Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm pretty new in here. Just happened to google and I found this forum. Anyway, hopefully you guys can help me. I'm having problems with my potted oriental Hibiscus. It doesn't have too many leaves on it but it still has flowers that bloom. The leaves look green but with a slightly yellowish tinge. I've inspected the bottom of the pot and the roots are sprouting out of the drain hole. I think it's time to repot it. Haven't don't that for a very long time. Not since 2004 I think..... I still want to reuse the same pot though, because it's quite large as it is, any larger then I'll have problem fitting it next to the window indoors during the winter. Can I trim the roots by a third to promote growth? There's some insect infestation like spider mites and some aphids which I control by spraying with insecticides. I'm feeding it Miracle Grow 15-30-15 during summer. But the leaves never seem to get full. I've attached some photos for you guys to see. Oh yeah, any ideas on what soil mix to use for repotting my Hibiscus?
Pruning reduces growth. Get rid of the bugs and give it fresh soil. To keep in same pot shave outside of roots and then put fresh soil in gap between roots and pot.
Thank you for your suggestion Ron. Any ideas on what type of soil I should use? Can I mix some compost with potting soil? Ed.
Compost should be used in the garden not in containerized plants with a possible exception of transplants soon to go into the ground. Make sure your materials are acidic or neutral in pH and use a high nitrogen, low phosphorus fertilizer. 3:1:2 or similar. http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soilless-growing-mediums.htm
