All about caring for Chinese hibiscus. Growing hibiscus at home and in the garden What land is needed for outdoor flower species

Revered in the Pacific Islands, Hibiscus has received many names, and one of them is the Chinese rose. It is this variety of Hibiscus that has taken root in the homes of modern man. Unpretentious in care, bright, bewitching Hibiscus attracts the attention of the most sophisticated viewer. It is especially good during the flowering period. Do you want to have a small tree decorated with outlandish roses in your house? Indoor Hibiscus will help make your dreams come true.

Short description

Home Hibiscus (Chinese rose) unpretentious flower. It is a tree-like (shrub) plant and belongs to the numerous family of Malvaceae cultures. Known to the general public since the middle of the last century. Originally used for breeding in botanical gardens.

It has a wide range of growth in the wild. It takes ancestral roots in the countries of the rising sun. It is found in the lands of the Old and New Worlds with a tropical and subtropical climate. In the wild, Hibiscus reaches its maximum size and is able to grow to a height of more than 3.5 meters (it can grow to the ceiling in a house). It has wonderful decorative characteristics in home use. Botanists have more than 15 species and varieties of Hibiscus. No more than 5 varieties are suitable for home maintenance.

In the east, hibiscus is considered a cult plant. The Chinese attribute miraculous properties to it, such as: attracting goodness to the dwelling, protection from dark energy, purification of the spirit. According to the philosophy of Feng Shui, blooming hibiscus is endowed with the power to attract the financial well-being of the owner.

Care and maintenance of indoor hibiscus

Before you grow a luxurious and flowering hibiscus, you need to be patient. It will take many years before a small flower turns into a marvelous flowering tree with bright green leaves. Hibiscus grows slowly but surely.

Observing the necessary conditions for keeping Hibiscus, you are guaranteed to get an evergreen flowering plant in your house. A tropical plant, the magnificent Hibiscus loves good watering, bright lighting and high humidity. We will study in more detail his needs and wishes.

Watering

During the growth period, the Hibiscus plant needs abundant and high-quality watering. This issue is especially relevant in the summer. There are no clear standards for its watering. It is best to focus on the top layer of soil. Too dry a layer of soil serves as a signal that the time has come to water the flower.

For irrigation, only the “right water” is used: filtered, settled, spring, melted or rainwater. Overflow is dangerous for the root system. In order to optimize the irrigation regime, you can buy a soil moisture indicator. With such a device, the question "When to water Hibiscus?" will not occur.

The Chinese rose can endure a short-term drought, but you should not get carried away with this. Unlike succulents, it is not able to retain moisture. If for some reason the owners did not water the Hibiscus for a long time, then he needs to arrange a "tropical shower". Thus, nourish all the depleted parts of the plant with life-giving moisture.

Temperature regime

Chinese rose (Hibiscus) grows well at temperatures from + 22 to + 28 degrees. If the temperature exceeds the norm, then the flower may drop buds. And if it is lower, then the buds may not form at all. Hibiscus does not like drafts. Therefore, it is impossible to grow such a flower on a window with an open window. At temperatures below +8 degrees there is a risk of plant death.

.Air humidity

In its homeland, Hibiscus grows in conditions of high humidity. To create favorable conditions in the house, the flower should be regularly sprayed, while trying to prevent water from falling on the buds and flowers.

In winter, pay special attention to air humidification. Do not place a pot of Chinese rose close to a central heating radiator. If this is not possible, then the battery should be covered with a wet towel, which is moistened as it dries.

An excellent solution would be to purchase a humidifier. Such a device will be useful not only to the plant, but also to all family members.

Where to put a pot of hibiscus flower

Decorative blooming Hibiscus loves sunlight. The south side of the apartment will suit him with the condition that the flower pot will not stand on the windowsill. The slanting southern rays of the sun will fully provide him with the need for sun and warmth.

East and west are also suitable for growing it in an apartment. The north side is categorically not suitable, or with the condition of additional lighting with special lamps that imitate the sun. In winter, when there is little sun and too dry air, Hibiscus needs special care.

It's interesting to know

Many complain that Hibiscus does not take root in them under any circumstances. Others, on the contrary, talk about its lush flowering and unpretentious care. Probably the secret of the flower lies in the energy. No matter how strange it may sound, Hibiscus does not get along with every owner. They also say that he is responsive to human speech and pleasant music. Maybe in these sayings lies its main secret?

The soil

Neutral soil, light and soft, works well for hibiscus. It is good if the composition contains: turf, humus, leafy soil and coarse river sand. It's easy to cook on your own. Take all the ingredients in equal proportions and mix thoroughly. For those who are lazy, you can buy ready-made soil "for lemon and other tree-like and tropical plants." Ordinary land from the garden or chernozem is contraindicated for Hibiscus.

