Indoor Hibiscus Leaf Cleaning

Question

I live in Dayton, OH and about a month ago brought my hibiscus trees indoors for the winter. One is thriving, still blossoming and the other must be shutting down for the winter. I know not to over water and I know that some leaves yellowing and dropping off is normal. My wife told me this morning that she thinks the tree that’s still blooming is sick and that on the underside of some leaves she found some indications that the plant may have a disease. I don’t see it, but told her I’d wash the leaves down individually to cleanse them. Can you give me information on a solution of dishwashing liquid/? to clean them with? I can’t spray them because they’re in the dining room on carpet and each weighs about 75 lbs. with the pots they’re in. I’d appreciate any tips you could give me. By the way, this is their 2nd winter being brought indoors.

Answer 1

Some leaves yellowing and dropping is normal, even if the plant is still blooming. That being said, they are very susceptible to pests in the winter, so your wife probably did see something on the plant. You can use these recipes here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/natural-home-pesticides-organic-garden-pest-control.htm or you can try treating the trees with neem oil. You can learn more about neem oil here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm