Sign Up
Click on links below to jump to that question.
- Q.Is A Hibiscus Bush An Actual Bush? What Is A NODE? - Ok I have to admit I got my hibiscus from a plant shop just because I thought it was pretty and I knew absolutely ...
- Q.When I Prune My Hibiscus Am I Cutting 1/3 Off Of My Main Branches? - I've been doing some homework but still have some questions. I know (now) that a NODE is the eye where ...
- Q.Burned Edges And Yellow Leaves On Hibiscus - I have half a dozen hibiscus in my backyard, some getting lots of sun and some getting only a little. ...
- Q.What Are Tiny Black Specks On My Hibiscus Buds - How do I handle them?
- Q.Pruning Of Hibiscus - How do I trim a hibiscus bush? Should I be aggressive and trim it down to a couple of inches ...
- Q.Hibiscus Plant Affected By Freeze - I have two outdoor hibiscus plants that were killed by the frost we had this year in Florida. We trimmed them ...
- Q.My Hibiscus Appears To Be Dying. Am I Watering Too Much? - I recently planted it and it was doing well, but has since begun to drop buds before opening and the ...
Asked by
llacaskey on
March 9, 2011Q.Is a Hibiscus Bush an Actual Bush? What Is a NODE?
Ok I have to admit I got my hibiscus from a plant shop just because I thought it was pretty and I knew absolutely NOTHING about them except that they are tropical. I got an answer from Nikki about my first question "how do I get a bushier hibiscus" and her answer was really helpful. (THANKS! :)) But now I just want to make sure I understand. A hibiscus is an actual BUSH. . . not a plant like my peace lily or my gerber daisy? So it needs to be trimmed like any other bush or hedge? And also the article said trim a few inches from the node. What's a NODE?
Answered by
Nikki on
March 9, 2011
Certified ExpertA.Yes, hibiscus is a shrub, though you can grow it in a container, especially the tropical varieties, and treat it as you would a houseplant.
I'm glad I helped you with your other question...and to answer this one, a node is simply the point on a stem that has the potential to grow into another stem, or produce additional leaves or flowers.
Was this answer useful?00
Join Us -
Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!
- Asked by
llacaskey on
March 9, 2011Q.When I Prune My Hibiscus Am I Cutting 1/3 Off of My Main Branches?
I've been doing some homework but still have some questions. I know (now) that a NODE is the eye where the leaf is. Am I cutting 1/3 off of my main branches even if there are still leaves at the top?
- Answered by
Heather on
March 10, 2011
Certified ExpertA.You can. It all depends on how you want to shape the plant. Cutting the main stems will result in a more compact, fuller canopy on the plant. Cutting only the smaller stems will result in a looser, airier looking canopy.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
rabarneson on
March 11, 2011Q.Burned Edges and Yellow Leaves on Hibiscus
I have half a dozen hibiscus in my backyard, some getting lots of sun and some getting only a little. All are on the same drip system, so they get about the same amount of water each day. Those with lots of sun are doing okay; the others have a serious problem. My guess is they're getting too much water, but I can't find a happy medium for all the bushes.
- Answered by
Heather on
March 12, 2011
Certified ExpertA.Brown edges actually normally indicate that the plant is getting too little water. There may be some issues with the drip line or it may be that they have been overwatered to the point that they have developed root rot and can't take up water due to this. This article will help you determine if root rot is the issue:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htmIf the ones in the shade are getting too much water, is it possible that they do not need to be on the drip line? They may be able to get enough water naturally to survive in the shade without outside watering.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
jack50 on
March 12, 2011Q.What Are Tiny Black Specks on My Hibiscus Buds
How do I handle them?
- Answered by
Heather on
March 14, 2011A.They are likely aphids, though they could be scale or thrips as well. Fortunately all of these pests are treated the same way. You can treat the plant with an insecticide. I like neem oil (often sold in stores as fruit tree spray, check the label.) It is organic and very effective on these pests, plus it treats the plant for other issues like mites and fungus. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
March 20, 2011Q.Pruning of Hibiscus
How do I trim a hibiscus bush? Should I be aggressive and trim it down to a couple of inches from the ground and then fertilize?
- Answered by
Nikki on
March 21, 2011
Certified ExpertA.You can trim it that way if you would like. It is a good way to rejuvenate the plant. This article can give you some other methods:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htmWas this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
March 25, 2011Q.Hibiscus Plant Affected by Freeze
I have two outdoor hibiscus plants that were killed by the frost we had this year in Florida. We trimmed them down but haven't dug them out. Should we try to fertilize them so they'll grow back, or are they gone for good?
- Answered by
Nikki on
March 26, 2011
Certified ExpertA.This cold has damaged many plants this year. These articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/tips-for-saving-cold-damaged-plants.htmWas this answer useful?00 - Asked by
susancj on
March 26, 2011Q.My Hibiscus Appears to Be Dying. Am I Watering Too Much?
I recently planted it and it was doing well, but has since begun to drop buds before opening and the leaves are falling off.
- Answered by
Nikki on
March 26, 2011
Certified ExpertA.The plant may have thrips or yes, it could be a watering issue. Here are some articles to help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-flowers-hibiscus-blossoms-falling-off-plant.htmWas this answer useful?00
Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert
X
Join Us -
Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!