three possible causes. One possible cause of dropping flower buds is underwatering. Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season and slightly moist in the cold season but do not let the soil ball dry out completely.
The second possible cause of flowerbud drop in Tropical Hibiscus is underfeeding. Feed it every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
The third possible cause of dropping flower buds in Shoeblackplant is sudden change in temperature. Protect the plant from cold drafts to maintain an average warmth of 16-290C.
Curling leaves
Curling leaves in Chinese Hibiscus is due to the indoor air being too dry (low humidity). Set the pot on a wet pebble tray to increase humidity or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom and other moist areas in the home.
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