Hibiscus is native to sub-tropical and tropical climates and it requires regular watering to bloom.
Gardening experts say this flowering plant need large amount of water to grow in warmer regions.
But, too much water or underwatering can kill your ornamental plant.
So, how much water does hibiscus needs to grow?
Water hibiscus plant generously until the excess water is drained out of the container. Growing soil must be wet completely and you should water the plant only when the soil is dry by 1 inch.
Climatic conditions in your region plays vital role in watering frequency.
In summer, you should water hibiscus plant daily. The potting soil shouldn’t be let dry for longer time when the temperature is rising.
In winter, you can decrease watering frequency and moisturize the plant soil only when it is dry.
Note: Hardy and Tropical Hibiscus
Watering frequency for tropical hibiscus and hardy hibiscus differs based on the climatic conditions.
Tropical hibiscus can’t survive in winter if left outdoors. Whereas, hardy hibiscus though belongs to same species, it can survive in USDA zones 5-8.
Tropical species need more water compared to its counter parts.
Check the growing soil for dryness, before watering this flowering plant.
Watering Hibiscus Plant Guide
Hibiscus belongs to mallow family with hundreds of species. As mentioned above, you should consider the type of hibiscus you’re growing while watering them.
To successfully grow any plant, you should try to mimic growing conditions of its native place in your garden.
Hibiscus native to tropical climates, it requires frequent moisture.
Along with watering frequency, you should ensure the growing soil is well-drained and the pot or container in which you’re growing hibiscus has drainage hole.
With adequate amount of water, well-drained soil, this flowering plant needs –sufficient sunlight to grow. Without enough sun exposure moisture stays longer and it can lead to root rotting.
- If you’re growing this plant in drier regions, along with regular watering you must ensure that the humidity is balanced.
- When you see hibiscus big leaves and its vibrant flowers, it clearly shows it requires large amount of water on daily basis.
Along with frequency, you must know how much water is too much for the plant.
If you’re looking for how many gallons of water should you give, then am afraid it’s not possible.
As, there are various factors that need to be considered while watering the plant.
A simple trick to make sure your plant is getting enough water is, look at the plant leaves. If foliage is green with colourful blossoms, then it says your hibiscus plant is getting enough moisture.
Note: Later in this article I’ll explain signs of too much watering and not watering hibiscus plant.
What is ideal temperature to grow hibiscus plant?
You should consider temperature and humidity of your region before watering hibiscus plant.
Ideal temperature to grow hibiscus plant is 65F to 75F.
This flowering plant can’t tolerate extreme climatic conditions and tropical hibiscus cannot tolerate cold temperature. Day temperature should be above 55F; else you should move this ornamental plant indoors.
How Often to Water Hibiscus Plant?
Consider your regional temperature and water your hibiscus plant twice in a day.
If you notice hibiscus plant is not blooming, then probably it isn’t getting enough water.
Consistent moisture is essential for hibiscus plant growth and blooming.
If gardeners stop watering this flowering plant for few days, its leaves start to dry out and turns yellow. However, if watering is resumed the plant leaves will be back to its color.
Watering frequency should be maintained to keep the soil moist. But, according to climate change you should regulate watering schedule.
In summer, big leaves of hibiscus needs more water. You shouldn’t allow the soil to bone dry for longer time. It will eventually affect formation of blossoms.
In colder regions, where the temperature is low, gardeners should decrease watering frequency. As there is no adequate sun exposure, amount of water evaporates into atmosphere reduces, thus plant needs less water.
Similarly, compared to summer you should decrease watering hibiscus plant in spring.
How to Water Hibiscus Plant in Pot?
You can use garden hose, sprinkle or drip irrigation method to water your potted hibiscus plant. It doesn’t matter.
What important is that you consistently provide moist soil for the growing medium.
For healthy growth, you should consider well-drained soil that don’t become soggy or overly saturated.
No need to say, but pot or container should have drainage holes to let go excess water from it.
Insert your index finger by 1 inch and check for the soil moisture. If it’s wet or the soil is sticky, then you don’t have to water.
Allow the potting soil to dry between watering.
In winter, tropical hibiscus should be moved indoors to save from cold. Also, you should reduce watering frequency and let the soil dry for longer time between watering.
