Category Archives: Hibiscus

Why Hibiscus Buds Falling Off

Why Hibiscus Buds Falling Off Causes and Solutions: 7 Tips to Care

Why Hibiscus Buds Falling Off

 

Hibiscus plants are known for their vibrant flowers, but when the buds drop before blooming, it can be disheartening for plant lovers. Certain environmental and care factors might cause this issue. Here’s how to address it:

Why Hibiscus Buds Falling Off

Common Reasons for Hibiscus Bud Drop and How to Address Them

 

1. Temperature Sensitivity

 

 

Cause: Hibiscus plants are sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations.

  • If the weather is too cold or there’s a sharp drop in nighttime temperatures, buds may fall off.

Solution: Place the plant in a location where it is protected from cold winds.

  • If temperatures are consistently low, keep your plant in shaded area or cover it with a breathable fabric at night.

2. Watering Issues

 

Cause: Overwatering or underwatering can stress the plant, leading to bud drop.

  • In cooler months, hibiscus plants require less water.

Solution: Check the soil before watering.

  • Only water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Avoid letting the soil stay soggy.

3. Nutrient Deficiency

 

Hibiscus flower plant
Hibiscus flower plant

Cause: Lack of essential nutrients like phosphorus and potassium can weaken the plant, preventing buds from fully developing.

Solution: Use a balanced fertilizer, preferably one high in phosphorus and potassium like Banana Peel Fertilizer, to support flowering.

  • Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Click here to read: How to get maximum flowering in Hibiscus

 

4. Light Requirements

 

Cause: While you mentioned the plant is in sunlight, it’s essential to ensure it gets adequate direct sunlight for 4-6 hours daily.

Solution: Position the plant in a sunny spot.

Click here to read: Best Fertilizers for Hibiscus Plant

 

5. Pest Problems

 

Cause: Pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies can weaken the buds and cause them to drop.

Solution: Inspect the plant for signs of pests. Use neem oil or an organic insecticidal soap to control infestations.

6. Humidity and Dry Air

 

Cause: Hibiscus plants thrive in humid conditions.

  • Dry air or low outdoor humidity can cause stress and bud drop.

Solution: Increase humidity around the plant by misting it or placing a tray of water nearby.

  • Avoid misting in late evenings to prevent fungal infections.

7. Pruning and Deadheading

 

Cause: Lack of regular pruning can lead to weak branches that may not support budding flowers.

Solution: Lightly prune the plant to remove weak or dead branches. This encourages healthier growth and flower production.

Final Tips

 

1. Ensure the pot has proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.

2. Regularly clean the leaves to keep them dust-free and healthy.

3. Monitor the plant closely during seasonal transitions and adjust care routines as needed.

By addressing these common issues, your hibiscus plant should thrive and bloom beautifully. With a little extra care and attention, those falling buds can turn into vibrant flowers in no time!


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Hibiscus plant care in monsoon season

10 Best Tips for Hibiscus Care in Monsoon to Boost Flowering

10 Best Tips for Hibiscus Care in Monsoon to Boost Flowering

 

Caring for hibiscus plant during the rainy season can be both challenging and rewarding. The increased moisture and cooler temperatures provide an excellent environment for these vibrant flowers to thrive, but they also introduce a higher risk of pests and fungal diseases.

10 Best Tips for Hibiscus Care in Monsoon to Boost Flowering
Pink Hibiscus flowering

To ensure your hibiscus plant bloom to their fullest potential, here are ten essential care tips that will help you navigate the monsoon season effectively.

Hibiscus Plant Care in Monsoon Season

 

1. Pruning of Leaves & Stems

 

hibiscus yellow leaves

Pruning is a crucial practice for maintaining the health and vitality of your hibiscus plants.

  • Regularly removing yellow leaves and dead stems helps redirect the plant’s energy towards new growth and flowering.
  • Diseased or dying leaves can harbor pests and diseases, which can spread to healthy parts of the plant.
  • By pruning these off, you not only improve the plant’s appearance but also its overall health.

 

2. Use of Neem Oil Pesticide

 

neem oil on tomato plant

During the monsoon season, hibiscus plants are more susceptible to pest infestations.

  • Neem oil is a natural and effective pesticide that can be used to protect your plants from various pests.
  • Neem leaves water solutions can also be applied to the leaves, soil, and buds of the plant to prevent and control pest attacks.