Top dressing and fertilizers

Fertilizers are an additional food, without which not one house plant can live. Over time, the soil is depleted and the flower has nowhere to take strength for growth and flowering. In the spring, use a nitrogen-based fertilizer to feed the Hibiscus, and a phosphorus-based fertilizer during the flowering period. You can also use folk remedies, but carefully.

Top dressing of Hibiscus is carried out by the method of root and deciduous. During flowering, only the root method is used.

• before fertilizing, water the flower abundantly;
• fertilize the flower no more than 3 times a month;
• The best time to feed is evening.

Hibiscus does not have a dormant period, it can bloom at any time of the year, as long as it is provided with warmth and light. Therefore, you can feed it all year round.

Transfer

For the first few years, indoor hibiscus should be repotted no more than once a year. As the plant grows, the procedure should be carried out 1 time in 2-3 years. Adults and very large specimens that have reached old age are not transplanted. They just pour new soil.

To understand that a flower needs a transplant, you need to make sure that its root system is completely wrapped around an earthen ball and filled the entire space of the pot.

The best time of year to transplant Chinese roses is spring. With a complex transplant, black roots should be cut off, allowing the development of young roots.

The newly purchased Hibiscus plant is transplanted a couple of weeks after adaptation. The shipping container may contain growth promoters, which may adversely affect the further development of the plant.

pruning

It is important to remember that hibiscus flowers are formed only on young branches. That is why it needs annual pruning.

• After each flowering, you need to trim the tips of the shoots, this will provoke the growth of side shoots, on which buds will appear next year;
• It will not be superfluous to pinch all the shoots of indoor hibiscus in early spring, and pruning throughout the year does not harm the flower;
• Remove completely diseased branches.

Hibiscus refers to pruning procedures quite loyally and practically does not overdo it. It's most likely to his advantage. It is after circumcision and pinching that he more actively pleases the owners with his marvelous flowers.

Blooming indoor hibiscus

Hibiscus is able to bloom all year round, but this requires very comfortable conditions close to the tropics. At home, the flowering of the Chinese rose can be seen from mid-summer to October. Its flower looks like a cup, in the center of which are stamens collected in a tube. The color palette of Hibiscus is varied. There are pink, yellow, orange, burgundy, purple colors. The most popular is the red hibiscus.

Hibiscus blooms have a short lifespan. With each dawn, new hibiscus buds bloom, and with the sunset they fade.

reproduction

At home, Hibiscus is propagated by cuttings, seeds and air layering. Three methods give positive results, but the method of propagation by cuttings is considered more convenient.

Cutting method

1. The shoots cut during pruning are planted in wet sand or in a glass of water.
2. After the formation of a small rhizome, the flower is planted in the ground, the diameter of the pot should be no more than 10 centimeters.
3. To increase humidity and create favorable conditions for rooting, a young sprout can be covered with a jar.

This method of reproduction has a pronounced advantage - this is that hibiscus can begin flowering in the first year. Flowers grown from seeds will be able to please with flowers only in the third year of life. Air layers are used only by experienced flower growers or breeders who wish to develop a new variety of Chinese rose.

seed method

The period from January to March is well suited for planting Chinese rose seeds. Seeds must be pre-soaked for 12 hours, and after planting in the ground, cover with glass or film to create a favorable microclimate. When young sprouts have a few leaves, they can be planted in separate pots. Hibiscus seeds do not have good germination; out of 20 planted seeds, only 10 “children” can grow, of which not all will survive to triumphant flowering.

Diseases

Hibiscus does not get sick in the wild. Despite the fact that he has good immunity, his main illnesses in the house are associated with improper care.

Indoor hibiscus does not bloom

Most often, problems with the lack of flowering in Chinese roses are associated with an excess of nitrogen. This problem will be solved by switching to fertilizers that contain a minimum proportion of nitrogen. It is also recommended to improve lighting.

Hibiscus buds fall

With a sharp change in plant conditions, buds may fall off. Check that the temperature conditions are normal for indoor hibiscus, and also feed it with phosphorus.

Remember that it is impossible to rearrange and even rotate a Chinese rose during flowering.

Bacterial fungal diseases of indoor hibiscus

Most often, the development of fungal diseases is facilitated by conditions of detention, characterized as cold, dark, damp. As a treatment, it is recommended to improve the conditions of the flower, transplant the hibiscus into a new land, sorting out its roots. A wide range of fungicidal preparations are used to combat fungal and bacterial diseases.

Pests

Shchitovka, spider mites and aphids can harm hibiscus if the plant is not helped in a timely manner. All of them feed on its juice and lay larvae. Conduct a visual inspection of the flower.

• The spider mite shows its presence as a barely noticeable cobweb at the base and adjacent parts of the plant. It most often appears on hibiscus growing in rooms with dry air, which means that this is a signal that the plant needs to be sprayed and bathed more often.
• The scabbard reveals its presence with “moles” that are dense to the touch. Sits on leaves and trunk.
• Aphids come in colonies. It can be identified by sticky spots and sluggish leaves. Hiding on the inside of the sheet. It affects the whole plant very quickly. Ants are its carriers.

