I think I made a big mistake. I transplanted two 12ft. Chinese Lanterns (Hibiscus schizopetalus) into large planters and they are wilting! Although I did my best to protect the roots, they look just horrible!. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to save them?
SierraTigerLily,
I feel your pain. I transplanted two of my Hibiscus Hybrids this morning from pots to the ground and both plants root system broke in half. Waaa! I am so upset, I really tried real hard not to break the root ball. I have never seen such delicate roots in any plants before. For you, I can suggest triming them back and make sure they are away from the summer sun. I am sure someone in here can offer better advice. I on the other hand, am really hoping my amputated hibiscus plants miraculously survive through this. Good luck, I hope your plants get better soon.
Buggy
I would make sure they don't get any direct sunlight and maybe put clear plastic bags over them that have some moisture in them, to act like a greenhouse. Keeping them from the sun would be the most important, tho. I've had hibiscus wilt totally and come back. Also, the root ball may need to be watered while the roots are trying to make their way into the new moist soil around it. Maybe if you could make a hole in the soil, into the root ball and water it a little, it would perk up with that and time.
How much of the roots did you lose when you transplanted? If I'm transplanting something and lose a lot of the roots in the process, I'll typically trim back some of the top growth as well to make the roots and the top more in proportion with each other. But there are different schools of thought on this, I've seen other people say you shouldn't cut the leafy part back. Keeping it out of the sun and making sure it has enough water are the best things you can do for it right now. Misting the leaves may help a bit too
Garden Lady,
I lose part of the roots, when replanting, on about one in five plants.
But, before I transplant, I make sure they have been in their planting spot for at least a few weeks.
They are traumatized for a day or two, but they bounce right back.
With the weather being as hot as it is right now, I've been lightly sprinkling twice a day.
I sure hope they make it. I did trim a few branches off to help them with the shock of transplanting them. They seemed to be struggling in their pots, so I moved them to the ground. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
You're absolutely right! The one in the shade is struggling, while the other one in full sun is miserable. I will buy a dolly this afternoon to move it into the shade.
Thanks so much for the advice! I'll maintain moisture on the branches as well as the soil.
Two years ago we had to move and I took the hibiscus with me. Well I planted them and last year they did nothing and I mean nothing. I thought they were dead but this year when planting some other things I noticed a little tiney bit of leaves growing. I decided to try and do something so I fed it and watered and put mulch arount it and they are comming back. Don't know if they are going to bloom this year but am going to wait and see. See you do have hope for yours.
UPDATE:
The hibiscus plants are back in all their glory! They've done a few rounds of flowering and are over fourteen feet tall. Thank you everyone for your advice!
Awesome! So glad to hear that. Gorgeous flowers too!
Me too, on the awesome. Very, very happy for you.
Thank you!
Now they're doing so well I need to set up a drip system for them.
Great looking plants and awesome blooms! I am so happy you didn't lose them.
