If you’re a plant lover, you might know the excitement that comes with watching your plants in the blooming stage. However, it can be frustrating when your hibiscus plant refuses to produce flowers. Hibiscus plants are known for their colourful and showy blooms, but sometimes, they can be stubborn and challenging to bloom.
There are many reasons why your hibiscus plant may not be flowering. Insufficient sunlight, improper watering, inadequate nutrients, too much nitrogen and pruning at the wrong time can all contribute to the hibiscus plant’s failure to bloom.
But, with a little bit of attention and care, you can surely surpass this problem.
Hibiscus is an attractive and vibrant flowering plant. This tropical plant is known for its big, colourful flowers that come in various shades such as red, pink, yellow, and white. It’s an easy plant to care for, making it a great choice for beginner plant owners.
Hibiscus plants prefer warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, but they can also tolerate some shade. They require well-draining soil that is kept moist but not wet. Overwatering can cause the plant to wilt and die, while underwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and droop.
Pruning is an essential part of hibiscus plant care, as it promotes bushier growth and encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
Hibiscus plants are not only beautiful but also have medicinal properties. Hibiscus tea, made from dried flowers can give many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.
Why Hibiscus Plant Not Flowering?
Your hibiscus plant is not flowering? Here are some reasons why this is happening –
1. Too much shade
Hibiscus plants can tolerate some shade, too much shade can prevent them from producing flowers. When a hibiscus plant doesn’t receive enough sunlight, it may focus more on growing leaves than producing blooms.
For better sunlight, try moving your plant to a sunnier location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Hibiscus plants are native to the sunny and humid tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, where they grow well in warm weather and full sun to produce their lovely flowers.
2. Too much nitrogen
Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plant growth, but too much of it can even stop hibiscus plants from flowering. When hibiscus plants receive too much nitrogen, they may focus on producing lush, green foliage at the expense of flower production.
That is because excess nitrogen boosts plants to put their energy into leafy growth rather than flowering.
3. Pruning at the wrong time
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for hibiscus plants, but doing it at the right time is important to avoid slowing blooming. Hibiscus plants can be pruned in two ways – lightly to shape and control the plant’s size, or heavily to shape an older plant.
However, if you heavily prune your hibiscus plant in the early spring, it can either prevent the plant from flowering during the summer or delay the blooming.
4. Climate Change
Climate change can also impact the blooming of hibiscus plants. Freezing temperatures or cold temperature climate change can disrupt the natural blooming cycle of hibiscus plants. Also, if the temperature is too warm, the hibiscus plant may become dormant or slow down blooming to conserve energy.
5. Drought stress
Drought stress can be another factor contributing to the lack of blooming in hibiscus plants. Hibiscus plants require consistent watering to thrive, and long periods of drought stress can cause them to go into survival mode, halting their blooming cycle.
During drought stress, the hibiscus plant conserves energy by directing its resources towards its roots rather than producing flowers. The plant may also shed its leaves to reduce water loss through transpiration. Once drought stress ends, the plant may take some time to recover before it can resume blooming.
6. Slow-draining soil
Slow-draining soil can also cause a lack of blooming in hibiscus plants. Hibiscus plants thrive in well-draining soil that allows water to pass through easily. If the soil is slow-draining or heavy, it can become wet and lead to root rot as well as other problems that can prevent the plant from producing flowers.
When the soil is slow-draining, it retains excess moisture around the roots, which can cause them to suffocate and rot.
7. Pests
Hibiscus plants are more prone to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can harm the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Further, which can weaken the plant and cause it to stop producing flowers.
However, overuse of nitrogen fertilizer can result in excessive growth of soft and tender foliage that is more prone to insect infestations.
8. Too much phosphorous
While phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant growth but large amounts of it can have negative effects on hibiscus plants. Overuse of phosphorus fertilizer can cause the roots of the plant to become damaged and can prevent the plant from absorbing other important nutrients.