Proven folk remedies will help get rid of pests. A solution of laundry soap, an infusion of garlic, onion peel, fumigation with sulfur, rubbing with weak manganese. These measures are gentle and do not cause severe harm to the plant. If there are too many pests, then more aggressive control measures will be required - chemicals (Spark, Tanrek, Aktara, Karbofos). Their use must be careful, according to the instructions.

Reference

After all the medical procedures and getting rid of pests, the plant needs to arrange "bath procedures".

Hibiscus pros

• blooms beautifully;
• relatively unpretentious;
• does not need frequent transplantation;
• long-liver;
• considered a healthy plant.

Hibiscus complexity

• requires sufficient heat and light;
• needs competent watering;
• requires pruning and pinching;
• requires a lot of space in the house when growing.

Having learned to determine the wishes of Hibiscus, you can grow a real tree in the apartment, strewn with lovely flowers. Diuretic and choleretic drugs are prepared from the petals of the Chinese rose flower, healing from ailments and improving well-being, and hibiscus tea, which reduces blood pressure.

It is a plant of the Malvaceae family. It includes, according to various sources, 150-300 different species. These plants can be both cultivated and wild.

Hibiscus are evergreen or deciduous plants. May be in the form of herbaceous plants, shrubs or trees. The flowers are usually quite large, with brightly colored corollas.

The color range of hibiscus consists of thousands of different colors and shades. Flowers have a wide variety of sizes from 5 to 30 centimeters. The hibiscus fruit looks like a box. A hibiscus bush can live for over 20 years. Hibiscus can grow up to 3 meters with the right maintenance and favorable conditions.

Hibiscus grow in the subtropics and tropics (Indonesia, South China, the islands of Haiti, Fiji, Sumatra, Java, Sri Lanka).

Many types of hibiscus are bred in gardens and greenhouses as ornamental plants, they form the most beautiful hedges.

The most common species is the Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). The plant has large double red flowers.

Landing

Planting Hibiscus must be carried out at the end of the winter period. Seeds must be pre-soaked for 12 hours. You need to plant in a mixture of sand and peat. It is required to create conditions like in a greenhouse, constantly spray and ventilate.

Location and lighting

Hibiscus is a photophilous plant. He needs a warm and sunny location where he begins flowering in March. Hibiscus can grow in the shade, but the lack of light has a negative effect on growth and flowering. In the summer, the plant will greatly benefit from being in the fresh air. In winter, keep at a temperature of 15 ° C. Compliance with these conditions will affect the increase in the number of buds.

pot size

The size of the hibiscus pot should match the size of the roots. Also an important condition is the presence of drainage in the flower pot.

The soil

A ready-made soil substrate for ornamental shrubs is best suited. It is loose, waterproof and contains a large number of nutrients. If you prepare the soil yourself, the composition should be as follows: soddy land, leafy land, pine soil, humus (only one part each), and peat and sand should also be added. Adding charcoal won't hurt either. The acidity should be closer to neutral.

Transfer

For transplanting, you need to take expanded clay, pour it on the bottom of the pot. Pour some earth into the pot. Put the hibiscus together with a clod of earth in a pot. Top up with soil to fill the pot. In order for the hibiscus to grow straight, it can be tied to a support. After, it is necessary to shed the earth well and cover the pot with a film for two days near the roots. This will allow the hibiscus to adapt more easily after the stress suffered during the transplant. Then the film is removed and the flower grows in the usual way. The main thing now is to provide good lighting, constant watering and fresh air.

Plants that have just been transplanted should not be fertilized immediately. It is best to do this after two weeks. It is necessary to carefully monitor the looseness of the soil.

Fertilizers and top dressing

Hibiscus need regular fertilizer and love it very much. In order for the flowering to be beautiful and bright, and also for the plant to grow successfully, it is simply necessary to fertilize them. It is important to know that this plant does not tolerate phosphorus and loves potassium. In spring and summer, fertilize up to twice a week. In autumn and winter, fertilize once a week.

Watering

Hibiscus really needs proper watering. In summer, abundant watering is required, in winter it should be watered less, but make sure that the earthen ko does not dry out. In spring and summer, hibiscus needs to be sprayed every two days. If the weather is hot, then you need to spray every day. In winter, spraying is required only if, due to radiators, air humidity becomes less. Water for irrigation and spraying should be separated.

Frequent spraying protects the plant from pests such as scale insects, aphids, spider mites.

Temperature

Hibiscus is an unpretentious plant, but does not like sharp fluctuations in temperature and drafts. The temperature should be 20-25°C. In winter, hibiscus needs a cooler temperature regime - 12-18 ° C. But the temperature should not fall below 10°C.

