i have a very small hibiscus (tropical) that i have had for a couple of years. it is in a south facing windows and seems very happy . it blooms almost year round. the plant has grown a lot of leaves over this summer, many of which are very small compared to some of the larger leaves on the plant. i would like a taller plant instead of having it produce so many leaves, how do i get it to grow taller instead of sprouting all these mini leaves? should i remove the smaller leaves ? thank you for any responses
Typically a Hibiscus with tiny leaves is stressed. The soil might be too dry or low Humidity. They're gross feeders in warm weather, though now's the time to cut the feedings way back. See if it's root bound in the container. If so re-pot one or two sizes larger next Spring.
thank you for the response. it doesn't only produce small leaves, it also produces large leaves as well. it is very thick and bushy with leaves for such a small plant. i water the plant twice a week, is this sufficient?
If it's not wilting you're watering enough. Since it's making large leaves as well I wouldn't worry about it.
How do you take care of Hibicus in the winter? Can you use a grow light and a Building that we keep warm and how warm should it be?
i keep my hibiscus indoors year round and it blooms year round. i keep it in a south facing window with a lot of light and i cut down on the watering in the winter time. i wait until the plant's leaves feel a bit soft and then i water it. this prevents the plant from getting too much water. in the spring i fertilize it. if you keep your hibiscus outside during summer and want to bring it in for the winter, you should make sure the hose down or shower the plant to remove any possible insects (aphids etc) before bringing it into your home. then you can either place it in a basement and let it rest or you can simply put it close to a window and let it do its thing, then prune it back when the weather starts warming up and put it back outside. note i am not an expert on bringing hibiscus in for winter, but my mother does this with her 30 year old hibiscus every year and it blooms like crazy once it is out in the summer.