Application Tips:

  • Mix neem oil with water as per the recommended dosage.
  • Spray the solution on the hibiscus leaves and soil.
  • Repeat the application every two weeks or after heavy rain.

How to Make Neem Pesticide at Home

 

3. Tilling of Soil

 

Tilling the soil around your hibiscus plants improves aeration, which is vital for root health.

  • Well-aerated soil allows roots to absorb nutrients and water more efficiently.
  • Additionally, incorporating neem cake powder into the soil can prevent pest and fungal attacks, enhancing the soil’s fertility.

Steps for Effective Tilling:

  • Loosen the topsoil gently without damaging the roots.
  • Mix in neem cake powder for added pest protection.
  • Ensure the soil remains loose and well-drained.

4. Give Fungicide Water in Soil

 

Fungal infections are common during the rainy season due to the high humidity and moisture levels.

  • Using a fungicide solution or cinnamon powder in the soil can help prevent fungal attacks.
  • Fungicides help protect the roots and lower stems from rot and other fungal diseases.

5. Onion Peel Fertilizer

 

onion peel liquid

Onion peel fertilizer is an excellent natural nutrient source for hibiscus plants. Rich in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, it promotes overall plant health and boosts flowering. This simple, homemade fertilizer is easy to prepare and highly beneficial for your plants.

Preparation and Application:

  • Collect onion peels and soak them in water overnight.
  • Strain the liquid and use it to water your hibiscus plants.
  • Apply this fertilizer once a week for best results.

Also, check – Best Fertilizer for Hibiscus Plant

 

6. Repotting Hibiscus Plant

 

The monsoon season is an ideal time for repotting hibiscus plants.

  • The cooler temperatures and increased moisture levels reduce transplant shock, allowing the plant to establish itself quickly in its new pot.
  • Ensure the new pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Repotting Tips:

  • Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
  • Use fresh, well-draining potting soil.
  • Water the plant thoroughly after repotting.

7. Root Pruning of Hibiscus plant

 

Root pruning involves trimming back the roots to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming root-bound.

  • This practice is best done during the monsoon season when the plant can recover quickly due to the favorable growing conditions.

How to Root Prune:

  • Gently remove the plant from its pot.
  • Trim back any overgrown or dead roots.
  • Replant in fresh soil and water well.

8. Avoid Overwatering

 

Hibiscus plants are prone to root rot if overwatered.

  • The key is to water only when the soil is completely dry.
  • During the rainy season, natural precipitation often provides sufficient moisture, so it’s important to monitor soil moisture levels closely.

Watering Guidelines:

  • Check the soil moisture with your finger before watering.
  • Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
  • Ensure pots have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Also, check – How to care Hibiscus plant

 

9. Check Pot for Drainage

 

Good drainage is essential for hibiscus plants, especially during the rainy season.

  • Poor drainage can lead to waterlogged soil, which causes root rot and other issues.
  • Ensure your pots have drainage holes and that they are not blocked.

10. Sunlight for Hibiscus Plant

 

hibiscus in pot

Hibiscus plants thrive with 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

  • During the rainy season, cloudy days can reduce sunlight exposure.
  • Ensure your plants receive adequate light by placing them in the sunniest spot available.

Conclusion

 

Caring for hibiscus plants during the rainy season requires attention to detail and proactive measures. By following these ten tips, you can ensure your hibiscus plants remain healthy and vibrant, maximizing their flowering potential. 

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Hibiscus flowers

How to Get Maximum Flowering in Hibiscus

Every flowering plant naturally tends to bloom, and if a hibiscus fails to do so for 2-3 months, it becomes a cause for concern. Typically, an underlying problem or issue is responsible for the lack of blooming. Therefore, the primary focus should be on identifying the problem before applying any treatment to the plant. Always refer to the checklist below to ensure all the plant’s requirements are being met.

hibiscus flower

 

How to Get Maximum Flowering in Hibiscus

Sunlight requirement

Hibiscus, renowned for its large flowers, necessitates a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct sunlight to promote blooming on all pruned branches.

  • This plant requires a substantial amount of energy to bloom, and if it receives only 1-2 hours of sunlight exposure, successful blooming may be hindered.

Soil composition

Soil mixture

The primary requirement for the growth of any plant is suitable soil.

