Winter Care for Hibiscus

In my opinion there is no other plant other than the hibiscus rosa-sinensis that adds a bright tropical flare to one's garden. They belong to the family malvaceae and are also known as China rose, Chinese hibiscus or just the shoeflower. Hibiscus flowers are renowned for being bright and showy flowers and are very popular with those who are fond of gardening. This plant is a native of warm temperate climate of the tropics and subtropical regions of the world. Nevertheless, they do survive in places with long winter months. However, this is possible if only proper winter care for hibiscus is provided. One plus point about winter care for hibiscus plant is that one of the main step of its winter care is bringing it indoors, which gives it the opportunity of being grown as a houseplant.

Winter Care for Hibiscus

Move Them Indoors
In case you live in a place where the temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you will have to get your hibiscus plant indoors to survive the harsh winters. These are tropical plants that won't survive in very low temperatures. However, it is best to allow a hardening period to your plant. This means that instead of bringing them inside the house immediately, place them under a shade outside for a few days so that they are prepared for their successive months indoors. The same procedure should be followed while moving the plants out after winter.

Location
The first consideration for winter care for hibiscus plants is their location inside the house. Ensure that the plant gets adequate amount of light and heat. Hence, a place close to the window that gets direct sunlight would be an ideal location for proper hibiscus plant care during the winter months. However, it is important to remember that heat is a crucial requirement for the tropical plant, even more than light. Hence, even if there is no place in the house for the plant, consider keeping the plant in the garage, shed or utility room. If that is the case, consider putting a heater in such rooms with the thermostat set to go on at 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watering
Providing adequate amount of water is an important aspect of winter care for hibiscus trees. Although in layman terms it is often referred to as a tree, the hibiscus plant is a shrub. It is important to remember that hibiscus requires less amount of water during the winter months. Water the plant so that the soil is just dry to touch. Make sure that excess water can run off as too much water in the soil will kill the roots.

Fertilizer
While using fertilizer for the hibiscus plant during winter months, give them only half the manufacturer's recommended strength. Prefer a water soluble fertilizer and feed the plants with this once a month.

Winter Care for Hibiscus in Warmer Climate

For those who live in places with warmer climate where the temperatures either rarely falls below freezing point or even if it does, it does not happen for more than 2 or 3 nights, then they can take some measures to protect their plants without transferring them indoors. One can put a layer of mulch over the soil to prevent the roots from getting frozen. For the rest of the plant, cover it up in heavy frost cloth. Not only would this keep the plant warm but would protect it from the frost of the cold nights. Additional warmth can be provided by lighting lights, say for example, Christmas lights under the frost cloth. For potted plants, just move them to some shaded area or close to the house. Ensure that these places get good sunlight throughout the day.

Care for Hibiscus During the Winter Months

There are certain tell-tale signs that the plant depicts during the winter season. These symptoms give a clue that the plant is suffering from severe effects of the low temperature and give you a better understanding of the steps to take in case you are wondering how to care for hibiscus plants during the winters. Some of those signs are:

• If the plant is outside and exposed to frost, check the leaves. Black and mushy leaves are a sign that the plant has suffered from cold and may be dying.
• In case the plant shows signs of wilting even when watered adequately, then probably the roots have succumbed to some fungal infection. Brown and a smelly roots are a sure sign of root fungus.
• Look for the tip die back symptoms in which the fungal attack starts at the tip of the branches and progresses inwards towards the main stem. It starts with leaves wilting and falling and the branch turning from its normal healthy look to green and finally to a diseased brown, mottled look.

Read more on:

• Hardy Hibiscus Care
• Aphids on Hibiscus

Despite all the winter care for hibiscus one must remember that the plant will not look as vibrant as it does during the spring and summer months. Some amount of yellowing of leaves may occur, even when the plants are kept indoors. However, as long as there are other healthy leaves, one need not worry. But there is one thing for sure. And that is, that if proper winter care is provided while growing hibiscus, then one can expect a vibrant plant with beautiful blooms in the successive spring season.