Hibiscus Flower

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Hibicus Flower Care

The beautiful, ostentatious hibiscus with its open petals and its proudly erect stamen is definitely a sight to remember. The hibiscus flowers come in a large variety of colors ranging from white to pink, yellow, red, violet, lavender and orange. This family is a fairly large genus with 200 or more species in it. This itself is a mute affirmation of the immense popularity of these flowers.

The hibiscus flower is mostly used for ornamentation. The hibiscus plants are very good performers if they can get enough sunlight and air. They are mostly natives of the warm temperate climates of the tropics and subtropics. The care of the hibiscus flower begins when the buds start appearing on the shrub.

These buds are very tight and rather large. The buds usually carry a good reserve of nectar in them. That is why they are often susceptible to insects and worms. Many buds get destroyed if they are not properly protected. Heavy rains, lack of water and intense heat also damage the blossom and reduces the longevity of the blossoms. But, hibiscus flowers usually do not last longer than a day even when they are on the bush. For the best blooms - the most colorful and the healthiest - it is necessary to place the plant in a place where the temperature remains between 60 and 90 degrees for the major part of the day. Short periods of intense cold or heat do not generally harm the plant, as these are very hardy specimen. But the plants do show their displeasure by shedding a few leaves and dropping some of the younger buds. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees for longer periods, even if it is at night, most of the plants will stop growing and will refuse to bloom till the temperature becomes warm again. The flowers that do manage to bloom in such a period become much smaller in size and some of them may even be misshapen. Temperatures that drop below freezing will damage the hibiscus plant. If the plant is dehydrated and cold for too long, it will definitely die away.

Higher than normal temperatures will also kill the plant or damage the blossoms. If the temperature is over 95 degrees, the flower buds may drop off if enough water is not provided. Hibiscus flowers can survive heat up to 100 degrees provided enough water is given to the plant. Hibiscus flowers usually arise on new shoots. So, to get new blossoms the plant needs to be pruned on a regular basis. Hibiscus flowers that have been cut for decorative purposes will not stay fresh beyond 24 hours. It is a good idea to keep the half-opened bud in a refrigerator in the morning. These can then be taken out in the evening for decoration purposes. They will then last throughout the evening.

Feeding the hibiscus plant well will produce healthy blooms. A good quality plant food should be regularly used according to the specified instructions. Trace elements and 'minors' like iron, copper, manganese and some other minerals are very good for hibiscus plants. These make the plants vigorous and the flowers develop a good deep hue. The pot that contains the plant should never be turned when the plant is just about to flower. This will definitely cause the unopened buds to drop.

Care of Hibiscus flowers is relatively easy if the plant is given most of its native conditions. When the temperature is high, the plants need more water, but this can be reduced when the temperature drops. Too much cold and wet encourage fungal infections. Spraying water on the flowers will keep most pests away. The flowers are extremely beautiful and well worth all the effort you put into protecting them.

Hibiscus flower
Picture by Fir0002

Another hibiscus flower
Picture by Fir0002