  • It is crucial that the soil is not clayey, and any signs of algae formation should be addressed by tilling it.
  • To enhance the soil’s nutritional content and promote a looser texture, incorporate vermicompost.
  • For strong root development, the soil should possess an effective drainage system and not be compacted.

Water requirement

overwatering
overwatering

Excessive watering in hibiscus can result in root rot and hinder flower blooming.

  • If overwatered, buds may form but will ultimately drop without blossoming.
  • Conversely, insufficient watering can lead to the plant’s demise, with no chance of blooming and eventual withering.

“It is crucial to provide a balanced water supply for hibiscus—water when the soil is dry and ensure watering until excess water drains out from the bottom of the pot.”

Pest attack in Hibiscus plant

Mealybugs on plant leaves

Examine the plant for potential insect infestations, as hibiscus plants are susceptible to attacks from pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and other insects.

  • These dense plants may conceal pests, making early detection challenging.

Use of Neem Oil

neem oil spray

Inspect for leaf miners and other pests, and be vigilant for potential soil issues such as fungal infections or diseases. Safeguard against these pest attacks by thoroughly spraying the entire plant with neem oil.

  • To address soil diseases, if present, create a mixture of neem oil and a small amount of cinnamon powder in water and administer it to the soil.

Pot Size for Hibiscus plant

clay pots

While hibiscus typically thrives in a 10-12 inch pot, if, despite addressing the previously mentioned considerations, the plant fails to bloom, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the pot for potential root binding.

  • Although hibiscus tends to appreciate being slightly root-bound, excessive binding can induce stress.
  • To assess this, carefully remove the plant from its pot, examine the roots, and if necessary, engage in root pruning.
  • Transplant the hibiscus into a larger pot to provide ample space, fostering optimal growth conditions. It will start flourishing again.

hibiscus flower

Soft pruning of Hibiscus plant

pruning

Generally, it is advised to conduct hard pruning on hibiscus in February, while soft pruning can be carried out year-round, excluding the harsh winter months.

If your hibiscus is not producing blooms, consider soft pruning and follow up with a diluted mustard cake liquid fertilizer to replenish soil nutrients to promote the development of new branches.

“It is important to refrain from giving the mustard cake liquid fertilizer during extremely hot summers.”

  • The diluted form of mustard cake liquid fertilizer is recommended due to its potency.
  • When pruning is performed, hormones are released at the pruned tips, stimulating the growth of fresh branches.

Lack of Nutrients

If, despite pruning, your hibiscus is not blooming as expected, it likely indicates a nutrient deficiency. To address this, apply Epsom salt to the entire plant.

Banana peel fertilizer:

 

After 10 days of the Epsom salt treatment, nourish the plant with a liquid fertilizer made from banana peel fertilizer. This particular fertilizer enhances the flowering process, and you will likely notice the emergence of new buds shortly after application.

Read article on:

How to make Banana peel fertilizer

Onion peel liquid fertilizer:

Following the banana peel fertilizer, wait for another 10 days and then give onion peel liquid fertilizer to the plant.

  • This fertilizer also promotes flower blooming, and you can expect to see new buds appearing within a few days.

Note:

  • In instances where the leaves of the blooming plant turn yellow, it is an indication of a need for more nutrients.

Cow dung liquid fertilizer

cow dung decompose

  • After 10 days of the onion peel fertilizer, provide the plant with a liquid fertilizer made from cow dung.

Read article on:

How to make Cow dung fertilizer

Note:

  • By adhering to this schedule of applying different liquid fertilizers every 10 days, you can stimulate consistent blooming in your hibiscus.

Increase the dosage of fertilizer after thoroughly inspecting all the concerns mentioned above. To cure the main problem is necessary to promote the blooming in plants rather than applying random theories of experiments.

As living entities, plants require a well-balanced diet consisting of sunlight, water, air, and essential nutrients. It is crucial to meticulously monitor and fulfill each of these requirements to ensure the effective growth and flourishing of the plant.

Once the plant is blooming at the anticipated rate, reduce the fertilizer dosage, as an excessive amount may adversely affect the plant. It is advisable to adhere to the hierarchical checklist mentioned earlier before administering any remedies to the plant.

hibiscus flower

Happy Gardening!!

hibiscus flower

Best Fertilizer for Hibiscus Flowering

Many gardeners often encounter the issue of their healthy hibiscus plant not flowering despite being in good condition. 

As a result, they unknowingly treat the plant with incorrect fertilizers, leading to damage.

 

For a hibiscus that is healthy but not blooming, several factors may be involved. Choosing the right fertilizer can make a significant difference and promote flowering.

Best Fertilizer for Hibiscus Flowering

 

So, why is it happening, and what are the reasons behind this? Let’s review a list of concerns your hibiscus may be experiencing if it’s not flowering:

 

1. Buds Not Blooming:

Hibiscus buds

  • Lack of phosphorus in the soil can hinder flower production, so it’s important to look for a fertilizer that contains phosphorus to promote blooming.

 

2. Plant Healthy But Not Flowering:

hibiscus plant

 

    • Sometimes, hibiscus plants focus on growing foliage rather than flowers.
    • Opt for a balanced fertilizer with equal N-P-K ratios to encourage overall plant health and flower production.

 

3. Yellow Leaves:

 

hibiscus yellow leaves

    • Yellowing leaves can indicate a lack of nitrogen.
    • Choose a fertilizer with higher nitrogen to address nitrogen deficiency and promote greener foliage.

 

4. Buds Not Mature:

 

    • Hibiscus buds may fail to mature if they are not getting enough potassium.
    • Look for a fertilizer with a higher potassium to support bud development and maturation.

 

5. Buds Falling:

hibiscus bud falling

    • Poor root development or stress can cause buds to drop prematurely.
    • Consider a fertilizer with micronutrients like magnesium and iron to improve root health and resilience.

Why Hibiscus Plant is not Flowering

 

The main reason for hibiscus plants not flowering is often due to a lack of nutrients. This can be attributed to two factors:

1. Inefficient Nutrient Distribution to Various Plant Parts

When fertilizer is provided to the roots, it is not efficiently distributed to other parts of the plant, such as the stem, leaves, branches, or buds.

 

2. Limited Distribution of Starch-Based Food to Plant Roots

 

Additionally, while plants produce their food in the form of starch in their leaves, it is possible for the food to remain in the leaves and not be distributed to other parts of the roots of the plant.

 

Note: Starch plays a crucial role in providing immunity to plants, especially for their roots.

The above two factors indicate that the transportation system” of the plant is not working well which can be attributed to a lack of potassium.

 

Luckily, potassium is highly available in bananas and banana peels and can be used to improve the transportation system of the plant.

  • If in this condition, the plant is fed by banana peel fertilizer, then the problem would be resolved.
bananas rich source of potassium

3. Nutrient-Rich Composition of Banana Peels

 

Not only potassium but banana peels contain many other nutrients like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and phosphorus, all of which are essential for plant growth and development.

4. Micronutrient Content in Banana Peels

 

Additionally, banana peels contain other micronutrients, such as zinc, copper, and iron, which are important for plant health.

Must read: How to make Banana Peel Fertilizer At Home

When to give Banana peel fertilizer?

 

1. Do not give banana peel fertilizer to small plants

 

Avoid using banana peel fertilizer on plants that are still small or in the growing stage because they require equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) at that time.

In banana manure, the quantity of nitrogen is very low. It will lead to nutrient imbalance and plants might die due to a deficiency of nitrogen.

2. Apply banana peel fertilizer during the flowering or fruiting stage

 

Always, give banana manure, when the plant is at the stage of flowering or fruiting.

 

3. Balancing Banana Peel fertilizer with Other fertilizers

 

While banana peel fertilizer can be used on all plants, it is important to rotate it with other fertilizers to maintain nutrient balance.

  • After applying banana peel fertilizer, wait for at least 10 to 15 days before using other fertilizers such as cow dung liquid fertilizer or any other.

 

4. Onion peel liquid fertilizer

 

Following the banana peel fertilizer, wait for another 10 to 15 days and then give onion peel liquid fertilizer to the plant.

  • This fertilizer also promotes flower blooming, and you can expect to see new buds appearing within a few days.

Note:

  • In instances where the leaves of the blooming plant turn yellow, it is an indication of a need for more nutrients.

5. Cow dung liquid fertilizer

 

cow dung decompose

  • After 10 days of the onion peel fertilizer, provide the plant with a liquid fertilizer made from cow dung.

By adhering to this schedule of applying different liquid fertilizers every 10 days, you can stimulate consistent blooming in your hibiscus.