It’s necessary to use a well-balanced fertilizer when feeding your hibiscus plant to avoid any potential nutrient imbalances. Overuse of fertilizer, especially one that is high in nitrogen, can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
How to make your hibiscus plant to bloom?
First, make sure your hibiscus plant is getting enough sunlight. These plants Like warm temperatures and need plenty of direct sunlight to grow well. Place your plant in a location that receives at most 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Next, ensure that your hibiscus plant is receiving the right amount of water. Overwatering or underwatering can both cause problems, so it’s important to strike the right balance. Check the soil regularly and water the plant when the soil feels dry.
Feeding your hibiscus plant with a well-balanced fertilizer can also help encourage blooming. Avoid overuse of nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which can lead to excess foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Instead, opt for a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Finally, consider pruning your hibiscus plant at the right time to encourage blooming. Avoid heavy pruning in early spring, as this can cause the plant to either not flower in the summer or delay blooming significantly.
How to prevent hibiscus flower drop?
Overwatering or underwatering can both lead to flower drops, so make sure you’re watering your hibiscus plant correctly. keep an eye on the soil moisture levels and water the hibiscus plant as needed. In addition, make sure the plant is getting enough water during hot, dry weather.
Another important consideration is nutrition. Hibiscus plants require certain nutrients to grow and produce healthy flowers. Be sure you’re feeding your hibiscus plant with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Too much nitrogen can lead to leafy growth at the expense of flowers, so avoid overusing nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
How do I increase flowering in hibiscus?
Provide your hibiscus plant with adequate sunlight. Hibiscus plants require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom. So, place your plant in a spot where it can receive enough sunlight.
Water your hibiscus plant properly. Underwatering can cause the plant to not bloom. Water the plant deeply once a week, this will surely help in blooming.
Use a well-balanced fertilizer. Hibiscus plants need nutrients to bloom, but too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers. Use a fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio, and avoid using too much.
Prune your hibiscus plant at the right time. Prune in late winter or early spring to promote new growth and increase the chances of blooming. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season, as this can stress the plant and inhibit blooming.
Use a suitable soil mix. Hibiscus plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a soil mix that includes peat moss or coconut coir, perlite, and vermiculite for good drainage.
Ensure proper air circulation. Good air circulation around the plant can prevent fungal diseases and promote healthy growth.
Consider the temperature and humidity. Hibiscus plants thrive in warm and humid conditions, but extreme heat or cold can inhibit blooming. Keep your plant in a warm and humid environment, and protect it from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Does Epsom salt help hibiscus bloom?
Epsom salt is a common household item that is known for its various uses. One of the benefits that some people claim it has is the ability to help plants bloom. This has led to the belief that Epsom salt can help hibiscus plants to bloom.
Hibiscus plants require certain nutrients to grow and bloom, and magnesium is one of them. Epsom salt is a rich source of magnesium, which is essential for the plant’s overall growth and development. Adding Epsom salt to the soil around the hibiscus plant may help the plant to absorb magnesium, which in turn can help with flower production.
Check this out: Can Epsom salt change the colour of hydrangeas?
What fertilizer for hibiscus to bloom?
Fertilizing your hibiscus plant is crucial for it to bloom and produce vibrant and healthy flowers. Using the right fertilizer can provide the necessary nutrients that promote hibiscus bloom growth.
The ideal fertilizer for hibiscus is a balanced and slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. The fertilizer should contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three main nutrients needed for healthy plant growth. Nitrogen is essential for foliage growth, phosphorus promotes root and flower growth, and potassium helps the plant fight diseases and stress.
Also Read: Are Crushed Eggshells Good for Orchids?
Conclusion
Hibiscus plants are gorgeous flowering plants that require proper care and attention to thrive and bloom. A lack of proper light, nutrients, and pruning at the wrong time can all contribute to the hibiscus not blooming.
However, the right care and seeing your mistake carefully can help hibiscus plants bloom and thrive. Using Epsom salt as a fertilizer can also aid in hibiscus blooming, but it should be used in moderation. By following these tips, your hibiscus plant will bloom in no time.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting