You may need to do a little sleuthing to help your hibiscus plant thrive.
Without those, they can fall victim to pests and can develop yellowing leaves.
Hardy hibiscus plants are alandscaping staple, brightening up gardens with their giant blooms.
Photo:hirun/Getty Images
But as with many plants, there are certain conditions you should probably help your hibiscus plant thrive.
We spoke to some experts to explain why hibiscus leaves turn yellowand how to turn the situation around.
Care and growing requirements are species-specific, so familiarize yourself with the pop in you have before planting.
The flowers bloom in the summer and fall and need lots of sunlight, moist soil, and fertilizer.
Temperature requirements depend on the species, but hibiscus plants generally love humidity.
In northern climates, position your hibiscus in an area with full sun.
Partial sunlight is best with the intense sun in southern climates.
“But hibiscus plants need a good deal of water.
If the soil gets too dry, this can cause stress to the plant.”
Lack of Sunlight
Hibiscus plants are tropical, which means they need plenty of sunlight to grow.
They do best in direct sunlight or partial shade.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Haven’t fertilized your hibiscus plants in a while?
A lack of nutrientsparticularly phosphorus and nitrogencan be to blame, Foster says.
“Their feeding habits can cause yellowing of leaves,” Foster says.
Addressing that other issue can help.
Try these tactics to help your hibiscus plant thrive.
“Hibiscus plants thrive in more humid conditions, with humidity levels around 50 percent,” Foster says.
Hibiscuses do better the more sunlight they have, so be sure that you’re only allowing partial shade.
This can be especially important if your plant is potted.
“Plants kept in containers need regularapplications of fertilizerto keep them happy and healthy,” Foster says.
“Pests can generally be controlled with a good water spray to the leaves,” Singleton says.
“If this doesnt clear up pest problems, an insecticidal soap can also help.”
