How to Overwinter a Hibiscus Plant Indoors?

The ideal temperature to grow a hibiscus plant is 65F to 75F, but as winter rolls in, you might be wondering how to overwinter it so that it produces vibrant-colored blooms for next season.

Relocating hibiscus to a warmer and well-lit location allows the plant to survive cold weather.

With minimal light, enough water, and a warmer climate, you can grow hibiscus indoors as a houseplant.

Don’t be alarmed if you notice a few yellow-colored or fallen leaves.

In the second case, if the plant is in the dormant stage, relocate it to a darker spot and reduce watering.

You can keep your hibiscus as a houseplant or allow it to go dormant; there’s a method that suits every type of gardener.

Will Hibiscus Come Back After Winter?

Yes, hibiscus can absolutely come back after winter, but it depends on how you handle the plant during the colder months.

Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) cannot survive freezing temperatures and must be brought indoors or otherwise protected.

Hardy hibiscus, on the other hand, can tolerate cold climates and often return year after year, even in zones with freezing winters.

However, the tropical varieties most commonly grown as ornamental plants need extra care to survive the winter.

If you protect your tropical hibiscus properly over the winter months, it will not only survive but can thrive again once the weather warms up.

The key is knowing how to shield the plant from cold temperatures and ensure it gets enough light and care indoors.

Do Hibiscus Bloom in Winter?

Hibiscus plants typically do not bloom in winter, especially if they’ve been brought indoors.

These plants are used to warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and plenty of sunshine, all of which are in short supply during the winter months.

Indoors, the reduced light and cooler temperatures will likely cause the hibiscus to go dormant or significantly slow its growth.

However, under ideal conditions—such as placing your hibiscus in a bright, sunny window or supplementing with grow lights—it is possible for the plant to keep blooming sporadically.

Keep in mind that continuous blooming can put extra stress on the plant, so don’t worry if it takes a break during winter. The main goal is to keep the plant healthy and alive until spring.

How to Overwinter a Hibiscus Plant?

Overwintering a hibiscus indoors requires some planning and understanding of the plant’s needs.

There are three primary ways to overwinter your hibiscus: as a houseplant, allowing it to go dormant, or propagating cuttings to start fresh in spring.

1. Hibiscus as a Houseplant

One of the easiest ways to overwinter a hibiscus is to bring it inside and treat it as a houseplant. This method works best if you have space near a bright window or can provide grow lights to supplement the lower natural light levels during winter.

Hibiscus plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and a consistent temperature of 60-70°F. Keeping the plant in a sunny room will allow it to maintain some growth, and if you’re lucky, you may even get a few blooms.

• Before bringing the hibiscus inside, check for any pests. Inspect the leaves, stems, and soil for insects like aphids or spider mites.
• Gradually acclimate the plant to indoor conditions by moving it to a shaded outdoor area for a few days before bringing it in.
• Place the plant near a bright window or under grow lights, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Humidity can be a challenge indoors, so mist the leaves occasionally or place the plant near a humidifier.

2. Allowing Hibiscus to Go Dormant

Another way to overwinter a hibiscus is to allow it to go dormant. This method involves reducing light and temperature exposure to encourage the plant to enter a resting phase.

Dormancy mimics the natural environment where plants slow down their growth to survive the colder months.

• Trim the hibiscus back to about half its size before bringing it indoors. This reduces the amount of energy the plant needs to sustain itself during winter.
• Move the plant to a cool, dark place like a basement or garage where temperatures hover between 50-60°F.
• Water sparingly, just enough to keep the soil from completely drying out.
• The plant may lose its leaves, but don’t worry—this is a natural part of the dormancy process.

Once spring arrives, you can slowly bring the plant back to life by increasing water, light exposure, and temperature.

Check this: How Long Does Hibiscus Flower Last?

3. Propagating Hibiscus Cuttings

If you don’t have space for a full-size plant indoors, you can take cuttings from your hibiscus and root them in water.

This method allows you to start new plants in the spring without having to overwinter the entire plant.

• Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems. Be sure to cut just below a node, where roots will form.
• Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and place the stems in a glass of water.
• Keep the glass in a warm spot with indirect sunlight, and change the water every few days.
• Once the cuttings develop roots, they can be transplanted into pots and grown indoors until spring.

When to Bring Hibiscus Indoors for Winter?

Timing is crucial when bringing your hibiscus indoors for winter. You should move your plant indoors before night-time temperatures consistently drop below 50°F.

In most regions, this means moving the plant inside in late September or early October.

Tropical hibiscus is particularly sensitive to cold, and exposure to temperatures below 40°F can cause damage to the plant, so don’t wait until the first frost to make the move.

It’s a good idea to start acclimating your hibiscus to indoor life a few weeks before bringing it inside.

Move the plant to a shaded or covered area outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time spent in lower light conditions. This reduces the shock of the transition from bright outdoor light to lower indoor light levels.

Also Read: Best Homemade Fertilizer for Hibiscus

How to Take Care of Hibiscus in Winter?

Taking care of your hibiscus indoors during winter requires a bit of attention to detail. While the plant’s needs will change during the growing season, a few simple adjustments will keep it healthy until spring.

• Light: Hibiscus needs bright, indirect sunlight during winter. Place it near a south-facing window or use grow lights to supplement natural light.
• Watering: Reduce watering during the winter months. Water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially when the plant isn’t actively growing.
• Humidity: Winter air can be dry, especially indoors. Mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier nearby to keep the humidity level around 50-60%.
• Temperature: Hibiscus prefers consistent temperatures around 60-70°F. Avoid placing the plant near drafty windows or heating vents, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plant.

Also Read: Why My Hibiscus Plant Not Flowering?

How to Relocate Hibiscus after Winter?

As spring approaches, your hibiscus will be ready to move back outside, but it’s important to do this gradually to prevent shock.

Don’t move the plant from the cozy indoors straight into full sunlight, as the sudden change in temperature and light levels can damage the leaves.

• About two weeks before moving your hibiscus outside, start by placing it outdoors in a shaded area for a few hours each day.
• Gradually increase the amount of time the plant spends outdoors and expose it to more sunlight as the days pass.
• Continue watering and fertilizing regularly as the plant begins to wake up from its winter dormancy.

When Is It Safe to Bring Hibiscus Outside?

It’s safe to move your hibiscus back outdoors once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F. In most areas of the U.S., this happens in late April or early May, but be sure to check your local forecast to avoid any unexpected frosts. The key is ensuring the plant won’t be exposed to cold temperatures that could cause damage after being inside for several months.

If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and keep the plant inside a little longer, especially if a late frost is in the forecast.

Conclusion

Overwintering a hibiscus plant indoors may seem like a challenge, but with the right preparation and care, it’s completely manageable.

Whether you choose to keep your hibiscus as a houseplant, let it go dormant, or propagate cuttings, there’s a method that will work for your space and lifestyle.

With a little planning, your hibiscus can survive the winter months and return stronger than ever when the warmth of spring rolls around.