How to take care of hibiscus

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A brightly hued plant, the hibiscus is a popularly included flower for many different gardens. The plants traditionally come in bright pinks, reds, oranges, and whites. There are also beautifully pure white varieties and rich purples as well. There is also great variety in the bloom size as well with certain varieties growing larger petals when compared with others in the hibiscus family.

Because of the vibrancy in hues and the flower size options, the hibiscus flower is included in garden centers both in pre-grown and seed form and is a popularly purchased flower. Buying these plants is only the first part of including them in a garden successfully. There is also the need to understand just how to care for these gorgeous flowers. The following explains more about what goes into taking care of hibiscus plant and how to make the beautiful growths thrive.

Know The Type

The hibiscus plant family has a strong point of origination. The plant was first discovered in southern China and in some parts of Hawaii. That was until the eighteenth century where it found itself travelling across Asia and into the European flower culture.

Eventually, it wound up in the United States as well where it became a much coveted and revered plant in the 1840’s where it appeared in a Philadelphia garden show for the first time. In actuality, though, the plant had made its way across the ocean to what would become Hawaii some years prior.

Through this migration, the hibiscus plant changed and evolved as the climates around it did as well. For that reason, it is vital to hibiscus care that an owner or garden cultivator to know exactly the type of plant that they own. Currently, there are over two hundred hibiscus plant varieties, again the reason why they are so popular and populace.

Some of these plants, however, require more care than other types. For that reason, it becomes essential that an individual who is going to use these flowering beauties to know exactly the variety that they are utilizing in their gardens or displays.

Climate Concern

There is one consistency throughout all varieties of hibiscus plant: they prefer the warmth over the cold. The Asian and tropical origins of the hibiscus plants have naturally led to a need for humidity and some heat throughout the plants lifespan. Though there are varieties that do better in more moderate temperatures when compared with others, hibiscus plant care needs to take into consideration the desire for warmth. What this means is that the plants should not be expected to grow in the winter successfully and that when temperatures dip low, they should be brought inside if possible.

Pot-planted hibiscuses can be mobilized relatively easily to accommodate this need, however, garden options may not. For that reason, if you are looking to utilize this plant outside, consider the temperatures and how long you will want to keep this plant growing in your garden. Be aware of the seasonal cycle and understand that warmth is one of the main needs and factors in sustainability.

Moisture Matters

In much the same way that the care of hibiscus plants requires warmth, there is also a strong need for humidity as well. This is especially true when it comes to the tropical varieties. For that reason, the soil around these plants should be well moisturized, though not oversaturated. This is important to ensuring that nutrients flow to the plant correctly and accurately but also that there is a better chance for moisture around them as well.

If your plant’s environment does not allow for this humidity naturally, indoor plants or greenhouse locations can benefit from environmental humidifiers as well. They will provide moisture without the need for it to occur naturally and the plant will better thrive because of this attention.

Remember the Sun

Sun is important to hibiscus plant care as well. There is a need for naturally sunlight to reach the petals of this beautiful growth or at least the strong simulation of such. As light is important, plants of this variety should not be kept in the dark for excessive periods of time. If they are, there is a strong chance that they will not thrive for very long.

If you are placing your hibiscus plants indoors, be sure that they are located next to a window where the light can reach the petals. If only limited natural light is possible or you see your plant begin to wilt because of a lack in this area, consider purchasing lights that will simulate the sun without actually require natural sunlight.

A Hibiscus Tree?

So far, the discussion of hibiscus plant care has centered on the plant or flower itself. There are, however, those hibiscus varieties that are in a much larger form. The hibiscus tree is another option for those looking for the beauty of the hibiscus flower in a more majestic or strong way. The hibiscus tree also has the beautiful flowers of the plants aforementioned, but they are attached to the branches of a dark leafed tree. The same care that is required for hibiscus plants are also required for hibiscus tree care.

Warmth and humidity are musts, with a well doused but not oversaturated soil for root growth. The main difference, however, comes from the mobility of this type of hibiscus plant. The tree itself will not be able to be moved inside or into a warmer climate without some effort and relatively strong resources, as well as risk, in its movement. For that reason, the climactic needs should almost be naturally present rather than forced or mimicked which can be the case for the flower and the smaller varieties of the hibiscus plant.

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