What's your question? Ask

Hibiscus Plants

Q.Hibiscus growth problem!

Zone Zone 10 | Neha added on October 10, 2016 | Answered

My problem is little typical and I have done everything to solve it but haven’t got any success. I am guilty of using malathion pesticide on my hibiscus and I came to know quite late that malathion is toxic for hibiscus. Ever since I used it, my hibiscus stopped growing and flowering. It’s been three years and it’s in same condition as in the snap I have uploaded. It’s a yellow colored hybrid variety. I even pruned it down last year to reduce the burden on plant but have been seeing just little growth and that too on tips. One thing I noticed is the tips of branches are quite thick and I don’t know why is it so. Please help me take my plant out of this shock. I am losing hope.

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
Alisma
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on October 11, 2016

I am not sure why this hibiscus is still reacting to the Malathion after so long. I suspect it also has a zinc deficiency, which causes tiny leaves, pale green or yellowish patches on the leaves, and little or no growth. A gardening store may be able to provide you with a zinc spray such as zinc sulfate. This should help the plant start growing again.

If you aren't already, follow these instructions for removing 1/3 of the plant per year when pruning:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htm

Was this answer useful?
10

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Hibiscus Plants
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK