Decorative hibiscus. Caring for indoor hibiscus at home

Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus) or Chinese rose is a shrub in the mallow family, 3-5 meters high, with smooth, green leaves and flowers of various shades measuring about 15 cm.

The homeland of Chinese hibiscus is Asia, the northern part of Indochina, from where it spread both in tropical countries and in Europe. In countries with cold climates, including Russia, the plant is grown in greenhouse or indoor conditions.

Active flowering of the shrub occurs in the spring-summer season, as well as warm autumn. At home, Chinese hibiscus does not live longer than three years. In a greenhouse and in the wild, the lifespan of a flower can be over ten years.

Be sure to look at the flowers and...

Beneficial properties of Chinese hibiscus

This flower perfectly moisturizes and disinfects the surrounding air, decomposes harmful fumes from varnishes and glue. In addition, Chinese hibiscus is an aphrodisiac plant.

Hibiscus: signs and superstitions

A lot of mystical qualities are attributed to this shrub. Thus, it is believed that the flowering of Chinese hibiscus strengthens love in the family, and promises a quick marriage for unmarried women. If the flower begins to wither, then this is a sure sign that someone in the family is ill.

Caring for Chinese hibiscus at home. Briefly

Chinese hibiscus feels very comfortable at home if the following conditions are provided for its growth.

Caring for Chinese hibiscus at home. Details

Bloom

Chinese hibiscus blooms almost all year round, usually excluding spring..

Usually the flower lives only a few days, and in hot weather it completely falls off in the evening. But very soon the next buds will form on the same shoot.

Depending on the type of feeding, the degree of lighting and watering, the color of Chinese hibiscus changes significantly. Nowadays, plants are known with flowers of purple, yellowish, blue, red-pink, and variegated shades.

It happens that Chinese hibiscus does not bloom at home or blooms extremely rarely. This happens for the following reasons:

• the plant was not provided with a period of rest during cold seasons;
• the plant was not pruned on time;
• the soil is too nitrogenous, which only leads to the development of leaf growth;
• the flower does not receive enough light;
• insect pests appeared;
• excess or severe lack of feeding.

In addition, among hibiscus there are rather capricious specimens that drop buds when changing the location of the flower pot. Also, flowers on very young bushes fall off very quickly.

Temperature

The maximum comfortable temperature for the development of Chinese hibiscus should not exceed 24-25 degrees in the warm season. During cold periods, the flower should be protected from temperatures below 11-13 degrees, including from wind and draft.

Only a perennial rose plant can withstand a temperature of 10 degrees, and also if it is a cold-resistant variety.

Spraying

If you want to decorate your home with beautiful tropical inflorescences, Chinese hibiscus is the right choice. Home care in this case involves not only watering, but also constant spraying at any time of the year. In summer, this measure will prevent the appearance of certain types of pests and help the flower survive hot weather. And in winter it will protect the soil and the plant itself from drying out, which inevitably occurs due to increased dryness of the air due to the operation of heating systems. The water for spraying is taken exactly the same as for irrigation; it is settled, rain or melt water.

Lighting

Like any tropical plant, a hibiscus flower at home needs sufficient sunlight. This should not be a window with a bright scorching sun; it is better to choose such conditions so that the shrub receives soft, diffused light that does not burn the leaves.

In constant shade, the plant also grows and develops, but there is a risk of not waiting for the hibiscus to bloom, or there will be a very small number of flowers. The best option is to place shrubs on windows and balconies on the southwest and southeast sides.

Watering

Chinese roses require plenty of regular watering. If you allow a lack of moisture and the top layer of soil dries out, the leaves of the plant react instantly - they droop and wither slightly. But this can be easily corrected by moistening the soil, spraying the crown and placing the flower in the shade. After a short time, the moisture balance in the leaves will be restored and the Chinese hibiscus will regain its previous appearance..

In winter, the plant is rarely watered. The principle is the same - do not allow the top layer of soil to dry out completely. It is worth using more often not so much watering as loosening, which allows you to evenly distribute the remaining moisture in the ground, which eliminates the risk of root rotting.

Soil for Chinese hibiscus

Young plants need a loose, “airy” substrate, which includes peat with sand or perlite at the rate of five parts peat and one part sand or perlite.

Older shrubs require a more thorough and rich mixture of soil, which may include parts of clay, humus, turf and leaf soil in a ratio of 2:1:1:1, respectively. It is also possible to use the following composition:

• turf land (2 parts);
• humus (1 part);
• peat (1 part);
• sand (1 part).

It is also permissible to use ready-made mixtures from the store with a large number of loosening elements. And an important addition - for Chinese hibiscus of any age, good drainage is required in a layer of about 3 cm, consisting of expanded clay.

Feeding and fertilizer

Chinese hibiscus needs to be nourished year-round. In winter, it is enough to fertilize monthly with a special nutrient composition diluted twice. In summer, frequent feeding is required - once every seven to ten days. Mullein is very good for this purpose at a rate of one part fertilizer to ten parts water. In addition, it is useful to use specialized fertilizers for flowering and ornamental shrubs, including mineral supplements high in phosphorus, potassium and iron.

Hibiscus transplant

Transplanting Chinese hibiscus has a number of nuances, since this plant is quite delicate and cannot tolerate any transplant. If this is a very young specimen from a store, you should first give it time to get accustomed to current conditions. Also, do not touch the flowering shrub; you must wait for the end of flowering.

When replanting, as a rule, they change the pot to a more spacious one, but an important point here is that you should not take a container that is too large and deep, otherwise the soil will become sour early and flowering will weaken. It is enough to take a container only 5-7 cm larger than the previous one.

Both large perennial bushes and young plants are replanted without completely destroying the earthen ball, without washing the root system. The hibiscus is slightly shaken, moved into a new pot, after which the missing amount of soil is added, that is, the so-called transshipment is carried out.

This method is much gentler than a radical transplant, after which young plants often die. Replanting is carried out annually in spring.

How to prune Chinese hibiscus?

Homemade Chinese hibiscus requires pruning. It is this procedure that allows you to wait for rapid flowering, and the shrub itself takes on a neat, compact shape. Pruning is carried out both in spring and summer. When the shoots reach the desired height, the top is cut off, the leaves on the stem do not break off. Later lateral branches that appear are also cut off when they reach the required length. In this way, the crown is formed, and buds will soon appear on the new shoots.

Rest period

A period of rest is necessary for Chinese hibiscus if you want to observe its flowering every year. To do this, the flower is removed to a cool, shaded place, watering is reduced, while maintaining moderate soil moisture. After dropping the leaves, the shoots should be shortened to about 9 cm and after a few weeks, when the plant sprouts new branches, the flower can be placed in a warm place, regularly pinching and spraying the tops. Thus, if you extend the dormant period and prune at the end of spring, you can shift the flowering period of the shrub to the autumn and winter periods.

Propagation of Chinese hibiscus

Reproduction by shoots

Reproduction by shoots of Chinese hibiscus is carried out taking into account the following features of this method:

• cuttings obtained as a result of pruning are used;
• cuttings should not be green or soft; it is best to choose semi-lignified ones;
• the shoot used must have at least 2-3 internodes;
• the selected cutting is placed in ordinary water with activated carbon or placed in a loose substrate;
• the shoot is covered with a bag or plastic mold to create a greenhouse effect.

After a short time, roots and small leaves will appear on the cuttings, which serves as a sign of successful rooting. Next, you can accustom the plant to a room environment, and after three to six months wait for the first buds to appear.

Growing hibiscus from seeds

Propagation by Chinese hibiscus seeds gives a chance to obtain an updated plant variety, but in the process the features of the original variety are lost. Sowing is carried out as follows:

• fresh seeds are soaked in a solution of a growth stimulating additive;
• after soaking, the seeds are placed 3 cm deep in a loose composition, half consisting of perlite or sand;
• each seed is provided with a mini-greenhouse, which must be ventilated daily;
• with the appearance of the first leaves, the plant is taught to develop without a greenhouse.

If there is a lack of natural sunlight during the breeding season, artificial supplementary lighting is used. With any method of reproduction, procedures should begin in February-March.

Diseases and pests

Chinese hibiscus is often affected by both diseases and pests. Let's briefly list the most common problems:

• hibiscus blooms poorly with an incorrectly selected substrate or violation of growth conditions;
• hibiscus buds fall when the soil dries out or there is a sudden change in temperature;
• soil waterlogging, frequent drafts or, on the contrary, too dry air are the reason why the leaves of the flower turn yellow and fall off ;
• lack of lighting, as well as infrequent replanting lead to the fact thatleaves turn pale;
• the ends of the leaves dry out hibiscus when the plant is damaged by spider mites;
• leaves become covered with pink spots due to the appearance of pathogenic bacteria or fungi, the so-called “rust” appears;
• leaves wrinkle hibiscus if the room is too dry and hot.

Pests of Chinese hibiscus:

• Whitefly. A 2 mm insect similar to a moth. It settles on the back side of the leaves, the growing larvae contaminate the plant with a sticky secretion, causing the leaves to wither and curl. Treatment consists of regular ventilation, washing the flower, and also treating it with insecticides in case of severe damage.
• Aphid. Small sucking insects of various colors live on all flower organs - stems, leaves, roots. They are clearly visible, as they always live in groups. A plant affected by this pest becomes deformed and dies. For treatment, it is necessary first of all to mechanically clean the bush, remove its affected parts, then wash the remaining organs of the plant and spray it with medicinal herbal remedies.
• Spider mite. A small arthropod half a millimeter in size, which manifests itself as a light powdery coating on the underside of the plant leaf. Another sign of mite infestation is white or yellow dots or dotted lines on the surface of the flower. Effective measures to get rid of mites include regular washing of the plant, ventilation, removal of dead, dry parts, and spraying the flower with specialized chemicals.

Popular varieties of Chinese indoor hibiscus with photos and names

Syrian hibiscus, Syrian rose

It blooms almost all year round, has buds measuring 10 cm, with a variety of colors from milky and crimson to mixed variegated shades.

Hawaiian hibiscus

As a rule, it is a meter-tall bush with oval-shaped leaves and bright flowers.

Terry hibiscus

The inflorescences are large, most often white, red or yellow. The leaves have an unusual edging.

Hibiscus herbaceous

The shrub is about two meters high and has the largest flowers and leaves among the varieties of this plant.

Northern hibiscus, trifoliate

The smallest specimen, the flowers of which have a rather long flowering period - a month.

Indoor hibiscus (house rose) is a joy in the house, because when you look at the blooming flowers, your mood will immediately improve. The indoor flower has many leaves that purify the air from harmful impurities.

The most widely known species is the Chinese rose. This Chinese shrub has reddish, bright yellow, snow-white flowers. Their corollas are 14 cm in diameter.

The photo shows that the hibiscus has dark green foliage in the shape of ovals, with teeth along the edges. Leaves up to 15 cm in diameter.

How to care?

Care at home is very simple: hibiscus needs good diffused lighting and watering.

Location and lighting

Is it possible to keep a flower at home? Yes, sure. It is recommended to place it on a western or eastern window sill, but shade it with curtains, since it will not tolerate direct sunlight. This culture prefers diffused lighting.

If the apartment has a loggia or balcony, then you can put a flower there in the summer, but first shade it.

Advice! If the hibiscus is not well lit or in complete shade, it will not bloom.

Temperature

The plant loves warmth and does not tolerate sudden changes in air temperature.

In winter, ensure the air temperature in the apartment is +14-16°C, and the rest of the time - +18-22°C.

Advice! In winter, do not allow the air temperature in the room to be below 10°C, otherwise the plant will begin to shed its leaves.

Air humidity

The flower does not require excessive moisture. You can spray it sometimes.

Watering

In spring, summer and autumn, water it regularly and abundantly with warm, well-settled water. Water it when the top layer of soil dries out.

In winter, watering should be reduced, 3 days after the surface of the soil in the pot has dried.

Attention! Water the plant very carefully in the first month after purchase, otherwise it will die.

The soil

Flowers require a lot of organic matter and minerals. It is necessary that the soil is light and has good water permeability. It must contain humus. According to acid characteristics, the soil should be neutral (pH=6). If you want to prepare the substrate yourself, then mix: 1 part each of humus and sand and 2 parts of turf soil.

The pot must have holes. Pour small pebbles, expanded clay, broken brick, crushed polystyrene foam onto the bottom, and only then add the substrate.

Feeding and fertilizers

The plant is fed when it is actively growing, this is spring and summer. They are fed with solutions of mineral fertilizers that contain nitrogen. They make flowering last longer. Feed once a month. In winter, this is done with potassium and phosphorus, but the amount of fertilizer is reduced. Feed after abundant watering.

