What’s Wrong With My Hibiscus? 5 Problems and Fixes
Hibiscuses are famous for their large, eye-catching flowers and glossy foliage. While the plants are quite popular, hibiscus problems are not. Join Florida gardener Melissa Strauss to discuss common issues with these plants and how you can combat and cure them.
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Who doesn’t love a hibiscus shrub? They have an easy-going nature and some of the largest perennial flowers around. There are species to suit nearly every climate, from tropical ones to those suitable for zone 4.
These shrubs are famous for their enormous, brightly colored flowers. Tropical types can produce these blooms nearly year-round. Hardy species are summer bloomers, and some have flowers measuring up to 12 inches across!
When you see your hibiscus looking unhealthy, it’s important to troubleshoot right away. They are relatively resilient, so when a visible issue arises, it’s usually one that warrants attention. Hibiscuses like plenty of sun and well-drained soil. Given these conditions and plenty of water, they should thrive.
But what if they aren’t thriving? If your plant has yellow leaves, looks droopy, or isn’t flowering, there is probably an underlying cause. Let’s discuss some common hibiscus problems and how you can prevent and correct them.
The Short Answer
If your hibiscus is having problems, like a lack of flowers or unhealthy foliage, look to its care for answers. Under the right conditions, these plants are low maintenance, but under the wrong conditions, they can be vulnerable. Some potential issues include overwatering, pest infestation, environmental stress, or a lack of proper nutrients.
The Long Answer
If your hibiscus has yellow or wilted leaves, poor flowering, or stunted growth, you have a problem to solve. There are several factors to consider that may affect the health of this plant. Let’s examine some potential issues and discuss how to address them.
Pests
One of the main hibiscus problems we encounter is pest infestation. These plants have sweet, edible flowers and tender foliage, making them a magnet for many nuisance insects. Signs of a pest infestation include deformed buds and leaves that curl or turn yellow. A sticky residue on the leaves is another sure sign that pests are present.
Some common insects that feed on hibiscus include whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scales. These are all common in the garden, at varying degrees. Spider mites tend to thrive in hot, dry climates, but can also be a problem indoors.
All of these insects are after the same thing. The sweet sap of the hibiscus plant. A less severe infestation may manifest in just a small area of damage. Aphids can do serious damage in large numbers. Large numbers of any pest can be a problem for your hibiscus, though.
How to Fix It:
Hibiscuses don’t just attract nuisance insects; they attract beneficial insects as well. These are the most effective defenses against pest infestations. If predators are present, they will help keep pest populations to a minimum. You can attract these beneficial insects with flowering plants that provide a lot of nectar and pollen.
Inspect your hibiscus regularly for signs of pest infestations. Act quickly when you see them pop up. For small infestations, I prefer to remove the affected flowers and foliage. This eliminates the insects altogether. Sometimes, a strong stream of water will help to dislodge the pests. But, this sometimes leaves them on another part of the plant.
You can also use neem oil, horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap to eradicate an infestation. I avoid spraying anything on a plant that is in bloom, as this can harm the good insects.
Overwatering/Root Rot
Hibiscuses don’t usually have problems with abundant watering, as long as their soil drains well. They are moisture lovers and appreciate some humidity as well. However, in the presence of poor drainage or excessive rain, you may see some water-related issues crop up.
The most serious condition caused by overwatering is root rot. This is a fungal decay of the roots, and it can be challenging to detect until it’s rampant. Yellowing leaves are an early indicator of root rot. They will begin from the bottom of the plant and work their way up.
As the root rot progresses, the leaves will begin to wilt and eventually drop off. The plant may also stop growing. If you get close to the ground, you may notice a foul smell coming from the roots.
How to Fix It:
Prevention is the best solution for this hibiscus problem. Though if you’re already in this situation, that won’t help. Preventing root rot involves planting in well-draining soil and watering only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. You should also reduce watering in cool weather.
