My indoor potted hibiscus is getting leggy and larger than I would like. It has flowered all winter and seems to be healthy. My questions are: Can I prune it back the same as an outdoor plant, and is this a good time of year to do so?
Yes, you can prune it back and spring is a good time to do that.
The top of the leaves became sticky and I soon noticed what appeared to be a small drop of dried blood up and down the branches (hundreds). Upon close examination, I revealed a fragile shell-like structure with a moist interior, later noting eggs inside and a moving developing bug. I scraped all these off and sprayed with a product on hand called 'Hot Shot'. I did happen to see one lady bug on the plant which escaped. The next day more of these droplets started forming. What is it, and how do I treat it? Plants are normally terrific bloomers and I hope to save them. They were in the house in a large container when this began. . . now out on the deck!
They are most likely aphids. The ladybugs like to eat them, so that was why you saw one. Here is an article to help you with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm
There is also a chance that it could be scale, which has similar symptoms and is treated the same. This article willhelp you with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
Neem oil is effective in treating both insects. This article has more info on using neem oil: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have two (2) indoor hibiscus plants and they are growing wildly. Should I still trim them back now (spring)? I live in Arizona and have been keeping them inside, as I plan to move to a state that is still freezing at night. I intend to keep them as indoor plants. Other suggestions?
You can prune now. If they are getting leggy, though, it is likely due to too little light. After pruning, you should look into providing more light to the plants to prevent the plants getting leggy again.
I brought my hibiscus in last fall and it had lots of leaves and flowers on it. About a week or two later, the leaves and flowers all fell off. Nothing has grown on it all winter. Is it a lost cause?
It is possible that they plant did not make it through the winter. Some hibiscus cannot tolerate cold temperatures. This article will help you determine if your plant is alive or dead:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
I was wondering, I bought 3 hibiscus last summer and this winter I brought them in. They lost their flowers and leaves. I put them out this spring. How long will it be for them to get their leaves and start blooming? Right now they are down to only branches. What can I do to bring them back to life?
First you need to determine if they are still alive. This article will help with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
If it is still alive, set it outside once night time temps are above 50F. Start to water it. You should see signs of growth in a week or 2 after that.
My hibiscus is in a planter and is starting to bloom, but the leaves are turning yellow and they are very sparse too. My gardenia plant is also turning yellow. Am I watering too much or too little?
It could be either. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch on top, but don't wait until the soil is dry below that. Also, make sure to give them fertilizer, as a lack of fertilizer can also cause yellow leaves.
These articles will help as well:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/answers-to-what-causes-hibiscus-leaves-turning-yellow.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/helping-a-gardenia-bush-with-yellow-leaves.htm
Outdoors, how much sun should they have? I have moved my potted hibiscus from an indoor sunroom to outside, but the leaves seem to be dying.
These plants usually prefer bright, indirect light. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/answers-to-what-causes-hibiscus-leaves-turning-yellow.htm