Transfer

The culture of the house is growing quite actively and a tree is growing, covered with buds.

Young plants need to be replanted annually, and grown trees - once every 2-3 years. If there are no insects in the soil, then you can remove a layer of soil of about 5 cm and add a new substrate.

Replant by transferring the flower into a wider and deeper pot.

Trimming

The crown is formed by pruning.

How to prune, at what time?

It is necessary to form the crown by removing excess leaves immediately after transplantation; this stimulates the growth of new branches, which will then produce buds. After transplantation, the stem is cut down to the bud so that approximately 15 cm remains from the surface of the ground to the top.

When young shoots begin to grow, the most powerful ones are left and the stunted ones are cut off.

It is best to prune in May, as the buds grow exclusively on the current year's branches.

Attention! Hibiscus can grow from a single rhizome, even if the stem and foliage are cut off.

Reproduction of indoor hibiscus

How to propagate from seeds?

Seeds are sown from January to March. First, they are poured into the Epin solution for 8 hours.

Mix peat soil and sand, sow the seeds, water, and cover with a bag. Place in a warm place, the air temperature should be +25-26°C. Ventilate the plant daily, taking the film, making sure that the soil does not dry out. When 2-3 leaves grow, the plant is transplanted into a pot and placed on the windowsill.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation of hibiscus by cuttings begins with cutting off the upper parts of young shoots in the summer. Cuttings should have 2-3 leaves. They are placed in water with growth stimulants. And after about a month, roots appear on the cuttings.

The cuttings are planted in pots 10 cm high, having previously made a substrate of humus, turf, leaf soil and sand.

The video describes these moments in detail:

How to plant hibiscus

The plant does not have a dormant period, so it can be grafted at any time.

Usually the grafting is done in the cleft. Prepare a cutting with rhizomes - a rootstock, its age should be 3-5 months. Find a cutting of the variety you need - a scion, it should have 1-2 leaves. But it is necessary that the cuttings be equal in thickness.

First, hands and knife are disinfected with alcohol. The grafting must be done as quickly as possible so that the sections do not dry out.

The top part of the rootstock is cut off, and the top of the base is cut into a split to a depth of 1 cm.

From the required variety, cut off the top with 1-2 leaves. An incision is also made below.

The scion is inserted into the rootstock and wrapped tightly with tape. Cover with polyethylene and place under a light bulb.

Every day you need to remove the bag to ventilate the plant and inspect it. The first 2 days the leaves look limp, after 5 days they should become elastic again. If this does not happen, then the vaccination is repeated.

After 30 days, place the plant on the windowsill and first remove the polyethylene for a short time, then increase the period, and then remove it altogether. And only after six months the tape is removed and the area is smeared with garden varnish.

Difficulties in growing

Why doesn't hibiscus bloom, how to make it bloom?

If the crop does not produce buds, then it lacks nutrients and does not have enough light. If the flowers do not bloom on the hibiscus, but there are many leaves, this is due to excess nitrogen fertilization or the plant was exposed to too high air temperatures in winter.

Why do the leaves turn yellow?

The lower leaves of the crop fall off, and young foliage turns yellow, which means that the plant is in too cold a room or the roots are sick from stagnant moisture.

If the foliage turns yellow but does not fall off, it means that you have overfed the plant with chlorine and calcium, but it lacks iron.

If pinkish spots are visible on the flower, this is due to poor lighting or excessive fertilization.

You have discovered that the plant's leaves have drooped and dried out, this is due to low air humidity or lack of watering.

Diseases and pests

Pests that attack hibiscus are aphids, thrips, whiteflies and spider mites.

How to determine which insects have attacked a flower:

1. If a plant is attacked by aphids, its foliage curls and turns yellow. The buds remain small. A sticky coating is visible.
2. When a spider web appears, you can conclude that the hibiscus has been attacked by a spider mite. In this case, the foliage becomes withered.
3. If you see holes in the foliage, these are thrips.

Important! When insects appear, wet a cotton swab with diluted soap or alcohol solution and wipe the entire plant. You can also spray the plant with Fitoverm, Inta-vir, and Actellik.

Bloom

Plants have lush flowers with a diameter of 12-16 cm.

When it blooms

The buds bloom from spring until the end of autumn. The flowers are large and have bright corollas. They can be of various shades, in addition to black and blue.

Plant care after flowering

When the flowers wither, they need to be cut so that the plant begins to grow new buds.

With proper care, watering, and feeding, hibiscus continuously blooms with large flowers, from spring to September.

You will find tips on caring for and growing this plant in the video:

Hibiscus or Chinese rose is an unpretentious tropical mallow. For indoor floriculture, only a few types of roses are used from more. Although hibiscus is unpretentious in terms of keeping conditions, it will gratefully accept care and care and will repay with abundant and bright flowering.

Let's look at the appearance of the plant and how to care for hibiscus in a pot at home. An exotic and vibrant rose from the malvaceae family, it comes in many varieties. In our regions, evergreen or deciduous ones have taken root, in the form of trees or bushes, with bare or hairy shoots. Large buds with white, red, pink petals bloom at the tops of the branches: single-colored or multicolored, with spots or stripes, simple or double. Flowers can be funnel-shaped and have stamens that grow together into a long tube. Indoor types of flowers reach a diameter of 15-20 cm, up to 25 cm.

In order for the plant to be covered with flowers throughout spring, summer and autumn, caring for hibiscus (photo) at home should take into account all its preferences.

Namely, it is necessary:

• keep in places with bright diffused light, in winter - with additional lighting;
• set the temperature for active growth - 20-25°C, in winter - at least - 16-14°C, the critical temperature in the cold period is + 10°C;
• water abundantly during active growth, but when the top layer of soil dries out, in the fall, moisten the dried substrate less often - every 2-3 days;
• protect from direct ultraviolet radiation and drafts: warm or cold;
• on hot days, increase the humidity in the room by spraying around the flower and over the green mass from a spray bottle using warm water;
• during active growth, feed once every month with fertilizers with nitrogen, in the fall - with potassium and phosphorus (1/2 dose), in winter, during the dormant period - do not apply fertilizers;
• replant young bushes - annually in spring, old ones - every 3 years with annual replacement of the top layer of substrate in the container;
• the soil for indoor hibiscus should consist of turf, leaf, humus soil and sand (4: 3: 1: 1);
• after transplanting the mallow - by 15 cm and use;
• fight pests: thrips, aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and diseases: chlorosis, diseases of the root system, yellowing leaves and other developmental abnormalities due to improper care.

