Novice Cultural Questions

Do I remember correctly? I thought I read an article or a thread here perhaps, a long time ago, that said that tropicial H. could tolerate around 55* temps but they will not bloom until temps reach ??? If that's correct then what's the magical blooming temp?

Also, how much light is required for bloom?

I guess I'm wondering if the tropical I brought in would bloom this winter for me. Do they need a dormant period? I'm guessing not as I always see them blooming in Florida but I haven't ever been there in the winter. Are they ever-blooming if optimum conditions are maintained?

I'm guessing they are also heavy feeders? How much & how often?

Thanks for helping out an eager novice!
Brenda

Brenda,

They bloom year around here in Florida, and can handle occasional dips below 50. Best growth conditions are in full sun when night temps are no lower than 65-70, and day temps are ideal at 80-90. Over 90, and you'll need regular irrigation.

Feeding isn't necessay, but it will produce a much fuller, and more floriferous plant, when applied regularly. Something like a 20-10-20 works well. They like their nitrogen, and that should be the higher number.

Chris

Chris -

MANY HUGE thanks!! I'm going to raise up a set of my grow lights in the basement so I can get my one and only tropical under it and see if I can get it to bloom this winter. Temps stay around 68* so not sure I'll be able to get it up above that for optimum bloom. I imagine under the grow lights its much warmer than the ambient air temp.

Brenda

I have a tropical hibiscus also and I love it. I know it will die here in Tennessee when it gets very cold. I brought it in and the leaves are yellowing. I bought a 3 bulb tier light and bought grow bulbs at home depot. I am hoping that they will help it to stay green this winter.

I've had 3 blooms open up on mine since bringing it inside "near" my grow lights. These were all buds that were set when it came inside. Haven't really noticed any new buds forming though.

Mine is losing leaves and I have no more buds at all. I am going to have to move mine to a sunnier place inside with the grow lights. These plants obviously need lots of light.

Beth

I've continued to have blooms on mine almost every day since my post on the 20th. I'm certain it's forming new buds now but it has lost some leaves and others are yellowed. I understand from reading on it that it is normal for the leaves to turn yellow and drop when the hibiscus undergoes an environmental change like moving indoors for the winter.

Beth - I do have mine on the PERIMETER of my grow light area. It's not directly under the lights per se, but receives some. I also turn the container every other day. I'm only watering when the soil is dry at a depth of 1 inch.

My hibiscus made it through the winter. I kept it near a window that gets indirect light and also put it under a 3 tiered grow light. It still has quite a few leaves and is now back outside and very happy. LOL. It was a long winter. I really need a small sunroom or greenhouse.... or if only I could move to Antigua. Oh well.