Like most people, you probably associate hibiscus plants with the hot, sunny days of summer. However, these beautiful flowers can also be enjoyed during the colder winter months!
This blog post will discuss how to care for your hibiscus plant during the winter months. Keep reading to learn more!
Should You Put Hibiscus Inside During The Winter?
As the weather outside begins to cool, many gardeners move their plants indoors for the winter. Hibiscus is one plant that can be easily moved indoors, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, hibiscus will quickly lose their summery flowers when they are moved indoors. Unless you have a greenhouse or atrium, your hibiscus is likely to start looking less than stellar before spring arrives.
Second, hibiscus needs a warm environment to thrive. They should be kept in a spot above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
Third, hibiscus needs some light to prosper. A windowsill is often a good spot for indoor plants. Finally, remember to water your hibiscus regularly. A dry hibiscus is not a happy hibiscus. With a bit of care, however, your hibiscus can survive the winter, and bloom again comes springtime.
How To Winterize Your Hibiscus
To winterize a plant means taking extra care of it during the winter months so it will be healthy come spring.
If you live in an area with cold winters, you can do a few things to help your hibiscus plant survive the season. Preparation should start early for in-ground hibiscus plants. Dig up the plant in late autumn and pot it in a container. This will help to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Transfer the plant to a pot big enough to accommodate the roots. Make sure to use an acidic potting mix.
If you have potted hibiscus plants, make sure they are moved to a spot where they will be protected from the cold. An unheated garage or shed is often a good option. Keep the plant away from drafts, and check on it regularly to ensure that it is not getting too cold.
Caring For Hibiscus Indoors
Although hibiscus is commonly associated with tropical climates, these beautiful flowering plants can thrive indoors. Here are a few tips for keeping your hibiscus healthy and happy during winter:
Light Needs
One of the most critical factors for hibiscus care is ensuring the plant gets enough light. Hibiscus plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, so a south-facing window is ideal.
If you don’t have a sunny spot in your home, you can supplement it with artificial lighting. Fluorescent bulbs are a good option for hibiscus care, as they provide the right light for the plant. Just be sure to place the bulbs close to the hibiscus so that it can get the full benefit.
Water Needs
During the winter, hibiscus plants will need less water than they do during the summer. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. However, it is still essential to check the soil regularly and water as needed to keep the roots from drying out.
Fertilizer Needs
Hibiscus plants need to be fertilized regularly to stay healthy. During the winter months, you should reduce the frequency of fertilization to once every six weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer that is designed for flowering plants.
Protection From Draft
Hibiscus plants are native to tropical climates and are not used to cold weather. To protect your plant from drafts, keep it away from doors and windows. If possible, place it in a room with a humidifier to help keep the air around it moist.
What If I Can’t Put My Hibiscus Inside?
If you can’t put your hibiscus plant indoors for the winter, there are still some things you can do to help it survive the cold weather.
Make sure to prune back any dead or dying leaves or branches. This will help the plant to focus its energy on surviving the winter.
In addition, make sure to mulch the plant well. This will help to insulate the roots and protect them from the cold.
Finally, keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to cover your hibiscus plant if a cold snap is expected. A tarp or piece of burlap can work well for this. Just be sure to remove the cover during the day so the plant can get some sunlight.
What If The Leaves Turn Yellow?
It’s not uncommon for the leaves of hibiscus plants to turn yellow during the winter months. While this may be alarming initially, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
The most likely cause is simply a lack of sunlight. During the winter, days are shorter, and sunshine is in a shorter supply. As a result, hibiscus plants may experience leaf yellowing as they adjust to the change in light levels.
It is also possible that your hibiscus plant is going into dormancy. This is a normal process that all plants go through, usually in response to shorter days and cooler temperatures. During dormancy, hibiscus plants will lose their leaves and stop blooming. However, they typically resume growth in the spring when the weather warms up again.
Will My Hibiscus Bloom During Winter?
Hibiscus plants can bloom during winter, but it is not very common. If your plant does bloom, enjoy the flowers while they last!
But don’t worry if your hibiscus plant doesn’t bloom during winter. It is more likely to wait until spring to bloom again. In the meantime, it will focus its energy on surviving the cold weather and getting ready for a new season of growth.
Winter care for hibiscus: Conclusion
With extra care, you can keep your hibiscus plant healthy and happy during the winter months. Just be sure to give it plenty of light and water it as needed.
Depending on where you live, you may also need to take some extra steps to protect it from the cold. But with a little effort, you can keep your hibiscus plant thriving all year!