Information on Hibiscus Care and how to and instructions on how to Winterize will accompany your order, please
follow them. Check to see the information on the individual hibiscus blooms
as to when the plant would be available and in what size.
Healthy, fertilized
hibiscus trees are more tolerant of insect attacks. Be sure plants are well
watered before applying chemicals. The best time to spray tropicla hibiscus for insects
is in the morning or evening (temperature under 80) and be sure
to cover the undersides of leaves. For heavy or consistent infestations,
spray every 5-7 days (4 applications) to break the life cycle. Add
water soluble fertilizer and unscented liquid detergent soap to
your mixture when spraying. Check for other host plants in the area
that may be re-infesting your plants. Orthene and soap will control
most Hibiscus tree pests. The honey like secretion of several insects
can attract a black 'sooty mold.' While unsightly, the mold does
little damage and will disappear once you treat the cause. Newly
bought nursery grown plants may need to be allowed to adjust to
new conditions in your yard. Grown in partial shade and well fertilized,
they need to be introduced to full sun over a 7-10 day period and
kept well fertilized. Plant in at least 50% sun. Rotate insecticides
for best results. Never use Malathion on Hibiscus. Strong dry winds
can burn leaves but they will recover.
APHIDS
& ANTS
Aphids (green, black or brown) are soft bodied sucking insects that
can be controlled with liquid soap (1 tablespoon per gallon) or
a high pressure hose. Orthene and soap for infestations. Ants farm
aphids for a honey like secretion they produce. No aphids, no ants.
Use a strong water spray to the underside of leaves to dislodge
and control most insects.
SPIDER
MITES
Most spider mites are too tiny to be seen without the aid of a magnifying
glass. Their webs may or may not be noticeable. Leaves will develop
weak looking pale to yellow splotches on the top while the undersides
will develop pimple like bumps to scabby areas. Miticides or fine
oils need to be applied several times (4) to break the life cycle.
MEALY
BUGS
Orthene and soap will usually control these soft bodied sucking
insects. Mist with alcolgol spray. It desolves their protective
waxy cover.
WHITE
FLY
Hibiscus dandruff. Orthene and Murphy's Oil soap will help control
these deadly pests. They are on the underside of leaves and 4 applications
may be needed.
SCALE
These sucking insects are best treated in the Spring when they are
young and moving about. The most common is the small white scale
that starts at the base of the trunk and works up. Orthene and a
fine oil; a weak solution of bleach and a tooth brush; or a light
spraying with Pam or WD-40 will also work.
YELLOWING
LEAVES
This can be a sign of stress or even natural growth. Causes can
be too much water or not enough water - too much fertilizer or not
enough - or insect damage. Check for insects and reverse whatever
else you are doing or not doing. This is normally a sign to change your hibiscus care schedule.
BUD
DROP
This can be caused by stress but it is usually a small insect called
a thrip. The thrip girdles the flower's calyx stem where it connects
to the base stem. Orthene and soap will help control thrips.
FREEZE
AND WIND DAMAGE
Hibiscus are tropical plants and do not tolerate cold weather. Well
watered and fertilized plants will fare better. Blankets, cardboard
or a thick layer of mulch or straw will help. Do not spray to ice
over the plants as they will kill them. Plastic, while better than
nothing, is poor protection. Do not prune until Spring and prune
into living tissue.
PRUNING
Hibiscus can be pruned any time of the year except late fall and
winter. New growth is more susceptible to freeze damage. Expect
blooms on the new growth in about 3 months. Use sharp, clean and
good quality pruning shears and cut just above (1/4 inch) an eye
that is pointing in the direction you want the new growth to go.
CONTAINER
GROWN PLANTS
Using a loose soil (1/4 perlite) and not letting water stand in the
saucer is a must for good hibiscus care. Frequent use of water soluble fertilizer
and light use of traditional granular fertilizer is best. When 'potting
up' prune both the hibiscus plant and the roots to promote new balanced growth.
If placed indoors, mist or use a humidifier and place in a sunny
location.
SOIL
AND FERTILIZER
Loose well drained soil is preferred to prevent root rot. Fertilize
lightly and often. Balanced fertilizer with trace elements such
as 14-14-14 work well for general hibiscus care. Foliar feeding with water soluble fertilizer
(and soap) can be applied weekly. Keep mulch 2 inches from the trunk. Buy Oscomote 14-14-14
WINTER
PROOFING
Up North your hibiscus plants will need to be brought inside for
the Winter. In the deeper south, like Florida, you may only have
to cover your plants to protect them from a light frost. When Winter
approaches, it is a good idea to use a fertilizer like 2-10-10 to
harden up your hibiscus plants.
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