LoveToKnow Garden:AllComments

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Hi Eileen,

A few yellow leaves are normal. As leaves get old, they turn yellow and fall off. Then they are replaced with new leaves.

Another possible problem is over watering. If you are giving your hibiscus too much water you will also see the leaves turn yellow and fall off. Hibiscus need moist, but not soggy, soil.

Hibiscus do like acidic oil as well. Try adding a fertilizer for acidic plants such as Miracid, or add used coffee grounds to the soil or a cup of vinegar diluted in a gallon of water. If you use the vinegar, do not get it on the leaves. Only pour it on the soil.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I live in the lower,coastal Sonoran Desert.and my 1yr.old single, red hibiscus'leaves have turned yellow and are dropping. I am spraying insecticidel soap but would like to know if I should supplement with more organic matter and how do I do that without damaging the roots?

-- Contributed by: Eileen Derrick

It is possible that it has gotten too much water and has fungal growth on the roots of the side that is drooping. This will prevent water from getting through the roots.

It is also possible that it is becoming root-bound. You will need to take a look at the roots. If they look very tangled and in a tight ball, you may need to prune them a bit and repot it.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

Hi, I recently bought a potted Hibiscus plant and have kept it on the living room window grill where it gets the morning sun, say upto 10:30 a.m. I water it daily. I can see a lot of new shoots growing. However one side of its leaves have started drooping. The other side leaves look healthy. What is the reason for this? Is it because of too much water or something else. Please advise. I live in India and right now the rainy season is on and the place where I live becomes very warm only in April and May.

I look forward to your advise. Thanks.

-- Contributed by: Shirish

Hi Bob,

This is a difficult question to answer because, even though you said you have a tree hibiscus, your hibiscus could be one of many species. The care your requires will depend on the species to some degree.

That said, it is normal to prune back a hibiscus. It is necessary in order to get those beautiful blooms which only form on new growth. However, it shouldn't need to be cut all the way down as you have described. Follow the directions above in the article to properly prune your plant. You can also read the article Growing Hibiscus for more information.

In addition, be sure your hibiscus is getting enough sunlight. It needs about four hours a day of sunlight if you keep it indoors. Keep in mind too, that your hibiscus needs a break in the winter.

It is also helpful to prune the roots annually if your hibiscus is kept in a pot. If you don't, it will become root-bound, which will affect the branches and the blooms.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I purchased a tree hibiscus at a flea market two years ago. The first year it grew to about 3 foot tall and had many blooms. The following spring the trunk and branches were all dead. I cut them down and it grew to over six foot tall, again with many blooms. Now the branches and trunks are dead again some are over three inches in diamiter. Is it normal that it die off each year and then grow back? This year I'll have to use a saw to cut down the dead trunks it seems self defeating. We live just south of Austin Texas.

-- Contributed by: bob hays
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