When and how to plant and replant

Spring is a favorable time for planting and replanting plants. If you need to choose a permanent and favorable place in the garden for its life for 20 years, then indoors it should also be comfortable: without the burning direct rays of the sun and drafts. When a tea rose bush or tree grows, not every owner will want to carry a heavy pot, but anyone can cover it from the sun, additionally moisten the soil and spray it with water from a spray bottle.

Choosing a pot and planting

It is important to choose not only a place of residence, but also a new pot for tropical mallow, since indoor hibiscus can be planted correctly without deepening the root collar into the soil; it should not exceed its level, or more precisely, the soil level in the old pot. Pots with an internal liner are in demand among gardeners. From the recommendations of experienced lovers of growing mallow, one can understand that it belongs to the “water bread” and without additional reserves of water in the pan it is difficult for it to survive drought with insufficient care. The flowers will stand sad, with drooping leaves and fallen buds, and wait until they are finally given water to drink.

In a double pot, after 1-2 months, the roots of the mallow will definitely find moisture, reaching the pan. Until this time, the water from it must be periodically almost completely drained so that it does not bloom. What remains in the tray will create air humidity and increase the humidity in the pot during the hot season. In winter, usually the window sill where the pot is located will be cold, then there will be no need for abundant watering. Therefore, water is left in the trays for a layer thickness of up to 1-3 mm to protect the root system from drying out.

Advice. In the absence of double pots, the container with drainage where the plant lives is inserted into a regular flower pot, which has no holes. Additional moisture will accumulate there. The size of the pots is selected depending on the condition of the plant.

What kind of soil should there be for indoor hibiscus:

• Before planting, half of the ready-made loose substrate with nutrients or prepared independently from turf, leaf, pine soil (3 parts each), humus, sand and peat (1 part each), charcoal (0.5 parts) is poured into the pot above the drainage ).
• For easy absorption of nutrients, acidity levels should be pH 5.5-7.8, and ideal pH 6-7 units.

The roots of the seedling are straightened and placed in a pot, holding it by the trunk; soil is added, leaving the root collar above its level. Water well, drain the water from the pan. If the soil settles too much along the edge of the pot, carefully add it. Planting is completed by spraying with a stimulant: Zircon or HB-101, in accordance with the instructions. It will help the disturbed roots adapt and take root faster. In the absence of stimulants, the plant is sprayed with water. It should be slightly warm, clean and settled.

Transfer

Let's look at how to replant hibiscus at home after purchasing it at a flower shop or growing it at home:

• After examining the earthen ball and in the absence of acidification (mold) and pests, the hibiscus is transferred to a larger pot without destroying the earthen ball. The good condition of the roots is indicated by their light tone and elasticity.
• The earthen ball is removed from the top layer and fitted to a new pot, drainage and the prepared soil mixture are poured into it.
• Indoor hibiscus is transplanted to the level of the soil layer 3-4 cm below the edge of the pot. If the position of the coma with the root system is too low, additional soil mixture is added; if the position is too high, it is removed with a scoop without disturbing the drainage.
• The soil should fill all the voids between the walls and the earthen lump. Later it is compacted and added if necessary if it falls below the lump.
• Clean the roots from the soil if there are rotten areas: dark brown, soggy and soft. Problem roots are cut off and the rest are washed with a fungicide solution: Fundazol, Maxim or pest control agents, then planted in new soil.

How to care for your home hibiscus

Caring for indoor hibiscus includes creating the necessary lighting, temperature and humidity, as well as watering, spraying, fertilizing and anti-aging pruning.

Lighting

Despite all the love of tropical mallow for bright light, direct ultraviolet radiation leaves burns on leaves and even branches. Therefore, she will be comfortable on western or eastern windows. However, on a hot afternoon you still need to shade the plant with blinds or curtains. It is better not to place the flower on the window sills on the south side of the room or place the flower on the bedside table away from the window. There will be little light for it on the northern windows; it will need, as in winter, additional lighting for the mallow to bloom. Those containers with a flower that can be raised are transferred in warm weather to accustom it to sunlight to favorable places on the balcony, terrace or in the courtyard of the house.

Temperature and humidity

In spring, with active growth and in summer, the air temperature in the room where the rose is located should be within 20-25°C. During this period, you should water it abundantly with settled water every 2-3 days if the top layer of soil has already become dry. The flower will gratefully accept spraying from a spray bottle with lukewarm water, as air humidity increases.

In the autumn, the plant is gradually accustomed to lower temperatures and kept at 16-18°C, in winter - at 14-16° above zero, but not lower than + 10°C, since then the leaves will fall off. In the fall, water in smaller doses, every 3 days when the top layer of soil is dry, and the water is drained from the pan after 30-40 minutes. Spraying is rarely carried out in the autumn-winter period.

In winter, the hibiscus is dormant; it is transferred to a room with an appropriate temperature and watered occasionally so that the soil does not dry out completely. It is recommended to spray those plants that are close to heaters and radiators more often and water them occasionally to prevent them from drying out and to humidify the air.

In the spring, when young shoots appear, the flower is returned to its original lighted and warm place, the growing shoots are sprayed and pinched to activate branching.

Top dressing

First, the Chinese rose is fertilized, and then fertilizing is applied. Here's what you can fertilize hibiscus with: peat humus tablets, bone meal, urea and potassium magnesium. The plant especially needs nitrogen and potassium during budding and flowering.

Fertilizing indoor hibiscus is carried out after moistening the soil, so as not to burn the roots, with the following preparations:

• For an athlete - 1.5 ml per 1 liter of water once every 7 days;
• Gilea - 2 caps per 1 liter of water, once every 15 days;
• Master - 5 g per 2 liters of liquid, once every 7 days.

It is recommended to alternate mineral and organic fertilizers for flowering ornamental indoor plants with the following preparations: Gilea and Fertomix BIOHUMUS once, every 10 days.

Chinese roses like feeding from infusions during budding and flowering:

• sugar: per 120 ml of water - 0.5 tsp. sugar - once every 15 days;
• blood: after defrosting or washing the meat - once every 15 days;
• banana peels: fill them with water - 2 liters and leave for 2 days, feed once every 10 days;
• manure: dry substance (2 tbsp.) diluted with water - 2 l. The plant is fed in the second year of development after being established in the summer on the balcony or in the yard due to its specific smell.

