How to Grow Hibiscus in Pots Fast

 

Actually Hibiscus plant is an herbaceous perennial, deciduous or evergreen shrub valued for the exotic trumpet-shaped flowers. Hibiscus plant has showy blooms, which appear from mid-summer into fall, can reach up to twelve inches wide, lending tropical appeal to the landscape.

One of the most commonly grown hibiscus varieties includes both the hardy and tropical types. The Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) variety is a deciduous shrub hardy to USDA zones five to nine. The Rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) variety is an herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in winter, and is hardy in USDA zones four to nine. The tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) variety is hardy in USDA zones nine to twelve, depending on the variety, and is sensitive to temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit.

Hibiscus plant is a popular landscape shrub that can also be grown in containers and is easy to care for when given the right type of container, rich soil, plenty of water and light. The Hibiscus that is planted in containers are useful where space is limited, making an attractive focal point on an apartment balcony, patio or deck.

 

Do Hibiscus Do Well in Pots?

The potted hibiscus plant care is somewhat different than the plants in the ground. Just follow these growing tips for lush, beautiful potted plants.

 

Hibiscus container ideas

When growing hibiscus plant in pots, the hibiscus plants prefer to have their roots a bit crowded. Choose a container that is one to two inches wider and deeper than the root ball. Make sure you select a sturdy pot made of plastic, composite, clay, stone, ceramics or cement. Pots made of lighter materials will be easier to move around. Make sure the pots have adequate drainage holes in the bottom to prevent root rot.

 

Light requirement

Hibiscus plants actually need lots of sunlight to flourish and flower their best. Make sure you choose a site with protection from wind that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates you can provide shade from hot afternoon sun. If the containers are placed up against a wall, fence or other area that blocks sunlight, turn the hibiscus plants every week or two so they grow evenly on all sides.

 

Best soil for hibiscus in pots

Hibiscus plants in pots need lightweight soil that drains well in order to thrive. Most garden soil is too heavy and compacted for container use, impeding the flow of water and nutrients to the roots. Most garden soil can also contain harmful pathogens that can cause disease. Soil for hibiscus plant in pots should consist of a high-quality soilless potting mix or potting soil that contains materials such as peat moss, perlite, vermiculite or coco coir, which are lighter and will improve drainage.

 

Fertilizer requirement

If you are growing hibiscus plant in pots, make sure you provide a consistent source of nutrients throughout the growing season. Nutrients are flushed out of the soil more quickly in pots than in the ground due to more frequent watering, so plants will need to be fertilized more often.

Make sure you choose a fertilizer high in potassium and nitrogen to stimulate lush foliar growth and flower buds. At the time of planting, you can apply a granular slow-release fertilizer according to package instructions. When flower buds begin to form you can supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks to increase flower production.

 

How To Grow Hibiscus in Pots Indoors

Actually spring is the best time for planting hibiscus plant. You need to wait until all danger of frost has past in your area. Just follow these steps to plant hibiscus in containers.

Place one to two inches of potting soil in the bottom of the pot.

Remove the hibiscus plant from its nursery container and then gently tease out the roots if pot-bound.

Set the hibiscus plant in the pot with the top of the root ball one to two inches below the rim of the container.

You need to add potting soil around the sides of the root ball and then gently tamp down to remove air pockets.

Just continue adding soil until it reaches the base of the plant stem.

Water the hibiscus plant until moisture comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.