Humidity

Hibiscus can tolerate dry air without problems. Does not need additional moisture. But sometimes the crown can be rinsed with warm water in the shower. This is done to clean the leaves of the plant from dust and dirt.

pruning

Can easily tolerate heavy pruning. It is best done at the beginning of the spring period - the end of the autumn. The main thing is to do this before the formation of flower buds, otherwise flowering may come later than the due date. It is necessary to remove dried shoots and cut healthy ones in half.

Pests and diseases

If the buds do not open immediately fell off - insufficient watering, lack of nutrients or dry air.

The leaves turned yellow and fell off - leaf chlorosis. Occurs when there is an excess of calcium and chlorine in the water, and nitrogen and iron are not enough for hibiscus. In this case, it is required to water the plant with exclusively settled water, adding iron chelate there.

Yellowing of the leaves can also cause root disease due to overflow, hypothermia or too dry air. Spraying and placing the plant in a cooler spot will fix everything.

There is no flowering, although the greenery is thick and lush - overfeeding the hibiscus with nitrogen-containing fertilizers or insufficient watering during the breeding season.

Most often, hibiscus is affected by aphids or spider mites. At the first sign of a spider mite infestation, the hibiscus needs to be treated with soapy water. In advanced cases, apply insecticides.

Aphids, as a rule, attack young shoots and buds that have not opened. To get rid of this pest, it is necessary to spray the hibiscus with sulfate-containing solutions.

Bloom

The flowering period of hibiscus falls on the spring-autumn period.

reproduction

Hibiscus is propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Seeds should be planted mid-January to mid-March. Before planting, the seeds must be soaked in epin for 12 hours. Sow should be in a mixture of sand and peat. The container must be covered with glass, try to maintain the temperature regime within 25-27 ° C. Sometimes you need to spray and ventilate the seeds. When the seedlings have two or three leaves, they must be transplanted into pots of the desired size. Hibiscus grown from seed will start flowering in the third or fourth year.

An easy way to propagate hibiscus is cuttings. You need to cut them in June-August exclusively from the tops. Sections need to be treated with growth stimulants. Cuttings take root well in 25-30 days. As soon as the roots appear, the cuttings must be planted in pots 7-10 cm high.

rest period

By itself, hibiscus does not submerge during the dormant period. But if this is necessary, then it is necessary to reduce watering to zero, wait until the leaves fall, and prune. The pot with the plant must be placed in a cool place. Water very infrequently so that the soil does not dry out.

Beneficial features

Hibiscus is used for inflammation of the skin, as well as diseases such as hemorrhoids and dysentery. The leaves and flowers contain substances that improve metabolism and cleanse the body of harmful products. Hibiscus is widely used in folk medicine, it is also used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

Hibiscus tea, called hibiscus tea, raises blood pressure when hot, and lowers it when cold.

One of the most popular ornamental plants in indoor floriculture and gardening are hibiscus. These plants are great for decorating home and office interiors, for creating picturesque compositions in landscape design.

In my opinion, the main advantage of hibiscus is its unpretentiousness. In addition to high decorative qualities, hibiscus flowers have valuable properties that are used in cosmetology and cooking. Hibiscus flower extracts are added to various cosmetic products for hair and skin care. For example, in skin care products, flower extract is used as a sunscreen agent, as it is able to absorb ultraviolet radiation.

Hibiscus drink, which is made from the sepals of hibiscus sabdarif, is very popular all over the world. Hibiscus is a tart, sour drink of dark red, raspberry or purple color, containing vitamins (C, PP, etc.), polysaccharides, flavonoids, antioxidants, anthocyanins, various organic acids (15-30%) (citric, malic, etc.) . Hibiscus can be consumed cold and hot. Sugar, lemon, mint, rose hips, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices are added to the drink to taste. Numerous foreign studies have shown that with regular use, the hibiscus drink reduces systolic blood pressure, lowers cholesterol levels, and has a hypotensive and diuretic effect.

In some countries, various dishes are prepared from hibiscus flowers, for example, salads are made from the edible bracts of a plant in the Pacific Islands.

On July 28, 1960, the Chinese hibiscus was named the national flower of this country by the government of Malaysia (it is depicted on banknotes and coins). Hibiscus is also

national symbol of Haiti. In India, hibiscus flowers are used to decorate wedding ceremonies. Plants of the genus hibiscus (Hibiscus) belong to the family Malvaceae (Malvaceae).

Propagation of hibiscus

Under natural conditions, hibiscus grow in Asia, America, Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East.

Usually hibiscus are found in the form of evergreen (or deciduous) shrubs or small trees, which can reach a height of 2-3 m, as well as in the form of herbaceous plants.