In autumn, the concentration of fertilizers with nitrogen decreases, and potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are applied at half the dose established by the instructions, once every 30 days.

Tropical mallow: folk beliefs and signs

Superstitious people call the rose the flower of death due to the use of red flowers by sorcerers during rituals to cause damage. They believe that it exudes negative energy, absorbs a person’s strength and spoils health; they call the red flowers burnet. You just need to remember that the medicinal properties of hibiscus are used for health purposes. Therefore, experienced flower growers do not believe that the Chinese rose or hibiscus is a flower of death, and care at home is absolutely necessary. Many people regard yellow and weak falling flowers as a good sign for a person, but in reality it is the result of poor care. If a hibiscus blooms at an unusual time for it, then superstitious people are in for trouble. Or maybe this is how he reacts to comfortable living conditions?

Falling leaves are a signal of the development of a serious illness in household members, according to some “healers.” Or maybe he just doesn’t have enough food, water, or good lighting? Some fortune tellers recommend that single girls and women place a flower in their apartment to find a life partner. According to the forecast of other fortune tellers, hibiscus does not contribute to the creation of strong family ties. They call the flower a “husband’s killer” because it leads to family dysfunction, quarrels, misunderstandings and resentments, and ultimately to divorce. Then where do people get such love for flowers and the desire to breed new varieties and species?

Perhaps due to its extraordinary beauty, radiation of positive energy and healing properties.

Medicinal qualities

The diuretic, anticonvulsant, choleretic and bactericidal properties of the plant have long been known. Crushed hibiscus flowers are popularly applied to bleeding wounds to stop bleeding. Lotions made from them treat various skin diseases. By creating a homogeneous mass of leaves and flowers, you can treat boils and apply it to swellings, carbuncles, and skin ulcers.

Vitamin C, found in abundance in mallow flowers, reduces cholesterol levels. Flavonoids cleanse the body of toxins. Flower infusions normalize liver function and protect it from the negative effects of fatty and fried foods, remove heavy metals and harmful carcinogens during metabolic processes, which makes it possible to eliminate premature aging and disease. The plant's polysaccharides absorb all the toxins, and then the body naturally removes them. Polysaccharides are natural immunomodulators that activate the body's protective functions. They prevent the penetration of microorganisms that cause infections.

Hibiscus - Sudanese rose or hibiscus - is in well-deserved demand; it is brewed by hypertensive or hypotensive patients as a tea to normalize blood pressure. The drink is used to provide a diuretic, antispasmodic and anthelmintic effect, destroying staphylococci without affecting the natural intestinal microflora.

Increase immunity with tea made from hibiscus flowers with other ingredients in 250 ml of boiling water:

• oregano, lofanta anise (10 g each);
• red apple (2 slices), cinnamon stick;
• cinnamon stick and honey (1 tbsp.)

The hibiscus plant was well known back in Ancient Greece. However, at that time mallow was called this name. Hibiscus is known today as the Chinese rose. The plant is loved and revered on many islands that are located in the Pacific Ocean. For local women, hibiscus inflorescences are an exquisite hair decoration. Apparently, this tradition gave the name to the plant, since in translation “hibiscus” means “flower for beautiful ladies.”

Malaysians revere the hibiscus as their national flower; each petal of the inflorescence symbolizes an Islamic commandment. Residents of India and China treat this handsome man with respect. This plant is credited with miraculous properties - Easterners believe that hibiscus protects the home from evil intentions, helps business people succeed, and also gives strength to cope with depression.

Homeland and appearance of indoor hibiscus

The scientific name of the plant is Syrian hibiscus. The plant belongs to the mallow family. Asia Minor is considered the birthplace of the Chinese rose, but the plant can be found in Korea, China and India.

This is a fairly tall shrub that, under favorable conditions, can grow up to three meters in height. The trunk is smooth, with gray bark. The crown is lush and voluminous, the leaves are large and trefoil-shaped.

At home, as a rule, only one type of plant is grown, which has large red inflorescences with five petals.

Watering mode

The plant needs the most abundant and frequent watering during the period of active growth, especially in hot weather. Hibiscus does not store moisture, like some types of plants, which is why the lack of water is primarily reflected in its appearance: the leaves first become sluggish and then completely fall off. If you do not respond to these symptoms in a timely manner, the Chinese rose will die.

At the same time, excess moisture also negatively affects the health of the plant. If the soil is waterlogged for a long time, fungal diseases actively develop and affect the root system. In addition, water prevents the supply of oxygen to the roots, which also leads to their death.

Tip: you need to water the plant abundantly, but be sure to pour out excess water from the pan.

Lighting requirements

The plant grows best on south-facing windows. He is not afraid of direct sunlight. Moreover, if you want your hibiscus to bloom, it needs direct sunlight for at least five hours a day. You can also grow a completely healthy, strong bush on a southeast or southwest window.

If you choose a north window for your Chinese rose, the plant may not bloom at all.

Note: Some Chinese rose varieties tolerate light partial shade. This applies to varieties with a brownish tint to the inflorescences.

Temperature

Hibiscus is a heat-loving plant, so the optimal temperature for it is considered to be from 24 to 30 degrees. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in the plant not blooming. At high temperatures the buds will fall off, and at low temperatures the buds will not form.

Tip: when choosing a pot for hibiscus, give preference to light colors to prevent overheating of the root system on hot days.

Air humidity

A humid climate for hibiscus is the conditions closest to natural, so it is necessary to maintain high humidity in the room all year round.

The plant tolerates air humidity up to 70%. To maintain such conditions, you can use a humidifier or a regular container of water.

In addition, hibiscus must be sprayed regularly.

Feeding and fertilizers

During the period of active growth, the plant needs a significant amount of additional nutrients. However, ordinary fertilizers for flowering plants can harm it. The fact is that for more active flowering, phosphorus-based fertilizers are used; in the case of Chinese roses, phosphorus, on the contrary, poisons the entire bush and negatively affects the number of inflorescences and their quality.

Many gardeners note that the plant responds best to universal fertilizers, which are dominated by potassium and nitrogen.
In addition, hibiscus needs magnesium. If there is insufficient amount of this component in the soil, the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow.

