I have 2 (two) hibiscuses, one is a shrub, the other a topiary. Both are being kept in my garage to weather out the winter in coastal NC; I use a small heater to keep the temperatures above 50 F. They are both at an eastern facing window. Both still have their leaves, and are watered once a week. Should they be pruned before they go back outdoors when they can tolerate cool overnight temps? (I already receive your weekly newsletter by email).
Yes, you can prune those in spring before they go out. I believe these are tropical. If not, you can plant hardy hibiscus outside.
Here is how to prune:
Plant is in the garage for the winter.
They require a dormancy, and will start to lose their leaves when water is, properly, reduced. Yellowing should occur.
Seeing brown can be a sign of bacterial, or fungal infection. This happens when the soil remains too moist for too long, without a dry out period. This leads to the perfect environment for infection.
From here, you will need to let it finish out dormancy, removing any infected leaves. Do NOT cut the branches back until it is ready to go back out.
Treat with a fungicide, as well, then let it go almost completely dry to the bottom before watering again. Water sparingly, until time to break dormancy.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/how-to-care-for-hibiscus-plants.htm
off. I'm watering daily for about 15 mins. I live in South FL & they get direct sun.
There are several possible reasons for the problem with your hibiscus plant.See article below. Plus, I wouldn't water every day (unless they are in pots that dry out quickly). Water deeply and less frequently, but keep the ground somewhat moist.
This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-flowers-hibiscus-blossoms-falling-off-plant.htm
They are just tiny little white bumps on the limbs
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I cannot tell you, exactly, what the problem is.
I can take a guess, though. It sounds like it could be a scale infestation. They can appear any color from white to brown to black. Killing them is not straightforward, since they seal themselves to your plants.
First, you will need to remove all that you can by hand, or with a scraping utensil. Then, you will want to treat with an insecticide, or alcohol swab.
Here are some articles that will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/pests-on-hibiscus-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-soft-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/what-is-armored-scale.htm
My plants are on the west side of our home. They are kind of "leggy", with little green foliage and they look bare. Do they need more fertilizer?
I don't know how much fertilizer you've given them, but here are tips on how to fertilize.
I'm also including an article about leaf drop on hibiscus. Yours may be responding to a stressor like too much or too little water, improper fertilization, transplant shock, etc.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-leaf-drop.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-fertilizing.htm
Something eats the leaves on my Hibiscus plants every year, leaving a lacey appearance. How can I prevent that from happening. The blooms are still very large and beautiful, but the insect completely destroys the leaves. What can I do?
It is likely the work of Japanese beetles. This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/japanese-beetles.htm
We have a mambo tree that we have to move. In case it doesn't survive we hope that we can strike the cuttings.
Here are tips for propagating and moving hibiscus.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-propagation.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/transplanting-hibiscus.htm