Hibiscus species

Scientists have counted about three hundred species of hibiscus. The most common species in indoor floriculture is Chinese hibiscus (or Chinese rose) (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). In countries with tropical and subtropical climates, this heat-loving plant is grown outdoors.

In Russia, the following types of hibiscus are grown in indoor floriculture and gardens: hibiscus chinensis(H. rosa-sinensis), hibiscus hybrid(H. hybridus), hibiscus syriac(H. syriacus), hibiscus sabdarifa (sudanese rose or rosella) (H. sabdariffa) and others. Hibiscus sabdarifa can be grown from the seeds that are found in packages of the Hibiscus drink.

Description

Hibiscus have shiny dark green or bright green leaves that can be solid or variegated, with white, cream, pink, red streaks, spots or streaks.

Flowers solitary; simple or terry; funnel-shaped, with stamens fused into an elongated tube; large (up to 15-20 cm in diameter, in garden forms - up to 25 cm); have different shapes and colors. According to various estimates, 400-500 forms and varieties of hibiscus are known. The flowers of these numerous forms, varieties and hybrids have different shades of petals - red, white, pink, crimson, orange, yellow, lilac, purple, brown, purple, peach, salmon, etc. You can probably find flowers of almost any color except blue and black. They can be monophonic, or they can be decorated with a decorative ornament in the form of a border, spots, strokes, streaks, etc.

Hibiscus is a fairly hardy plant. The main problem that flower growers face when growing hibiscus is the lack of flowers. It should be noted that with good care, hibiscus bloom profusely. To create favorable conditions, hibiscus needs good lighting, regular watering and spraying of leaves, and periodic fertilization. The flowering period is from March to November. It happens that hibiscus blooms in winter, during the dormant period.

Illumination and temperature conditions

Hibiscus is a light, heat, moisture-loving plant. Therefore, it is best to place the plants in a place well lit by indirect sunlight. It should be noted that hibiscus is shade-tolerant, but it blooms less often in the shade. The optimum air temperature in the warm season is 18…25°С.

Our China Rose grows in a large ceramic flower pot near a south-facing window. From direct sunlight, the plant is protected by a tulle curtain. In hibiscus, flower buds are laid at a temperature of 12 ... 17 ° C. Therefore, one of the main factors necessary for the flowering of a plant is to provide it with a special temperature regime during the dormant period. In late autumn, the hibiscus comes to a dormant state, and we move it to a dark corner, away from the radiator. In this place, the plant stands from November to March. When young leaves appear on the branches, we return the hibiscus to its original place (this must be done before the buds appear).

Some flower growers artificially shift the flowering time of hibiscus, “changing” its dormant period: until May, the plant is in a dark room, it is rarely watered. In May, the hibiscus is pruned (and transplanted if necessary), in July it is cut again. As a result, the plant begins to bloom in late autumn, and flowering continues throughout the winter.

Watering mode and air humidity

Hibiscus is a moisture-loving plant, so you need to water it regularly and spray the leaves. In summer, I spray hibiscus twice a day (morning and evening), in spring and autumn - once. Of course, the frequency of spraying should depend on the conditions of the plant.

Watering also depends on the conditions of the hibiscus and the time of year. I usually reduce watering in winter (in December and January - watering is limited). During the period of active vegetation (especially during flowering), I water the plant more often and more abundantly than during the dormant period; with insufficient watering, it will not bloom. Therefore, the soil in a flower pot should always be loose, moderately moist, waterlogging or overdrying can lead to dropping leaves and buds.

Periodically, dust or dirt should be removed from the leaves. I wipe its leaves with a piece of damp cloth or a soft sponge.

Soil, planting, transplanting

For planting and transplanting hibiscus, I usually prefer to use ready-made ornamental shrub soil (loose, permeable, high in nutrients). Much less often I prepare the soil mixture myself. It should include: turf, leaf, pine soil, humus (in approximately equal proportions), as well as sand and peat. You can add some charcoal.

Soil acidity for hibiscus can range from pH 5.5-7.8. Ideal soil acidity should be close to neutral (pH 6-7). Outside of these ranges, the plant will have a harder time absorbing nutrients.

A flower pot for planting hibiscus must have drainage.

Young plants should be repotted once a year in the spring, and older plants as needed. When our hibiscus was a young plant, I transplanted it annually in the spring into a larger pot. Now that a plant growing in a very large pot has reached an impressive size, it would be difficult to transplant it into another pot, so I periodically add new soil, replacing the top layer.

Feeding hibiscus with fertilizers

In the spring-summer period (approximately from March to August), I feed hibiscus once every 10-15 days with water-soluble fertilizers for flowers and ornamental shrubs (alternating mineral and organic fertilizers). In the autumn-winter period, I stop fertilizing or reduce it to once a month (depending on the condition of the plant).

The applied fertilizers should contain the following elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, etc.

In the spring it is best to use fertilizers with a higher nitrogen content, in the summer it is necessary to switch to fertilizers with a higher content of potassium and phosphorus.

