I'm new to this forum so pls forgive any etiquette errors! I have a mature (~10 yrs old) indoor hibiscus plant that has begun to develop yellow leaves, that eventually drop. This effects mostly established leaves, not new ones. It has been doing this since early summer but continued to bloom profusely. It has recently been pruned back quite hard, but the problem seems to have continued. As well, it has just been sprayed for mites. I'm wondering if this is a case of "hard water", as was suggested by the Garden Gallery staff and, if so, what can be done about this.
Have you changed area of where it used to be??? Could be under watering, overwatering (thats doubtfull) try spraying it with Tomatoe plant Miracle Grow double strength according to directions on bottle . Also before you do this give it a good cleaning and use some Murphy Oil soap (1 TBSPN)- 4Litres(ice cream pail) of water to make sure all spides mites are gone. Giving it a nice shower once a week will perk it up and should keep spider mites away. Maybe its just going through a shedding period. Mine seem to do that.. I have problems with Aphids right now....any idea on how to get rid of them permantly???
Actually, no location change, it's in the same spot. I've just repotted it, after the pruning I gave it and it was quite potbound. The new leaves that have started are still doing the same thing, growing to mature size, turning yellow and dropping. It gets watered regularly and I don't think it's overwatered, perhaps it's underwatered. Also, I've since realized it's got aphids, not mites, as I thought, so I'm trying to figure out what to use on these pests. I will get these under control and then deal with the yellowing. I'll try the Miracle Grow and see if that helps. Thanks.
I've got the problem with aphids as well and I was told to use Neem Oil. You can get at Home Depot or Garden Centre. Haven't picked any up yet, but if you decide to try it let me know how it works. Also if you've just repotted it the plant could be in shock. I did that with one of my plants (it's about 4 feet tall) and all the leaves turned yellow and fell off. All I had left was a stick tree. Anyway I put it outside (summer time of course) and got some grow lights. It came back really well. I also sprayed it with the tomatoe miracle grow(double strength) about once a week or every other day is better. Fertilizing probably wouldn't hurt , I just use the regular miracle grow and mix according to instructions on box. Anyway good luck and let me know how you make out. Lovehibiscus
Thanks for the suggestion...I will try to Neem oil and see what happens, as well as the Miracle Grow. Will let you know. Thanks again.
