How to care for and prune Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus flowering

There are thousands of varieties of Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), with flower diameters ranging from 5 centimeters to over 20 centimeters (2–8 in). Flowers can be single or double.

There is also a white-and-green variegated cultivar called ‘Cooperi,’ whose leaves take on a violet-red hue under bright light.

Chinese hibiscus care

Chinese hibiscus requires plenty of light for it to bloom abundantly. In summer (if facing a south-facing window) it’s a good idea to shield it from the potentially scorching midday sun or move it slightly away from the window.

This plant needs ample water, but the soil should dry slightly between waterings. Apply fertilizer every couple of weeks from spring to fall; a plant with buds can also be fertilized in winter.

Chinese hibiscus pruning

In a pot, a Chinese hibiscus rarely grows taller than about three meters (10 ft). Size varies by cultivar, as some stay under one meter (3 ft) tall. You can control the size of the Chinese hibiscus by pruning it. Once the plant has reached the desired height, cut the top. This encourages vigorous branching. If you wish, you can then shorten these new branches.

The best time to prune a Chinese hibiscus is from February to March, once it begins growing. Long, leggy shoots can be cut back hard; for young plants, trim them to about 5–6 centimeters (2–2.5 in). For older Chinese hibiscus, prune so that the plant’s overall shape remains attractive.

There’s no need for unnecessary pruning, because buds form at the tips of the shoots. On the other hand, only a well-branched, large plant can flower year-round. This often presents a challenge for growers: should you cut back a long branch that already has buds at the tip, or let it bloom undisturbed?

Chinese hibiscus propagation

Chinese hibiscus can vary greatly in how well it thrives as a houseplant, depending on the cultivar. If you want to be sure your plant will do well, try asking relatives or friends for a cutting from a plant that has proven successful on a windowsill.

Chinese hibiscus is easily propagated from green cuttings, which root well in both water and soil. If you plant a cutting directly in soil, a transparent plastic cover over it helps reduce evaporation.

Chinese hibiscus problems

Pale leaves

The Chinese hibiscus doesn’t necessarily suffer from direct sunlight, but intense sun through a bright window can wash out the color of both leaves and flowers. If the leaves are pale green and the tips turn brown, the plant may lack nitrogen. In that case, it also won’t bloom.

Light spots on leaves

Light spots on the leaves usually indicate stress due to improper care: the plant may be getting too much or too little water, or it has been over-fertilized. A small change in care may be enough to resolve the issue.

Curling leaves

A lack of potassium or magnesium can cause the edges of older Chinese hibiscus leaves to curl. Deficiencies always include other symptoms, such as browning of the leaf tips and/or edges or yellowing between the veins. If you notice these signs, repot the plant in fresh soil and watch its progress. If the problem persists, try fertilizing.

There’s also a small chance that curling leaves are caused by a virus. There’s no simple home test for viral infections, but a hibiscus infected by a virus typically shows additional signs, such as yellow ring-shaped patterns, or leaves become speckled or spotted in yellow. There’s no way to remove the virus from a plant, so it’s best to discard any infected one.

Mites

Mites are hard to detect with the naked eye, and their presence is often first noticed by their webs. If your Chinese hibiscus can be lifted easily, take it to a lukewarm shower and rinse it thoroughly, removing any visible webs. After it dries, spray it with a pest-control product. If you prefer not to use chemicals, you can try to keep spider mites at bay by misting the plant with water from time to time or rinsing it under the shower, though water alone may not eliminate them entirely.

Aphids

If your Chinese hibiscus leaves are turning yellow and feel sticky, there are likely aphids on it. The sticky substance is honeydew, a sugary liquid secreted by aphids. These pests feed on the plant’s sap, which can cause discoloration in the leaves.

You can remove individual aphids by hand. If the entire plant is overrun, you can curb their spread by spraying it with a houseplant-safe insecticide. Afterward, check your hibiscus every day for any new signs of infestation.