If you notice signs of root rot and suspect this is the issue, allow the roots to dry out and return to a good routine. If you are working with a potted plant, re-pot it with fresh soil. Make sure to trim away any dark, mushy roots as they are rotten and won’t recover.
Nutrient Deficiency
Another common hibiscus problem is nutrient deficiency. They are heavy feeders during their growing season, and it’s essential to meet their robust needs. A lack of specific nutrients can result in poor growth, blooming, and leaf color.
A nitrogen deficiency in your hibiscus can look a bit like root rot. The bottom leaves will turn yellow, and the plant’s growth can slow. Nitrogen is responsible for the green growth, so this is where to look regarding this deficiency.
Your hibiscus could be lacking potassium or phosphorus, too. A shortage of potassium will cause browning or scorching at the tips and edges of leaves. It can also contribute to poor flowering. A lack of phosphorus will cause poor bud formation and dull leaves. It can also affect root development.
Hibiscuses also need iron and magnesium, and without them, you could see leaf issues. Iron deficiency causes chlorosis, characterized by the yellowing of leaf tissue with green veins. Magnesium deficiency will cause the older leaves to turn brown or appear scorched at the ends and edges.
How to Fix it:
Check your soil pH first. Hibiscuses need slightly acidic to neutral soil. With alkaline soil, the nutrients won’t break down properly.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season. This should meet your plant’s needs, provided the soil is in an optimal state. Avoid overusing nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive green growth and fewer flowers.
Adjusting your soil will typically rectify an iron deficiency. If not, a chelated iron supplement will help. For a magnesium deficiency, apply an Epsom salt solution (1-2 tbsp per gallon of water) around the base of the plant. These supplements should only be used when a soil test indicates iron or magnesium is lacking. Be careful and diligent in your applications. Too much can make the problem worse.
Insufficient Light
Lack of sunlight can also be a problem for hibiscus plants. These are sun lovers, and they require six to eight hours of daily sunlight for proper growth and flowering. Without enough sunlight, several issues can occur.
Poor blooming is a sign of insufficient light. The more light, the more flowers, is a general rule for hibiscuses. They may also have leggy growth, pale leaves, or overall slowed growth. A sure sign is leaves that lean toward a light source.
How to Fix It:
Hibiscuses need full sun. If you’re keeping it indoors, move it to a location with more light. You can use grow lights if you don’t have a sunny enough window. If it’s in a container outdoors, relocating it is also a viable solution.
If, however, you’ve planted your shrub in a position that doesn’t get enough light, you may have to move it. The alternative is to remove or prune whatever is casting shade on it.
Environmental Stress
Environmental stress refers to several factors that are typically out of our control. Temperature shifts, extreme weather conditions, light and water stress, and wind can all damage or negatively impact your plants.
Temperature extremes can cause leaf yellowing or scorch. Tropical hibiscuses can die from frost exposure. Heat above 95°F (35°C) is also stressful for this plant.
Rapid shifts in weather can lead to shock, manifesting in leaf and bud drop. Too little light means fewer flowers, while too much can burn your leaves. Over and underwatering have their own issues. Fungus is a symptom of too much, while crispy, wilted leaves are a sign of too little moisture.
How to Fix It:
While we don’t have control over the weather, there are steps we can take to mitigate these environmental stressors. Ensure you have the right species of hibiscus for your climate, as this is the most crucial factor.
Provide your plant with shelter and ample sunlight. When moving your plant to a new location, do so gradually. If the conditions are significantly different, like more light, don’t move it all at once. Allow it some time to get used to the increased exposure.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, to prevent stress from over- or under-watering. Mulch is also helpful in insulating the roots and keeping water in the soil. This is especially important in hot climates.
Key Takeaways
Most hibiscus problems are related to water, pests, nutrients, and the environment. When selecting a location for your plant, ensure it has the right conditions to support a healthy plant. Check on your hibiscus regularly to prevent any issues from becoming serious.