Bush Shaping and Rejuvenating Hibiscus Pruning

In the spring, you can cut last year's growth of hibiscus by 1/3 of the length in order to rejuvenate old bushes and form young branched bushes or a standard tree. Also annual pruning is necessary to stimulate flowering. Cut cuttings can be rooted.

Reproduction of Chinese hibiscus

Hibiscus are propagated by cuttings, air layering, less often by seeds.

Hibiscus can be propagated from cuttings throughout the year, but the best time is from February to April or July to September. Cut off young apical cuttings about 15 cm long should be planted in small pots filled with a loose substrate - a mixture of peat and sand in equal proportions. You can root cuttings in water.

In order to speed up root formation, seedlings can be covered with a jar or film; regular airing and spraying are required. To get a branchy bush, when the cuttings grow a little, their tops and side shoots need to be pinched.

Cuttings take root within 1-2 months (depending on temperature, humidity and light). With good care, young plants can bloom in 10-12 months. After a year, they need to be transplanted into a larger pot.

hibiscus grafting

Some flower growers in May-June plant several cuttings (usually no more than 4-5 pieces) of various varieties per standard bush (in the crown) of non-double hibiscus. I do not really like this experiment, because, in my opinion, flowers of various shapes and shades do not look very natural on one bush.

Possible problems that flower growers may experience when growing hibiscus are shown in the table.

Table. Possible problems, pests, diseases

In order to prevent diseases, restore immunity, stimulate root formation and flowering, I periodically spray the plant with a solution of Epin or Zircon.

Hibiscus in the garden

One day I decided to find out from my Sicilian friend the secrets of successfully growing hibiscus in the garden. To my questions about the peculiarities of caring for plants, he replied: “I don’t care for them, they grow on their own.” From this we can conclude that the main problem that Russian flower growers face when cultivating hibiscus in gardens is the successful wintering of plants.

As a rule, Russian flower growers grow frost-resistant hibiscus in gardens, for example, various forms and varieties of hybrid hibiscus, which was bred by breeder Fyodor Nikolaevich Rusanov by crossing three species: bright red hibiscus, marsh hibiscus, armed hibiscus. But planting cold-resistant hibiscus to protect their roots from frost in winter and from overdrying in summer must be mulched with dry fallen leaves or grass. In addition, plants must be covered for the winter. In the spring, it is necessary to cut off the old branches, and the young shoots that have appeared can be pinched to form lush bushes.

For successful cultivation of hibiscus in the garden, it is best to choose a place well lit by sunlight. Hibiscus hybrid is a moisture-loving, but drought-resistant plant. Hibiscus is not very demanding on the soil, the main thing is that it be fertile, loose and well-drained.

Anna Vasilina

Photo by Olga Rubtsova and Alla Protasova

–a bright representative of the Malvaceae family, with colorful, beautiful, exotic flowers and smooth, pointed at the ends, emerald leaves. Widespread in tropical environments. Due to its exotic beauty and unpretentiousness, it is widely grown as a house flower, and hibiscus is also eaten, worn as an ornament, and even used to make paint.

Did you know? The first mention of hibiscus dates back to the era of ancient Greece. It came to Europe in the 17th century from Asia.

Popular types of indoor hibiscus

There are about three hundred species in the world. The three most popular types of indoor hibiscus are Chinese, Syrian, dissected.

Chinese

Hibiscus Chinese (Rozan Chinese, Chinese rose, Indoor rose) – ornamental, evergreen shrub growing on the islands of the Pacific region and in Southeast Asia. There are about 500 varieties of such hibiscus.

It reaches three meters high, has dark emerald leaves with notches and large (up to 16 cm across) semi-double or simple flowers, of all kinds of colors. Their color varies from crimson to pink, from fiery orange to yellow.

After opening the bud, the flower lives for about a day, although the flowering period of the whole plant lasts from early March until the end of autumn. This is a well-known and very common species for home keeping. It is believed that it has a positive effect on the atmosphere in the room, cleans it. The flower of this hibiscus is unpretentious in care.

Syrian

Syrian hibiscus (Syrian rose, Birch) –deciduous shrub, its homeland is Asia Minor (India, China). One of the few types of hibiscus that can grow outdoors in temperate climates.

It lives up to hundreds of years, while it grows slowly and blooms for the first time only after 3 or even 4 years. The flowers are similar to mallow, the leaves are green, very bright. There are many varieties of Syrian rose.

Did you know? The Syrian hibiscus is the state flower of Malaysia and the symbol of Haiti. Its ruby ​​and pink flowers are an integral part of the wedding dress in some provinces of India.

dissected-petal

Hibiscus dissected (Schizopetalus, Princess Earring)–evergreen shrub, reaching a meter in height, spread, according to various sources, from Central Africa or Brazil. Blooms from late spring to late November.

