How to Water a Hibiscus?
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You fell in love with this magnificent plant with spectacular flowers, but now its leaves are yellowing or, worse, its flower buds are falling off before they even bloom?
The hibiscus is a demanding tropical plant. If it's thirsty, it wilts. If it's overwatered, its roots rot. The secret to continuous flowering lies in a delicate balance between watering the soil and the humidity in the air.
Whether you grow it in the garden or in your living room, here is the complete guide to keeping your hibiscus happy and blooming.
1. Indoors: Tropical Hibiscus (Rosa-sinensis)
This is the one you often find at florists, with glossy leaves and bright colors (red, yellow, pink). It doesn't tolerate the cold and thrives in your living room or conservatory.
The "Wrung-Out Sponge" Watering Method
In a pot, the soil dries out quickly. Hibiscus needs soil that is always slightly moist, but never waterlogged.
- In summer: Water 1 to 2 times a week. Wait until the surface of the soil (2-3 cm) is dry to the touch before watering again.
- In winter: The plant is dormant. Reduce watering significantly (once every 10-15 days is usually sufficient), just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
The secret to breakouts: Air humidity
This is the most important point indoors. If the air is too dry (due to heating or air conditioning), the hibiscus becomes stressed and drops its flower buds before they open.
Save your flowers!
To recreate the tropical humidity it loves and prevent bud drop, mist the foliage (avoid open flowers) every 2 days.
- ☁️ Fine mist: Hydrates the leaves without wetting your soil.
- 💎 Durable Brass: An elegant object that stays next to your plant.
2. To get giant flowers: Feed it!
Producing such large flowers requires a tremendous amount of energy. Water alone is not enough; your hibiscus is a heavy feeder.
From spring to the end of summer, add liquid fertilizer for flowering plants to your watering water every 15 days. This is the fertigation technique.
Precision and Cleanliness
Water mixed with fertilizer can stain furniture. To pour your mixture directly at the base of the hibiscus without splashing, use a fine spout.
- 🎯 Long Beak: Ideal for getting under low branches and dense foliage.
- ✨ Copper-plated stainless steel: A healthy material that is easy to clean.
3. Outdoors: The Althea (Hibiscus syriacus)
In the garden, the hibiscus (often called Althea) is a hardy shrub that resists frost. Its needs are different.
- The first year after planting: It is crucial to water thoroughly (at least 10L of water) once a week during the first summer to help the roots establish themselves deeply.
- Once established (after 2 years): It becomes quite drought-resistant. Only water during prolonged heat waves or if you see the leaves drooping in the evening.
For thirsty shrubs
A garden hibiscus needs a large volume of water all at once to reach its deep roots. The Parisian Watering Can is your ally.
- 💪 Large Capacity (11L): The perfect dose for a shrub in summer.
- 🌧️ Diffusion apple: Waters the soil without digging it up at the base of the plant.
4. SOS Hibiscus: Yellowing leaves and wilting
Your plant is trying to talk to you:
- Soft, drooping leaves (as in the photo): It is very thirsty! Water immediately, ideally by "basining" (soak the pot in a basin of water for 20 minutes).
- Yellowing leaves falling off: Often a sign of overwatering (roots becoming waterlogged) or a sudden temperature change (draft). Check that the pot has good drainage.
What type of water should I use?
Rainwater is ideal. If you use tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Hibiscus tolerates hard water, but prefers slightly acidic water.
In summary
The hibiscus is a rewarding plant if you respect its tropical origins: water for its roots, mist for its leaves, and fertilizer for its flowers!
Getting equipped for watering