How Much Sunlight Does Hibiscus Need – Full Sun?

Hibiscus plants are native to tropical climates and they bloom under full sun. These flowering plants need at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight. However, they can grow under partial shade, but with reduced flowering and vigor.

Before moving your hibiscus plant outdoors, you must acclimate them by gradually bringing it to brighter conditions.

Renowned for its beautiful trumpet-shaped blossoms, the hibiscus plant has more than 300 species including cultivars.

With different colored flowers, hibiscus can beautify your garden with colorful edges.

Before I further brag about this charmer, let’s first understand its growing needs.

How Much Sunlight Does Hibiscus Need to Grow?

Hibiscus plants are native to tropical, sub-tropical, and other warm climates, however, you can grow this ornamental plant in colder climates with proper care.

As already mentioned, hibiscus plants need at least 6 hours of direct sun exposure, especially in the early morning.

Though it can grow in partial shade, the plant won’t be able to bloom to its full potential.

Does this mean I can’t grow hibiscus plants indoors?

No, you can certainly grow this flowering plant indoors.

All you’ve to do is to give adequate sun exposure and take care of other growing needs like well-drained soil, watering, and fertilizing.

Importance of sunlight for hibiscus plant flowering?

Every plant including hibiscus relies on sunlight to produce its food through the photosynthesis process.

When sunlight photons hit the hibiscus plant it absorbs it and uses the energy to synthesize carbohydrates from carbondioxide and water.

Thus, getting enough sun exposure results in greener foliage and blooming blossoms.

In my personal experience, I noticed that plants with insufficient sunlight won’t grow extensively and their flowering will also be reduced.

If you want to have vibrant hibiscus flowers in your garden, then you should provide them with enough sunlight for at least 6 hours.

What is the Best Temperature for Hibiscus Plant?

While planting, you should avoid extreme temperature spots like near radiators or firewood.

• Hibiscus needs an ideal temperature ranging between 65-75 F to grow and bloom.
• This plant does well in warmer temperatures when provided with bright light.

How Much Cold Can a Hibiscus Stand?

It can’t tolerate cold temperatures below 55 F. If the outside temperature at night falls below 50 F, then you must move your hibiscus plant container indoors.

Cold temperatures result in drops in fall buds and plants may experience stunted growth.

How to Grow Tropical Hibiscus Indoors?

Though the hibiscus plant needs an ample amount of sunlight to produce blossoms, it can also do well when grown indoors with enough bright sunlight.

• Choose a spot in your house where it gets at-least a few hours of morning sunlight. A spot beside the window sill is best for such sunlight-loving plants.
• Due to reduce sun exposure, the watering needs of indoor plants are different from outdoor hibiscus.
• Avoid over-watering and ensure to fertilize this flowering plant with organic compost.
• As discussed before, you should avoid drafts and temperature fluctuation spots. It can lead to the yellowing of hibiscus leaves.

Note: Though indoor hibiscus plants do bloom, when you shift them in outdoor light, they will be able to produce more vibrant flowers.

Do Hibiscus Plants Need Full Sun?

More sunlight means vigor hibiscus plants with appealing flowers.

• Yes, hibiscus plants do need full sun of 5-6 hours to thrive.
• However, it can tolerate partial shade depending on the climatic conditions in your region.
• Hibiscus plants grown in partial shade may produce few blossoms compared to those in full sun. But, they do grow and survive.

Remember this: Hibiscus plants can’t tolerate colder temperatures.

When to grow hibiscus plants in shade?

In some regions where the afternoon temperature is too hot, you should save hibiscus plant leaves from the scorching heat.

Else, leaves may turn yellow and burn.

Gardeners in the Southern United States shade their plants using a shade cloth to protect their plants from extreme temperatures.

Also, gardeners in other regions can protect their hibiscus plants from raising the heat in the hottest months.

Anyway, in the case of hibiscus, you don’t have to worry much. It does like warmer climates, things turn dicey only when the temperature reaches above 90F.

As a plant grower, you’re the best one to decide whether to shade your hibiscus plant or not.

Can I grow hibiscus in winter?

Yes, you can grow hibiscus plants in winter.

But you must protect this flowering plant from frost and snow.

• Place your hibiscus plant pot in a bright spot and water it regularly.
• If you live in a colder region, then bring the planter indoors during winter season.
• Also, make sure to maintain an adequate temperature of 65-75 F for hibiscus plant growth.
• In some regions, you can grow hibiscus plants outdoors, but when the temperature at night drops below 50F you must move the plant indoors.

If you’re able to provide enough sunlight with sufficient watering, the hibiscus plant can be grown in winter.