Also read: How to Get Maximum Flowering in Hibiscus

Plants need sunlight, water, air, and nutrients for healthy growth. Monitor and meet these needs carefully. When blooming, reduce fertilizer to avoid overfeeding. Follow the checklist before applying remedies.

How to care for Hibiscus Plant

Hibiscus is a tropical plant known for its big, colorful flowers. They love warm temperatures and usually need to be protected during cold weather. They have woody stems and grow close to the ground. The flowers of this plant are very big in size and are of different colors like red, peach, yellow, orange, and purple.

  • What if your hibiscus plant is not giving flowers?
  • What if your hibiscus buds are falling regularly?
  • The leaves of the plants are turning yellow and pests are attacking the plant.
hibiscus flower
hibiscus flower

In this article, we are going to provide the solutions for all of these problems.

Hibiscus is a perennial plant, if you will take proper care of it then it can survive for many years with you. Generally, hibiscus should be grown in the ground but with proper technique and care, we can grow it inside the pot also.

1. Sunlight for Hibiscus plant

sunlight for hibiscus plant
sunlight for hibiscus plant
  • Hibiscus plants grow in direct sunlight, the best place for hibiscus is a place that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight in a day.
  • The ideal temperature for this plant to grow is 15℃-35℃.
  • If the temperature goes beyond the range then keep the plant in the shade otherwise leaves might get burnt.
  • You need to save this plant from extreme cold and winter dew also.

2. Pot size for Hibiscus plant

pot size for hibiscus plant
pot size for hibiscus plant
  • Choose the pot very wisely because they prefer root bound also.
  • The roots of this plant are bigger in size, so you need a big pot for them at least 12 inches.
  • When you buy this plant from a nursery, do not shift them into another pot immediately.
  • In fact, even if your plant is 2-3 years old and doing well in the current pot then also do not shift it because this plant gets transplant shock very easily.
  • If you think that plant has grown up very well and your current pot size is small according to the plant then you can shift it to a bigger pot.
  • The best pots are clay pots but you can choose as per your convenience. You can take cement, ceramic, or any pot.

                Do it with all care to prevent transplant shock.

3. How to Water Hibiscus Plant

watering plants

  • Hibiscus needs balanced water, over-watering leads to fungus and pests in the plants. It will stop the growth of the plant, leaves will start turning yellow, and buds will get weaker and start falling down.
  • At first, go give water nicely and after that check the top soil of the pot.
  • If the soil is dry, then lose the soil with any tool and check if the soil is completely dry or sticking to the hands.
  • If it is wet do not give water. In winter, do not give water daily.

4. Pesticide for Hibiscus Plant

Pest attacks, fungi, mealybugs, and all are very common problems with hibiscus plants.

mealybug
mealybug on hibiscus plant
  • To prevent it, first of all, avoid overwatering.
  • If you have more than one hibiscus then keep this plant at different places with gaps otherwise all of them would get pest attacks at the same time.
  • You can do neem spray weekly on this plant.
  • If you want to prevent your plant from pest attack then check your plant every third day.
  • Observe the stems, branches, flowers, and both sides of the leaves properly, if you have even a minor doubt of a pest attack then spray insecticide on it immediately.

ACTARA insecticide is good for the removal of pests and safe for plants, you can use this insecticide.

5. Pruning of Hibiscus Plant

pruning
pruning

If you want so many flowers in your plant, then you need to be regular in pruning. We need to do the pruning of the leaves, stems, branches, and flowers.

  • Remove all the yellow leaves, and spotted leaves otherwise the plant will waste its energy on these leaves.
  • You can remove the leaves from the bottom of the plant also because they do not play any role in photosynthesis.
  • Bottom leaves cover the soil which is not good for the plant and fungus also spreads through these leaves.
  • We should not do over-pruning of leaves otherwise the process of photosynthesis would get disturbed.
  • Always do the pruning of the plant in the growing season, not during winter seasons because at that time growth of the plant stops.

6. Best Fertilizer for Hibiscus Plant

  • Hibiscus is a heavy feeder plant, it needs fertilizer every 15 days.
fertilizer
fertilizer
  • You can give any fertilizer like cow dung, mustard cake, vermicompost, or any other which is available.
  • You can give banana peel fertilizer also because the banana peel contains high potassium, and potassium is very important for the biological and chemical growth of the plant.

Hibiscus is a very beautiful plant.

Enjoy the beauty of this plant!!