• Apply fertilizer only on cloudy days or late in the evening.
• Water the plant thoroughly beforehand.
• Feeding frequency is once a week.
• With a decrease in growth rates, it is necessary to reduce the frequency of fertilizing.
• Use foliar fertilizers.

To do this, prepare a solution: take one part of root fertilizer to ten parts of water, mix well. Spray hibiscus leaves with the resulting solution either early in the morning or late in the evening.

Important: you cannot feed the plant after transplantation and during the dormant period.

Young plants need annual replanting; as they age, it is enough to change the pot and soil once every two or three years.
Before you start replanting your hibiscus, you need to make sure that this procedure is necessary for it. The main sign that it is time to change the container and soil is a strong root system that has completely wrapped itself around the earthen ball.

Tip: so that after transplantation the roots can quickly grow into the new soil, you need to water the plant in a tray.

Another reason to change the pot and soil is the presence of stimulants in the soil. Manufacturers initially add substances to the soil that promote active flowering; as a result, plant growth slows down and there is a risk of spider mite infection.

At home, you can use the method of propagating hibiscus by cuttings. In this case, flower growers use several methods of rooting cuttings.

• In mid-February, cut several cuttings from an adult bush and place them in damp sand. Cover the young shoots with film and a jar. The plant must be kept in such conditions for two months at a temperature of 22 to 24 degrees.
• Cut cuttings can be placed in water and wait until roots appear. Then plant the young plant in a pot with substrate.

Note: the cutting must have at least two internodes, otherwise the shoot will not take root.

Choosing a flowerpot and soil

The diameter of the pot should be no more than nine centimeters. The soil mixture should consist of the following components:

• humus (two parts);
• leaf soil (one part);
• turf land (one part);
• sand (one part).

Hibiscus flowering period

Considering that the homeland of hibiscus is the tropics, it can bloom all year round, but this requires appropriate conditions - bright light, high temperature and humidity.
As a rule, at home, the Chinese rose blooms for two to three months - from mid-summer to September.

The inflorescences are large - from 10 to 16 centimeters in diameter and look very exotic. The shape of the flower resembles a cup, and the inflorescence can be simple or double. In the center of the flower there are stamens, which are collected in a tube and turn into a pistil. Although hibiscus flowers are mostly odorless, very fragrant varieties can be found.

A new flower blooms at dawn and fades at sunset. Up to twenty inflorescences can form on one branch within one day, and up to fifty if the plant is large.

Pruning and shaping home hibiscus

During the period of active growth, the Chinese rose bush may acquire a sloppy appearance. To achieve a beautiful, “combed” shape of a bush, it is important to trim and shape it on time and correctly.

The procedure is carried out only in the fall, when the plant has already bloomed. This is due to the fact that buds can form on shoots that are older than three months. Thus, if you prune the plant in May, the new shoots will be too young and the hibiscus will not bloom.

Note: you can safely prune a Chinese rose; the plant easily tolerates the procedure and becomes thicker and more lush.
Also, during the formation and pruning of the bush, it is necessary to completely remove damaged and infected branches and branches that are located parallel to the main trunk.

Tip: If you want your hibiscus to be attractive, form it into a standard tree.

Diseases and pests

In general, hibiscus is a fairly strong and hardy plant. The Chinese rose will easily survive minor violations of growing conditions. However, if you regularly make mistakes, the hibiscus may die as a result.

1. The main dangers for hibiscus are:

• dry soil;
• drafts;
• low air humidity.

Solution to the problem:

• regularly spray the bush;
• avoid drafts;
• protect from sudden temperature changes.

2. Aphids. As a rule, the insect appears on young shoots and buds. If the plant is not helped in a timely manner, the number of pests will quickly and sharply increase.

Solution to the problem: treat the Chinese rose with a special chemical preparation.

3. Spider mite. It is not always possible to examine the insect, since it is very small. Lives under leaves, hiding in a thin web. The cause of mites is dry air.

Solution to the problem: Wash the hibiscus thoroughly with soapy water, regularly spray the leaves as a preventive measure, and simply wash it in the shower.

1. Why do hibiscus leaves turn yellow and fall off?

Often the cause is a disease such as chlorosis. It occurs due to excess chlorine and calcium in the water used for irrigation. At the same time, there is insufficient nitrogen in the soil.

Solution to the problem: Water for irrigation should be left for several days and iron chelate should be added to it according to the instructions.

In addition, the cause may be a disease of the root system or too dry air in the room.

2. Why doesn’t indoor hibiscus bloom?

Here are a few rules that, if followed, will allow you to achieve abundant flowering.

• During the period of bud formation (February-March), the air temperature should not exceed +15 degrees.
• At this time, reduce watering.
• Remove the plant from bright sun.

Such conditions are typical for office premises, so you can often see hibiscus blooming brightly and abundantly in offices. If you manage to comply with the above conditions at home, hibiscus will certainly delight you with flowers.

Video on caring for indoor hibiscus

Now you know exactly what conditions are necessary for hibiscus so that its leaves are strong and lushly green, and its flowers are bright and large. Provide this exotic beauty with bright light, humid air and abundant watering, do not forget about fertilizing, watch the root system so as not to miss the moment for replanting, and the plant will surprise and delight you for many years. And if you create an original standard tree from a bush, it will become the “highlight” of your home.

• September 25, 2018
• Flowers
• Karmelia

Hibiscus (Chinese rose) is surrounded by many legends, according to which it improves the health of household members, is an absorber of evil forces, and can even help its owner get married or, conversely, scare away all gentlemen. In addition, in addition to her magical powers, she has an attractive appearance, is unpretentious and easy to care for. These arguments helped this flower become one of the favorite species for breeding at home.

Description

The flowers of indoor hibiscus (Chinese rose) can be of different shades. And their distinctive feature is the fusion of reproductive organs - pistils and stamens, which are attached between the petals. The leaves are dark green in color with a glossy surface and are located close to each other and are located throughout the crown. The trunk becomes completely lignified, which brings the hibiscus closer to the appearance of trees.

This is an ornamental plant, reaching a height of up to 4 meters in natural conditions. At home, the maximum height reaches only one and a half meters. The branches are very spreading, and therefore hibiscus (Chinese rose) requires a lot of space. It is usually placed on the floor in large flower pots or tubs. The root system is also very well developed and large in size.

What humidity is needed for hibiscus?