Watering Hibiscus in Summer
Early morning is the best time to water your plants. So, they can effectively use the water throughout the day.
Hibiscus is native to tropical region and it needs more water on hot days.
In summer, water hibiscus plant twice a day because long exposure to sunlight evaporates moisture quickly.
Underwatering your hibiscus in summer will result in wilted leaves and plant slow down blooming.
Tip: Use hay grass as mulch to preserve soil moisture for longer time.
Watering Hibiscus in Winter
Potted hibiscus is prone to overwatering.
In winter, due to low sunlight exposure soil moisture stays for longer time.
If you water continuously without checking the moisture level, it can lead to overwatering.
Excess watering that clogged at root level results in root rot and yellow leaves.
How do I know if my hibiscus is overwatered?
Yellow foliage, green layer of algae on surface of the soil and root rot are major signs of overwatered hibiscus plant.
Remove the potted hibiscus plant and check for possible root damage.
Trim damaged roots and replant it into well-drained potting soil with drainage holes.
Reduce the watering frequency and ensure the hibiscus plant gets sufficient sunlight.
Underwatering Hibiscus Plant
Yellow leaves, stunted plant growth and hibiscus not blooming are major signs that your flowering plant isn’t getting enough moisture.
Particularly, gardeners in tropical and sub-tropical regions must consistently provide water for hibiscus plant.
To revive hibiscus plant, start watering with distilled water regularly. Don’t let the growing medium to dry completely for longer time between watering. This will affect blooming.
Also Read About Other Flowering Plants:
- How to Grow Everlasting Sweet Peas?
- Growing Sweet Peas in Hanging Baskets?
- How Often to Water Sweet Peas Plant?
- How Often to Water Angel Wing Begonia?
- Are Eggshells Good for Hydrangeas?
- Can Angel Wing Begonias Grow Outside?
Tips to Take Care of Hibiscus Plant
- You should water your hibiscus regularly to maintain soil moisture, but avoid over-watering. Water the plant when you notice top 1 inch of the soil is dry.
- During growing season hibiscus need to be fertilized with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 o r20-20-20).
- Indoor hibiscus plants require less fertilizer compared to outdoor plants.
- Hibiscus needs bright sunlight for at-least 6-8 hours per day. Place your hibiscus plant in a sunny spot indoors or on a patio, but be sure to protect it from strong winds that can damage its delicate leaves and flowers.
- Maintain ideal temperature of 65F to 75F to grow healthy hibiscus.
- Pruning encourages plant to grow bushier. Trim lower leaves and sucker in winter. This flowering plant is able to withstand heavy pruning. To promote bushier plant, trim flower buds.
- Potted hibiscus plant must be re-potted in fresh soil every two years so that it can get necessary nutrients and oxygen from the new potting mix.
- Choose potting soil mix that is made specifically for flowering plants and use a container one size larger than its current one when repotting it.
- Watch out for pests such as aphids, mealybugs and scale insects which suck sap from plants causing yellowed leaves, wilting and poor growth of flower buds if left untreated.
- Treat with an insecticidal soap spray or natural neem oil solution according to instructions on product label if you see any signs of infestation on your plant’s foliage or flowers.
- Keep humidity levels high around your hibiscus by misting its leaves daily or setting up a humidifier.
- If you want to display varieties of dramatic colour throughout the year then try different pruning techniques like pinching off buds from time to time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if hibiscus plant is getting too much water?
Overwatered hibiscus plant leaves turn yellow and its root starts to rot. You can see too much water on top layer of the soil.
What is the best way to water a hibiscus plant?
You can water using garden hose or drip irrigation. Just make sure the growing soil stays moist consistently during growing season.
Should you spray hibiscus with water?
Yes, it is good to spray water on hibiscus leaves. It will help to regulate humidity. If your region has dry air, then it is essential to sprinkle water on its leaves.
Final Words
To put it in simple words, hibiscus plant is native to tropical region and it needs consistent watering.
How much and how often should you water hibiscus plant depends on climatic conditions in your region.
As a thumb rule, while watering be patient and allow the water to reach deeper layers of the soil.
Deep watering twice in a day is recommended instead of shallow watering.
Water according to your weather conditions.
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