Must read: How often should you water your hibiscus plant?

Signs Hibiscus Plant is Getting Too Much Sunlight

Though this flowering plant loves to be exposed to sunlight, when it gets too much sun exposure, it results in leaf scorching.

• Hibiscus plant leaves start to turn yellow and later brown or black.
• Due to extreme temperatures, your plant may fail to produce blossom.

If you notice such changes, then move your hibiscus to a shaded location or protect it with shade cloth.

Water the plant and apply a thin layer of mulch to reduce soil temperature.

It is important to keep a balance when growing plants.

Hibiscus plants need adequate sunlight and temperature to grow healthy and vibrant flowers. But too much sun can be harmful to this flowering plant.

Be sure to monitor your hibiscus plant throughout the year, and provide it with the required amount of sunlight.

Important: Based on rising temperature and sunlight exposure, you must increase or decrease the watering frequency of the hibiscus plant. Else, your plant may either face over-watering or under-watering issues.

How to keep hibiscus blooming?

These plants are known to bloom only for short time.

However, with proper care, you can increase its blooming cycle.

In this article, the gardener listed all the important tips. I’ll summarize it for you.

• The most important factor is to ensure that the hibiscus plant gets a sufficient amount of sunlight.
• When growing hibiscus indoors, make sure to choose a spot that receives at least a few hours of morning or afternoon sun.
• Also, remember not to over-water the plant as this can lead to root rot.
• If you live in a hot climate, provide shade to your hibiscus plants during afternoons so that they are not exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Fertilize your hibiscus plants regularly with organic fertilizer and prune them properly to encourage healthy growth.
• To avoid root rot keep the soil moist but not soggy as this will help keep your hibiscus plants blooming for years.

Can Hibiscus grow in Partial Shade?

Yes, hibiscus can grow in partial shade but the plant may produce fewer flowers compared to plants grown in full sun.

But with proper care and maintenance, you can help your hibiscus plants thrive even when grown in partial shade.

Ensure that the plant receives bright sunlight or direct sunlight for a few hours in the morning and afternoon.

To promote healthy growth of the plant and to produce blossoms, water regularly and enrich the soil with organic fertilizers.

Pruning in early spring will help your hibiscus plants bloom abundantly.

Instead of sunlight, you can also grow hibiscus with artificial grow lights for optimal growth.

Hibiscus Sunlight Needs – How to Take Care?

Without proper care, you can’t expect the hibiscus plant to produce attractive blooms.

Along with sufficient sunlight, your plant needs well-drained soil and an adequate amount of moisture.

Below listed are a few important aspects of growing healthy hibiscus plants at your home.

• The best location to grow hibiscus is where it receives at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight or bright sunlight.
• Water the hibiscus plant regularly and avoid over-watering as it can result in root rot.
• The growing medium is very essential for plant growth, as it is responsible to transfer nutrients to plants. The best soil to grow hibiscus is well-drained, fertile soil that can retain moisture.
• Enrich the hibiscus plant with organic fertilizer or a combination of synthetic and organic fertilizer for optimal growth and to increase blooming.
• Prune your plants in early spring to encourage healthy growth and abundant blossoms.
• If you live in a hot climate, provide some shade during afternoons to protect it from extreme temperatures.
• To prevent root rot, keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Instead of natural sun, you can also grow hibiscus with artificial grow lights.
• Monitor your plant throughout the year and adjust the amount of sunlight accordingly to ensure healthy growth and blooming cycle.

Must Read: Should I use grow lights for indoor plants in winter?

Conclusion

Prominent for its vibrant colored flowers, hibiscus plant needs proper care and maintenance to bloom.

Sunlight is one of the essential needs for plant growth, without which no plant can look appealing.

Though there are few plants that can survive with low light, hibiscus need 5-6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive.

How many hours and how much sunlight does hibiscus plant need should be determined by considering climatic conditions in your region. However, as a thumb rule ensure your plant gets 6 hours of sunlight.

Like other indoor plants, hibiscus plant can grow with partial shade and bright light indoors, but with fewer blossoms.

This flowering plant is native to warmer and tropical climates, so it does well when exposed to sunlight.

However, region with extreme heat are recommended to use shade cloth to avoid burning of hibiscus leaves.

Gardeners in colder regions can also grow hibiscus indoors, but should avoid temperatures below 55F. Bring your plant pot indoors if the night temperature falls below 50F.

With adequate sunlight, sufficient water and right amount of fertilizers you can beautify your space with colorful blossoms.

Resources:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/hibiscus/
https://extension.umn.edu/house-plants/hibiscus
https://www.thespruce.com/hibiscus-growing-guide-5192541