This type of plant is demanding on drainage and a constant supply of organic matter. However, ensuring these conditions, although mandatory, does not cause much trouble to the owner. For Chinese hibiscus, care is very important. It is enough just to pay attention to maintaining the required level of soil moisture and preventing the process of rotting of the roots. To do this you need:

• add a little clay to the substrate, it will help the hibiscus achieve higher growth rates;
• to avoid diaper rash, mulch the soil;
• prevent water from stagnating when watering the flower frequently;
• use drip irrigation; however, it is important not to injure the delicate petals, so moisture should not get on them;
• Carry out regular spraying to avoid drying out and maintain the desired level of humidity.

If these conditions are met, the Chinese rose will receive the most comfortable atmosphere for good growth. This is especially important at home, where heating systems are constantly running.

Lighting and air flow for Chinese rose

The Chinese rose, or Chinese hibiscus, prefers rooms with good air circulation and therefore will not grow well in a musty room. Also, if you grow several roses at home, it is better not to place them close to each other and keep them away from direct sunlight and heat. If the plant is grown in hot tropical countries, then you need to choose a place for planting with periodic shading in the case of a flowering specimen. And you can choose permanent shade if the hibiscus does not bloom.

In general, the Chinese rose, or hibiscus (flower of death), a photo of which you can see in the article, is quite tolerant of various conditions; it only does not tolerate extremes, for example, direct sunlight on a windowsill on the south side or cold and shade on the north side. And even at home you can create favorable conditions for growing it without spending a lot of effort.

Watering hibiscus

When growing a hibiscus rose, you will not need to devote much time to care, with the exception of watering. This type of plant is very demanding on the amount of water and humidity level. It is strictly not recommended to allow the soil in the pot to dry out. In summer you will have to water more often than in winter.

In addition, there are several rules regarding hibiscus claims regarding watering:

1. The soil in the pot should always be moist.
2. It is better to water hibiscus using drip irrigation.
3. Throughout the year, Chinese roses need to be sprayed.
4. Particular attention should be paid to watering and maintaining the required level of air humidity during the heating season.

The Chinese rose should be watered with water at room temperature, previously settled. You also need to moisten the foliage so that it is saturated with moisture. This will help prevent the occurrence of certain diseases. The main thing is that water does not get on the flowering buds, since hibiscus petals are very delicate and can be easily damaged.

Chinese rose soil requirements

This species loves high humidity, so the soil on which it is grown must be well-permeable to moisture and air. Ready-made peat-based soil, sold in any gardening store, will not be able to provide the necessary permeability. Therefore, in order to offer the hibiscus (Chinese rose) the care it needs, it is better to prepare the soil yourself, observing several points:

• It is worth adding a little rotted leaves to the substrate purchased in the store, this will give the desired structure to the soil and increase its moisture capacity;
• you can also add a small amount of sand and turf;
• it is necessary to create a slightly acidic reaction among the pH should not exceed 6.8, otherwise the absorption of nutrients from the soil will be difficult.

What fertilizers to use

Hibiscus (Chinese rose) at the growth stage requires constant addition of fertilizers to the soil. But during the flowering period, it is better not to use fertilizers, as they will not give a positive result or even cause harm.

It is noted that roses do not need large doses of phosphorus, since its excess has a negative effect on the plant, impairs flowering and poisons the plant. Whereas the amount of calcium should be much higher. Also, the applied fertilizers must contain magnesium, which is part of chlorophyll; if it is deficient, chlorosis can develop.

To fertilize, you should prefer days when the air temperature is low. It is better to apply fertilizers early in the morning or in the evening into soil previously moistened with water. The frequency of fertilization should not exceed one week, but more often is better. In this case, the dose should be proportionally reduced.

In addition, you can use the foliar feeding method. This requires ten times less fertilizer than for root crops. The diluted mixture must be applied to the surface of the leaves also in the evening or in the morning. A plant that has recently been transplanted cannot be fertilized.

How to replant hibiscus

When replanting Chinese hibiscus, caring for the plant in the future is very important, and the replanting itself is a prerequisite for successful cultivation.

To transfer Chinese roses, you should choose soil that is very light and contains the maximum amount of nutrients. In addition, it is better to use foliage soil as a base. Peat will not work in this case. The pot for replanting should not be too large.

A drainage layer of expanded clay or small pebbles must be placed at the bottom of the pot; its thickness should be about two centimeters. This layer is covered with soil; you should not mix these components.

The transplant is carried out in several stages:

1. Before replanting begins, it is necessary to evaluate the root system. To do this, the plant is removed from the pot and the roots are examined. They should not show signs of rotting or damage caused by pests.
2. Then the roots need to be cleared of lumps of earth.
3. We transfer the plant to a previously prepared flowerpot. To do this, the plant is lowered into a container and assessed whether it is suitable for a rose. If necessary, if the pot is too deep, you can add more soil.
4. After the hibiscus (Chinese rose) is placed in a container, you can cover it with soil, slightly compacting it layer by layer.
5. The soil must be filled until about 1.5-2 centimeters remain to the edge of the pot to leave room for irrigation water.

You can even replant during flowering, although in this case you will have to be very careful not to damage the flowers. After replanting, the plant can be watered if watering was not done before replanting, otherwise wait until the next day.

How to properly prune hibiscus at home

The Chinese rose, or Chinese hibiscus, is considered one of the most beautiful ornamental plants. However, to achieve the ideal shape for the tree to have an attractive appearance, it must be pruned. There are several types of pruning. Her choice depends on the goal pursued by the owner. This could be removing damaged areas or shaping the appearance.

Types of pruning:

• Selective. This type of pruning is designed to maintain the required shape and size. It is better to combine the time for it with the beginning of the growing season in order to get good flowering.
• Topping. This procedure helps stimulate the growth and development of new branches. In addition, its main distinguishing feature is that the main part of the branches remains intact, only a small section is removed. This method is usually used for young hibiscus specimens.
• Corrective trimming. The use of this method is recommended if the branches are quite large. In this case, the cut should be made in a place where there is wood that is still alive. If the cut is white and has a hard structure, then the branch will no longer grow as it is dead.
• Strong. This method is used if the plant is already in critical condition and cannot be saved by either care or treatment.

