Q • My Chinese hibiscus plants survived the winter indoors, but they’re looking rather sad. What can I do to perk them up?
A • Like many tropical houseplants, Chinese hibiscus can struggle indoors over the winter, as they prefer warmth, full sun, consistent moisture and high humidity.
If your plant looks leggy or sparse, you can prune it back by half and remove up to one-third of the old wood to promote new growth and a more compact habit. You can also start fertilizing your plant regularly with either a balanced fertilizer or one with a higher middle number and continue throughout the growing season according to product instructions.
If you want to move your plant outside, wait until lows are a minimum of 50 to 55 degrees, and gradually expose it to outdoor conditions. For more information on how to care for Chinese hibiscus, visit tinyurl.com/2y7xpwsv.
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Write to the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Center for Home Gardening at [email protected] or the Horticulture Answer Service, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110.
Write to the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Center for Home Gardening at [email protected] or the Horticulture Answer Service, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110.