Wintering Hibiscus

Question

I live in NJ and we have some very cold winters, so I bring in my hibiscus every year to winter. I place it in an unused bedroom and water it sparingly. The room does receive heat but is not very bright. This year and last year the plant has lost all of its leaves. This year the plant has no leaves except a few at the end of every branch. It also has a blooming flower. Right now there must be about 10 flowers or buds on the plant. No leaves. Will I get leaves on the branches in the spring? Should a prune the plant? It is getting tall and looks pathetic without leaves. Since it is blooming, should I fertilize? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

When the leaves of a hibiscus die (and this is common when it’s acclimating to a new environment), as long as the stems are still alive, the leaves will regrow. Just care for it as normal and it will recover. For now, I would leave it unpruned. Wait until spring when leaves start to grow before pruning. This article will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/tips-for-pruning-hibiscus-plants-when-to-prune-hibiscus.htm You may also want to hold off on fertilizer for now as well. This article may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-fertilizing.htm