In order to properly prune a plant and not harm it, you must follow a number of rules:

• First of all, you should set a goal and choose a method;
• then you need to thoroughly wash the instruments. They should also be as sharp as possible, otherwise the cuts will be uneven, which will worsen the appearance and harm the plant: the branches will take a very long time to heal. In addition, you can disinfect instruments using alcohol;
• It is better to choose spring or summer for the pruning procedure;
• after cutting off unnecessary parts of the Chinese rose (hibiscus), its care remains the same;
• It is better to make the cut at an angle of forty-five degrees, and treat the wound areas with crushed, charcoal or activated carbon;
• the apical part is cut off so that there is still space above the outermost branches on top;
• It is very important not to cut off more than two-thirds of the branch.

By following all the above rules, you can minimize the damage caused to the plant during pruning.

How to propagate Chinese rose at home

Photos of hibiscus (Chinese rose) always amaze with their beauty, and almost every home has this flower. But not everyone knows how to propagate it on their own. In nature, it spreads by seeds. At home, this is done vegetatively using cuttings.

With the arrival of spring, you can use two main methods to propagate your flower:

• Using seeds.
• Cuttings.

Seed propagation method

Propagation using seeds is a very interesting activity that is perfect for gardeners who love to experiment and get new unusual shades of flowers. Seeds can be stored for five years, after which they may lose their ability to germinate. Before planting hibiscus, caring for the seeds must begin in advance and disinfect them by soaking them in a weak concentration of potassium permanganate solution.

It is best to plant seeds during the late winter - early spring. For sowing you will need:

1. Soil mixture.
2. Growth promoting ingredients.
3. Greenhouse.

Before sowing, the seeds must be soaked overnight, covered with a solution so that they can “breathe”. Then they are laid out on gauze soaked in water, rolled up and placed in a plastic bag with small holes made in it for oxygen to enter, or in a small greenhouse to warm them up. Caring for Chinese rose (or hibiscus) seeds raises many questions. How to care for seed material before planting is one of the main issues, and by following the sequence described above, you can ensure the maximum number of seedlings.

After the seedlings hatch and germinate, the greenhouse will have to be ventilated daily, and the sprouts will have to be sprayed with water at a temperature slightly warmer than room temperature. And in the greenhouse it should not be more than 27 degrees. When a couple of leaves appear on the sprouts, they need to be transplanted into small pots, following the rules.

Cuttings

The greatest aesthetic pleasure comes from flowers that are grown independently, and their beauty cannot be conveyed by a photo of hibiscus (Chinese rose). But before you admire them, the flowers need to be grown. To do this, in spring or summer you need to stock up on cuttings. You can get them by pruning the plant before replanting. The main thing is that the hibiscus is well watered before the procedure.

The resulting cuttings can be rooted in 2 ways:

1. In water.
2. In the ground.

In order to plant a new plant, you need to wait until good roots appear that can support an adult plant. The rooting process occurs as follows. You need to take glasses and fill them one-third with soil. Before planting, the cuttings are moistened in heteroauxin. The soil around the cuttings is compacted and watered with water at room temperature. The soil should contain peat and be slightly loose. It may take about a month before planting. The cups are stored in a greenhouse or covered with a bag.

To root hibiscus (Chinese rose) in water, care at home must be appropriate. To do this you need to follow a number of rules:

1. The container in which the cutting is placed should be glass and dark in color.
2. Water must be used warm and settled.
3. You can add a couple of tablets of activated carbon to a glass of water.
4. Also add 3-4 drops of fertilizer to the water.
5. It is better to place a glass of water in a place with good lighting, but so that it is not exposed to direct rays of the sun.
6. Water needs to be added regularly and root growth monitored.

Once the roots reach a length of seven centimeters and a pair of leaves appear, the plant can be planted in a flower pot.

Why doesn't hibiscus bloom?

Many gardeners sooner or later have a question about why hibiscus (Chinese rose) does not bloom. In this situation, it is obvious that the flowering of a plant is a reward for caring owners. And if the flower still does not appear, it means that there are deficiencies in care or, on the contrary, it is too “high quality”.

There are several reasons why hibiscus does not bloom:

• the wrong amount of water, it can be either a lack or an excess. Both of these options can delay the appearance of flowers;
• there are not enough nutrients in the soil, or, conversely, they are in excess;
• the pot must be the right size, because too small or large can hinder the flowering process;
• sharp temperature fluctuations both upward and downward.

If all the conditions were provided, why does the Chinese rose (hibiscus) not bloom? The cause may be illness. To find out which one it is, it is necessary to conduct an inspection.

What causes hibiscus

Rosan is quite unpretentious in care, so even if some mistakes were made during cultivation, it most likely will not cause much harm to the plant. But if problems nevertheless arise, it is necessary to analyze how the hibiscus (Chinese rose) has been cared for recently; perhaps systematic violations will be discovered, which were the cause. Among such violations are:

• growing hibiscus indoors with very high temperatures and insufficient air humidity;
• timely regular spraying was not carried out, this procedure is especially important in the summer;
• the plant was exposed to direct sunlight or stood in a draft or wind for a long time;
• the plant was not cleaned of particles of dust and dirt;
• excessive watering, which could cause root rotting;
• Poor quality water was used for irrigation; damage can be caused by poorly settled water or with a large amount of harmful impurities;
• the impact of pests on the plant, which could also appear due to interaction with an infected hibiscus specimen;
• timely replanting and fertilization were not carried out;
• excess nutrients in the soil due to numerous fertilizing;
• insufficient amount of light.

If all the conditions necessary for good growth are met, then hibiscus will delight you with its long flowering and long life.

Signs associated with hibiscus

There are many signs associated with this mysterious plant that do not bode well. However, not all over the world believe in them, but only residents of Eastern Europe. In other countries, signs associated with hibiscus, or the Chinese rose, do not make such a strong impression on people.

Below are some beliefs:

• Hibiscus flowering has a negative impact and causes negative emotions in all residents of the apartment in which they live, and can even cause illness. It also “impregnates” the walls of the house with bad energy;
• if the foliage of the Chinese rose has darkened and begun to fall off, then you should soon expect a serious illness in close relatives;
• hibiscus can influence family relationships, and if it grows in the house, then the marriages will be unhappy and short-lived;
• on the other hand, there is a sign that completely contradicts the previous one. If a rose is growing in the house, then a woman will never be deprived of male attention and joyful events in life.

Sometimes signs are very contradictory, and whether to believe in them or not is everyone’s own choice.