Flowers with a strongly protruding pistil are red, orange or red-orange. They have dissected curved petals with a fringe. Usually they reach a width of no more than 8 cm. The leaves are shiny, green. In our climate, it can only germinate in greenhouses or a homely atmosphere.

Growing indoor hibiscus at home

Hibiscus is not whimsical and will quite tolerate the wrong content. But if you want for the hibiscus flower to bloom, then you should follow a few simple rules for caring for him at home.

Watering and lighting

It should be watered with settled, soft, slightly warm water. Do not allow the soil to dry out, as well as its excessive moisture.

In spring and summer, watering should be plentiful and frequent (as soon as the topsoil dries up), and in the autumn-winter period it is worth waiting a couple of days after the soil dries.

Hibiscus is a light-loving plant, but the light should not be scorching. Therefore, it should be ensured that in the summer season the lighting is diffused, indirect, and in the winter - take care of additional lighting. It is better to place flowerpots of indoor Chinese roses on the east and west sides.

Temperature regime

A suitable temperature for hibiscus is +20° С - +25° С, in early autumn it should be reduced to +16° С - +18° С, and in winter - up to +14° С - +16° С. Lowering the temperature in winter not a general condition for the life of a plant, but flower buds are tied exclusively at low temperatures.

Important! The minimum allowable temperature for hibiscus is up to + 10 ° C. At + 10 ° C and below, the leaves begin to fall off the plant.

Air humidity

The hibiscus flower is not whimsical to such an indicator as humidity and in this regard, it is very easy to care for it - often enough to spray the plant with warm water. This will also prevent the appearance of mites. You should not constantly spray during the period of violent flowering, since, when water flows onto the flower petals, their wilting is accelerated.

Soil for planting and growing

Hibiscus is not capricious in relation to the soil. But soil from equivalent parts of sand, humus, peat and earth suits him best, you can add small particles of charcoal. Do not use dry or unripe cowshed.

The soil should be light and loose for air access to the roots. loosen land from time to time. Since the Chinese rose does not tolerate excess soil moisture, care for it should involve drainage without fail.

Top dressing and fertilizers

To encourage flowering, the hibiscus should be fertilized with a mineral fertilizer with nitrogen every month during this period. Iron and copper chelate will also be useful. Can be alternated with organic fertilizer.

Foliar fertilization with magnesium is allowed from time to time. The plant also responds well to spraying with weak aqueous solutions of root bait. In winter, it is better to use fertilizers from phosphorus and potassium in half the dosage. And during the expressed dormancy, top dressing is not given. Before you start fertilizing, do not forget to water the hibiscus.

pruning hibiscus

There are a few simple rules on how to properly prune a Chinese indoor rose. The first pruning should be done at the age of two years.

The best time for this is early spring and then autumn. Wait 3 days after watering, step back 5 mm from the leaf, cut should be 45°. Do not cut more than 2/3 of the branch.

Hibiscus transplant

Transplant young hibiscus every year, mature - once every couple of years. The best time is early spring. Water the plant first.

Important!After transplanting, water in the pan for several days. This will help the roots grow better.

Propagation of indoor hibiscus

There are 2 ways of propagation: using seeds, using cuttings.

For someone who wants to have a beautiful plant at home, but still does not know how to care for indoor flowers, hibiscus is ideal. Despite its beauty, the plant is very unpretentious. It calmly withstands low lighting, and sudden changes in temperature, and insidious drafts. It will not disappear even if you miss the watering time. It is thanks to this unpretentiousness that hibiscus is often placed in offices, living rooms, in the halls and corridors of various institutions.

Hibiscus is called the "Chinese rose", and this name perfectly conveys the beauty of this plant. However, in order for the hibiscus not only to live, but also to delight you with its bright flowering, you need to remember a few tips.

Location and lighting

The first thing a beginner florist needs to learn is that hibiscus is a photophilous plant. Place it near a window or any other well-lit place. Also, do not forget that hibiscus grows very quickly and reaches quite large sizes. In a small room, there may be problems with its placement: this flower does not like crowding. The pot in which the hibiscus will live also plays an important role: the tighter the pot, the slower it will grow.

Temperature

The optimum temperature for Chinese roses in summer is 20-22 degrees. In winter, the temperature should be lowered to 14-16 degrees. Lowering the temperature in winter will have a positive effect on the future flowering of hibiscus. If you do not have the opportunity to keep the flower at low temperatures, do not be discouraged - the Chinese rose can grow in winter and at room temperature.

Air humidity

Hibiscus needs frequent spraying, as the flower loves high humidity. If you keep hibiscus in a room with dry air, then there is a high probability that the flowers will not be able to fully open. Spraying should be carried out as carefully as possible - water should not fall on the flowers, otherwise the buds will become stained and fall off.

