Moderate Flowering Safe for pets

Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus is a generous tropical shrub that produces spectacular ephemeral flowers in vibrant colors throughout summer.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 3 days
Light

Full sun
Humidity

50–70 %
Temperature

15–32 °C

How to care for your Hibiscus

Everything you need to keep your Hibiscus healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, or Chinese Rose, is a shrub native to tropical Asia that has become iconic in Mediterranean and tropical gardens worldwide. Its large funnel-shaped flowers, available in an endless palette of colors, open in the morning and fade by evening, replaced by new ones the next day. In summer, it can be placed on a sunny balcony or terrace, which it greatly appreciates. It is a vigorous plant that responds beautifully to regular fertilization and annual pruning.

Watering your Hibiscus

Every 3 days

Water thoroughly during the growing season to keep the substrate moist. Reduce in winter. Never leave the pot standing in a saucer of stagnant water.

How to know it needs water

Topsoil dry 2–3 cm down
Leaves beginning to droop
Flower buds dropping prematurely

How much light a Hibiscus needs

Full sun

Full sun to bright light. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for prolific flowering.

Direct sun tolerated: 6 to 10 h a day
Orientations that suit it: South, South-east, South-west, East, West

Humidity and misting

50–70 %

50–70% Mist regularly, especially indoors in heated rooms. Hibiscus appreciates ambient humidity but tolerates drier conditions than many tropicals.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 7 days

Fertilize weekly during active growth (April–September). Reduce to once a month in autumn. Stop in winter.

Recommended feed: Liquid fertilizer high in potassium (NPK 10-10-20) to promote flowering. A hibiscus-specific formula is ideal. · 10-5-15

Repotting your Hibiscus

Every 12 months

Use rich, well-draining compost. Add compost and perlite. Move up one pot size at each repotting. Root-prune lightly if necessary.

When: Early spring, before new growth resumes
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Reduced flowering despite good fertilization
Water running straight through without being absorbed

Pruning your Hibiscus

In late winter or early spring, before growth resumes. Cut back by a third to a half to maintain a compact, bushy habit. Flowers form on new-season wood, so pruning stimulates flowering.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 5 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 2 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

Hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and appears on the country's banknotes and coins.
Each Hibiscus flower lasts only one day, but the plant continuously produces new ones throughout the growing season.

Frequently asked questions about the Hibiscus

How do you care for a Hibiscus?

Water it every 3 days. Give it full sun. Ideal humidity: 50–70 %. Ideal temperature: 15–32 °C. Water thoroughly during the growing season to keep the substrate moist. Reduce in winter. Never leave the pot standing in a saucer of stagnant water.

How often should you water a Hibiscus?

Every 3 days Water thoroughly during the growing season to keep the substrate moist. Reduce in winter. Never leave the pot standing in a saucer of stagnant water. How to know it needs water : Topsoil dry 2–3 cm down ; Leaves beginning to droop ; Flower buds dropping prematurely.

How much light does a Hibiscus need?

Full sun Full sun to bright light. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for prolific flowering. 6 to 10 h a day

Is the Hibiscus toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Hibiscus is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Hibiscus leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Hibiscus?

Repot every 12 months, ideally in early spring, before new growth resumes. Use rich, well-draining compost. Add compost and perlite. Move up one pot size at each repotting. Root-prune lightly if necessary.