Hibiscus plants are known for their large, colorful flowers that really make a statement in any garden But did you know these tropical beauties can also be grown as houseplants and enjoyed indoors? In this article, we’ll look at how to successfully grow hibiscus plants both indoor and outdoor.
A Bit About Hibiscus
Hibiscus belong to the mallow family and are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. There are several hundred species, but the most popular varieties for ornamental use are in the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis group. These hibiscus are prized for their showy flowers that can grow up to 6 inches across. The flowers come in a range of colors like red, pink, yellow, orange, purple and white. They have a prominent central stamen that gives them an exotic, tropical look.
Hibiscus are fast-growing shrubs in warm climates. Outdoors, they can reach 6 feet tall and wide within one to two years. The leaves are glossy and green, providing a nice backdrop for those gorgeous blooms Hibiscus flower during the summer and fall, but can bloom year round in tropical areas.
Growing Hibiscus Outdoors
If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11, you can grow hibiscus outdoors year-round. They thrive in the warm temperatures, full sun, and moderate humidity of these climates. Space hibiscus plants 4-6 feet apart in well-draining soil. Water them regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
In zones 8 and below, hibiscus can be grown outdoors in summer but must be brought inside before the first fall frost. Select a spot that receives full sun. Plant in rich, humusy soil with good drainage. Water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks to fuel growth and flowering.
To get your hibiscus ready for its move indoors, prune back leggy stems in early fall. This will make the plant more compact for indoor living. Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before bringing it inside to harden off the growth
Always check first and last frost dates for your area so you know when it’s time to bring hibiscus back inside. Even a light frost will damage the foliage and buds.
Caring for Hibiscus Indoors
The key to growing hibiscus as a houseplant is providing plenty of bright, direct light. A south or west-facing window is ideal. Turn the plant periodically so all sides get sun exposure. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
Indoors, hibiscus prefers daytime temperatures of 65-75°F and nights around 60°F. Keep humidity around 40-50% if possible. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil dries out, taking care not to overwater. Drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
Fertilize monthly during the active growing season with a balanced houseplant food. Stop feeding for 2 months in fall and winter when light levels and growth slow down.
Prune back overlong, leggy stems to keep plants full and compact. Pinch off spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Wipe leaves periodically with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free.
With the right care, hibiscus will reward you with gorgeous, tropical flowers even when it’s cold outside! They make a stunning and conversation-starting houseplant.
Troubleshooting Common Hibiscus Problems
Here are some potential issues and solutions for growing healthy hibiscus:
-
Leaf drop – This can be caused by stresses like overwatering, underwatering, temperature extremes, or lack of humidity. Improve conditions and damage should stop.
-
Buds drop – Again, water and temperature stresses can lead to bud drop. Keep conditions steady.
-
No flowers – Insufficient light is the most common cause of no flowers on hibiscus. Increase light exposure.
-
Wilting – Both under and overwatering can cause wilting. Check soil moisture and water correctly.
-
Pests – Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs may attack hibiscus. Wipe or spray away pests using insecticidal soap.
-
Yellow leaves – This can indicate overwatering or lack of nutrients. Let soil dry out and fertilize as needed.
With proper care, your hibiscus will stay healthy and keep pumping out those sensational blooms indoor or outdoor! It’s a fabulous plant that’s well worth growing.
Best Varieties for Indoor Growing
If you’d like to grow hibiscus as a houseplant, look for these compact, productive varieties:
-
Jazzy Jewel Hibiscus – This series from Monrovia includes cultivars like ‘Ruby’, ‘Amber’, and ‘Opal’ with 6-8 inch blooms. They flower prolifically indoors.
-
Panama Red Hibiscus – A mid-sized variety that blooms abundantly in red, white, or pink. Does well in containers.
-
Luna Hibiscus – A prolific bloomer with big red or yellow flowers and glossy leaves. More compact than other varieties.
-
Beauty of Houston Hibiscus – Large 8-9 inch flowers in red, pink, white, or peach on a smaller plant. Great for pots.
-
Hawaiian Hibiscus – Classic tropical look with bold red or orange flowers. Stays compact as a houseplant.
No matter which variety you choose, following the care tips above will set your hibiscus up for success on the inside! With a little love, these tropical beauties can transform any indoor space into your own personal paradise.
Why Grow Hibiscus as Houseplants?
We all know houseplants beautify our homes, and create an ambience that makes us
 Exotic Hibiscus Blooming in a Picture Window Erin Rachel (left) and Belle du Jour (right) |
- Plants in our homes clean the air by removing dust and other harmful things from the air.
- As sound barriers, they soak up sound waves and lower the noise level.
- They raise the air’s humidity, putting back some of the water that central heating and cooling removes.
- Houseplants raise the amount of oxygen in the air and lower the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
- They keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer by insulating it.
- It has been shown that houseplants can improve our mood, making us feel happier, calmer, and more hopeful. People who are sick tend to get better faster if they are near living plants.
- New studies even show that having houseplants in our workspace makes us more creative and productive.
Add to all this the joy of growing houseplants that reward you with large, vivid, multi-colored flowers, and hibiscus will quickly zoom to the top of the list. But beware! This joy can become quite addicting! You could easily end up like Charles and Cindy with hibiscus growing in every window, nook, and cranny.
Planting Some Hibiscus for a Friend! // Garden Answer
FAQ
Can a hibiscus plant survive indoors?
Do hibiscus need sun or no sun?
Can you plant a hibiscus outside?
Do hibiscus do better in pots or in the ground?
Can I grow Hibiscus indoors?
Growing hibiscus indoors is a little work, but worth it. You’ll be rewarded with big, gorgeous flowers in vibrant colors. With good care, you’ll enjoy your flowering plant for many years. You can buy hibiscus in the spring and summer, the heaviest bloom time. Choose one with plenty of flower buds — a sign of a healthy plant.
Can you bring a hibiscus indoors for the winter?
If you’re bringing your outdoor Hibiscus plant inside for the winter, make sure to do it before the first frost hits. It’s best to choose a bright spot for the plant and to provide it with adequate light and humidity. Sudden changes in temperature and light can shock your indoor Hibiscus plant and cause yellow leaves, leaf drop, and other problems.
Where should Hibiscus be planted?
The best location for growing hibiscus is in a sunny place in your garden where it gets some protection from the intense midday sun. Hibiscus flowers grow best when the plant gets at least six hours of sunshine every day. When deciding where to plant your hibiscus shrub, make sure it won’t be in too much shade.
Are hibiscus easy to grow?
Hibiscus plants are very easy to grow and put on a grand floral show over the summer if properly cared for. Many people prefer to purchase their hibiscus plants in the summer when they are in bloom. This is not a problem if you live in a milder climate. However, the ideal time to plant hibiscus in colder climates is spring.