Hibiscus

Hibiscus (Hibiscus) – a large genus of plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae). The native range is considered to be the southeastern part of Asia. The name comes from an ancient Greek name. In cultivation since the late 14th century. Wild and cultivated species.

They occur in subtropical and tropical regions – in Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Gardeners also grow them in sharply continental climates. In the Americas they form thickets in moist floodplain meadows. On the Hawaiian Islands it is considered a national plant and is called "flower of beautiful women".

When grown indoors – deciduous shrubs from 70 cm to 1.2 m in height.

Leaves alternate, variable in shape, palmately lobed or palmately divided, with stipules, petiolate.

Flowers are numerous, short-lived (live up to 2 days), large, up to 12 cm in diameter, glossy, bright; they grow in the leaf axils, less often in clusters at the tips of shoots; colors orange, yellow, red, pink, or white; forms simple or double. Flowering can be very abundant and long-lasting – from spring to autumn, although individual flowers do not last long – about two days.

Fruits are many-seeded, five-chambered capsules, opening with 5 valves. Seeds numerous, smooth.

Hardiness / temperature: Moderate temperatures; optimal in the spring-summer period 18-22°C, in the autumn-winter period 14-16°C; below 10°C it drops its leaves.

Temperature: fairly warmth-loving. In summer it is recommended to keep at 20-25°C. In winter at 15-20°C, minimum 13°C.

Light: light-loving; prefers bright, diffused light with some direct sun. In winter it needs a bright room. The best location for hibiscus is an east- or west-facing window. On a south-facing window shading is recommended during the hottest hours of the day.

Watering: abundant from spring to autumn. The soil should remain moist at all times. In winter moderate. Does not tolerate overwatering or drying out of the root ball. Use warm water for watering.

Fertilizer: from April to August hibiscus is fed with special complex fertilizers for flowering houseplants every 3 weeks. You can use "Стимовит", "Compo" and others.

Air humidity: Regular misting is recommended.

Repotting: Soil mix: garden soil, leaf mold, peat soil, and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1:1. Repot in March-April. Prune after repotting; in summer you can pinch repeatedly. A roomy pot is preferable. In spring the plant is shortened and repotted into fresh soil.

Propagation: By stem cuttings, which are best rooted in July-August.