To increase the humidity, you can use a pallet with expanded clay or pebbles filled with water. But remember, the bottom of the pot must not touch the water!

Watering

Hibiscus loves moisture. It should be watered abundantly so that the earth in the pot is completely saturated with water. But it is not worth watering the Chinese rose too often - the top layer of the earth should have time to dry out. In autumn and winter, watering should be moderate, after about 2-3 days after the top layer dries out. For irrigation, it is better to use settled soft water at room temperature.

The soil

The soil for growing hibiscus should be nutritious and light, it should be close to neutral (pH about 6). The ideal soil composition would be a mixture of soddy, leafy, humus soil and sand in a ratio of 4:3:1:1. Pieces of charcoal can be added to the composition of the earth. A simplified composition of the soil is also suitable: soddy, humus soil and sand in proportions of 2: 1: 1.

Do not forget to take care of good drainage, the flower does not tolerate stagnant water in a pot!

Top dressings and fertilizers

Top dressing plays a big role in the care of indoor hibiscus. It is very important not to overdo it with fertilizers. In the spring, when the hibiscus is preparing to start growing, it is worth feeding it with potassium-phosphorus fertilizer. For the rest of the fertilizers, the optimal time will be summer, when the flower grows most actively. But it is better to refuse nitrogen-containing fertilizers - hibiscus does not like them too much.

Transfer

Young plants need to be repotted every year. To do this, mix in a pre-prepared pot or tub 2 parts of garden soil, 1 part of sand and 1 part of peat. If you are transplanting a large plant, then the mixture should be prepared heavier.

From the age of three, the need for an annual transplant disappears: an adult plant needs to be transplanted every 2-3 years.

pruning

There is a categorical answer to this question - yes, you need it! Formative pruning must be done annually, only under this condition will the Chinese rose delight you with its flowering. Each time after flowering, the tips of the shoots need to be cut, then the side shoots will grow, on which, in turn, buds will form. Keep in mind that hibiscus flowers appear only on young shoots, so every shoot that is not cut in time is another flower that you will miss next year.

In early spring, it is very useful to pinch all shoots - including young ones. Although indoor hibiscus can be pruned throughout the year, it does not harm it at all.

Shoots that grow parallel to the main trunk (they are called "tops") must be cut off. Just like those of the branches that grow inside the crown. Do not worry about the flower, regular pruning is only good for him, providing him with healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Indoor hibiscus propagates both by seeds and cuttings. However, there is too much trouble with seeds for a beginner grower - this method is quite laborious and is more suitable for those who are breeding indoor hibiscus. And propagation by cuttings has several undeniable advantages. Firstly, this method retains all the varietal characteristics inherent in the mother plant. And secondly (which is especially important for an amateur grower), with this method, the plant begins to bloom in the first year.

Reproduction by seeds

Seeds are best sown from late January to mid-March. Before planting seeds in the ground, they should be soaked for 12 hours in Epin. You need to plant seeds in a mixture of peat and sand. After planting, the pot is covered with glass or film to create greenhouse conditions. It is necessary to constantly maintain the temperature within 25-27 degrees. Also, do not forget to periodically ventilate the pot and spray the soil with seeds.

When young sprouts have 2-3 leaves, they can be transplanted into a separate pot. Hibiscus grown from seeds will bloom only for 2-3 years.

Reproduction by cuttings

Young cuttings are best suited for propagation. For rooting, place them in water or in the ground. In the first case, you will need a vessel, preferably made of dark glass, filled with water. Put a cutting in it and cover it with a “cap” - for example, a glass jar. This is necessary to increase the humidity. The cuttings will take root in about 25-30 days. When the roots appear, the cutting will need to be transplanted into an earthen mixture containing a large amount of peat. It is advisable to add sphagnum moss there - this is especially useful for a young plant.

When rooting immediately in the ground, you will need a mixture consisting of coarse sand and peat. But do not forget that before this, all leaves must be removed from the cutting, except for the top two.

• Buds appear, but do not open and soon fall off - insufficient watering; drying out of the soil; lack of nutrients in the soil; low room temperature.
• The lower leaves fall, new leaves grow yellow - an increased content of calcium and chlorine in the soil; lack of iron and nitrogen; too dry air in the room; abundant watering with cold water; low temperature.
• Lack of flowers with a too lush crown - an excess of fertilizers containing nitrogen; the flower does not have enough light, the temperature is too high in winter.
• Pinkish spots appear on the leaves - lack of light; excess fertilizer.
• Leaves droop and become lethargic - lack of moisture.
• The roots dry out - the soil temperature is too low.
• The leaves dry up - the air in the room is too dry; high temperature in winter.

Diseases and pests

The greatest danger for indoor hibiscus is and. To get rid of these pests, you must first wash the leaves with soapy water, and then spray with Actellik solution.

Indoor hibiscus - reproduction and care (video)