I have had my Hibiscus home now since February. I have now pinched the tops twice and need to know the next step.
They are on my patio and until recently were getting some sun. The sun is getting higher in the sky and no longer hitting the patio floor. I would like to pot these up into gallon containers now and get them outside to grow.
Any thoughts? advice etc?
Molly
:^))))
I think I missed something. Why are you pinching off the tops? I don't remember reading anything about doing that. It doesn't mean it wasn't there for me to read and I just over looked it. I haven't pinched off my tops are my plants going to be OK?
2PD,
Carols insert in the box gave some care instructions. "When you see 2 new leaves, and can pinch the top new growth, do so. In about 2 more weeks, you will do the same process again of pinching the new growth. You want to be able to make the plant bushy, the pinching process creates the breaks in the plant. If you repeat the pinching process three times, you will have the base of a well balanced plant."
How long have you had your plants 2PD?
I guess my next step would be to check the roots to see if they have filled the pot. I have pinched mine twice. I wonder if it's best to wait for the 3rd pinch before graduating them to larger pots. hmmmmm
Molly
I got mind on Mar. 17th I am going to check now for new leaves. Like I said I must have overlooked that part of the instructions. God help me, sometimes I overlook things that I shouldn't.
Thanks
2PD,
Me too, that's why the paper has been sitting here on my desk since I got them. I keep pulling it out and reading it, over and over. If I don't, I will forget.
Molly
:^)))
Just occurred to me, It's APRIL. I have had these things since 2/20 or something like that. 2 months, they must be ready for something by now. BRB
Okay, I looked at 3 different plants. The roots have grown, but by no means are they anywhere near filling the pot.
Anyone, how much longer til there are there for potting up?
I need to get them out in the sun now.
Molly
I just pinched off all the new leaves on the tops, such pretty little leaves. OK now I'm getting with the program. Does the instructions have anything else on it that I may need to know. I will look for mine, my DH says I never throw anything away, and I hope he is right on this one. I guess I may not be to far behind since I have only had mine a little over a month. Starting my search.
Thanks MollyMc
2PD,
Try this. I don't have a scanner but have a camera. I think you can read it.
Molly
Thank you so much. I made a copy of it and it is now taped to my computer desk.
Molly - I was thinking I read that hibiscus like to be a little root-bound. Are there any experts reading? Is this right?
I am sure no expert but I have heard this as well. My big ones (for MI) haven't been repotted in about two years and are doing great, lots of flowers. One I repotted last spring for a friend promptly grew straight up about a foot and then stopped and refused to flower for weeks. So, my limited answer is either that they like or don't mind being pot bound, or she did something weird to her plant.
when i got mine i put them in 3 inch pots cuz that was all i had at the time.....2 weeks ago i potted them up to 6inch pots....im sure it wont be long before they will have to be repotted(before springs end im sure)i havent pinched my tops when im outside this weekend i will see what they look like, and might do some pinching...mine have been blooming off and on since i got them.....i cant get over how much they have grown since i got them, i do keep mine in the greenhouse but they will go outside before long
cindy
Yes, I did hear that they like to spread their roots out in the pot. Carol says "When the roots have filled the pot that you have it in, you could pot them up to a 10" or larger if you choose."
In my case, some of the 38 I bought will go into the ground, certainly not yet. But I was surprised that the roots had not grown any more than they have in this time.
So, I will now exercise more patience, find someplace outside to put these babies, in the pots that they are in rightn now. I am sure, they need more sunlight if they are to thrive.
Molly
:^))))
