How to Water a Hibiscus?

A little reminder about the origins of this exotic plant

With its flamboyant, swirling flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, hibiscus fragilis brightens our summer gardens like few other flowering shrubs. We love it in our European gardens for the vibrant and varied colors it brings with its trumpet-shaped flowers: red, pink, orange, coral, white...

Hibiscus is a tropical plant native to humid climates . It thrives particularly in areas with abundant rainfall, such as islands and coasts.

Hibiscus is indeed a very water-hungry plant. Of course, this green plant also thrives outside the tropics, but you'll need to take its natural origins into account.

We'll explain right away how to adapt your hydration to your climate and environment.

When and how to water a Hibiscus?

Abundant and regular hydration:

If you grow your hibiscus in the garden , it will be exposed to your climate.

• Garden culture:

In summer, you'll need to keep it in consistently moist soil. Grab your watering can as soon as the soil surface dries out. Given the risk of drought, your watering will need to increase in frequency and intensity. In most cases, daily watering will be necessary.

You may want to reduce this watering during rainy periods or when the sun is low. A wilting hibiscus is a sign of a serious water shortage. If this is the case, water thoroughly to return the water to normal.

We recommend watering in the morning to avoid letting the sun hit an already dehydrated plant. During heatwaves, you can give it a little extra watering at the end of the day.

In winter, it will face the cold. The best way to help your hibiscus is to reduce your watering . Any excess watering that has not been absorbed by the root system will expose your plant to the development of germs and rot. In fact, maintaining a reasonable watering schedule is the key. A dried-out hibiscus will be vulnerable to cold and insect attacks. To protect it from frost, water it with lukewarm tap water.

• Pot culture:

The advantage of a flower pot is that we can move our foliage depending on the weather conditions. To grow beautiful flowers, give your hibiscus at least six hours of sunlight. Then, place it in the shade if the sun's rays are too strong. Growing indoors has the advantage of avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations.

Indoors, water your hibiscus when the soil dries out, saturating the potting mix with water. Water until drops appear through the drainage holes. If your pot doesn't have drainage holes, it's essential to make some now!

The ideal way to water your plants successfully is to equip yourself with a small indoor watering can. In addition to being very elegant, these have a long spout that allows them to reach through even the densest foliage.

Should you spray a hibiscus?

Misting is a crucial step for indoor gardeners. To understand this, consider your tropical hibiscus's natural environment:

• Every day he enjoys the refreshment offered by the morning dew!

• The wind dusts off its leaves and rids it of the most fragile ones.

• Rain falls on its top, runs down its trunk and branches, then flows down its base.

By only watering the roots, you are forgetting a whole part of the natural hydration process!

Do you know about fertigation?

This is an excellent watering technique for a healthy, blooming hibiscus. Fertigation involves combining watering and fertilizing.

This can be as simple as mixing fertilizer in a watering can and using this mixture to water your hibiscus. A small amount of fertilizer with each watering will ensure a steady supply of nutrients.

This method favors continuous fertilization rather than occasional cycles. A regular supply of water and nutrients allows hibiscus to maximize its growth and flowering potential.

What water should I use for this flowering shrub?

Rainwater

In their natural environment, our plants are hydrated by rain. That's why we recommend using natural rainwater (if available). This water is free of chemicals, chlorine, and pollution, and saves water. To collect it, simply place a bucket of water at the outlet of your gutter pipe.

Tap water

If you live in an apartment or simply don't want to bother, use tap water. Hibiscus prefers slightly acidic water but is very tolerant of moderately hard water. The pH can range between 5 and 7 without any problems.

The Impact of Your Environment on Your Watering.

Remember that your watering schedule will depend on your environment and its ecosystem. For example, potted indoor plants dry out much more quickly in the presence of a radiator.

The humidity in your home is also an important factor. The drier your environment, the more regular watering and misting will need to be.