Chinese hibiscus 'Petit Orange' Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Petit Orange' (Hibisqs Petit Series)

Water

The tropical hibiscus, also known as Chinese hibiscus, should be watered frequently, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Aim to water it about once every 3 to 4 days, although this can vary depending on climate and indoor conditions. Generally, during each watering session, you might use about 1 to 2 gallons for a large potted hibiscus, ensuring water penetrates the entire root zone. During hot summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering, possibly every other day. In contrast, during the winter or in cooler temperatures, reduce watering to every 5 to 7 days, adjusting for reduced evaporation and growth rates.

Light

Chinese hibiscus thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed in a location where it can receive a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. It enjoys morning sun but can suffer from leaf scorch in the harsh afternoon sun, so it’s ideal to situate it where it's protected during peak sunlight hours. East or west-facing windowsills are often good spots indoors, as they provide filtered sunlight without the intensity of midday exposure.

Temperature

Chinese hibiscus prefers warm conditions and should be kept in an environment where temperatures range between 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from sudden temperature drops and cold drafts. Ideally, the hibiscus enjoys daytime temperatures of about 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and slightly cooler temperatures at night.

Pruning

Pruning the Chinese hibiscus encourages bushier growth, removes dead or diseased branches, and can stimulate more abundant flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, trimming back about a third of the plant's size. It's beneficial to prune the hibiscus at least once a year, but you can also do light pruning throughout the year to shape the plant or remove any unwanted or overgrown branches.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tropical Hibiscus thrive best in a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. A good recipe for Hibiscus soil mix includes two parts peat moss, two parts pine bark, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure drainage. The ideal pH range for Tropical Hibiscus is slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 6.5.

Repotting

Tropical Hibiscus plants should be repotted approximately every 1-2 years or when they become root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring or early summer, using fresh soil mix to replenish nutrients and facilitate new growth.

Humidity & Misting

Tropical Hibiscus prefer high humidity levels, ideally between 50-60%. To achieve these conditions, especially in dry climates, regularly misting the plant or using a humidifier may be beneficial.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light, keeping moist.

• Outdoor

  Place in full sun with shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Hibiscus begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in warm and moist soil conditions. The sprout emerges as a seedling, which then develops true leaves and begins photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it grows into a bushy shrub, with glossy green leaves and produces its distinct orange flowers. After pollination, these flowers can produce seed pods, which, once mature, disperse seeds to begin a new generation. Throughout its life, the hibiscus will experience periods of active growth and flowering, usually in the warmer months, followed by dormancy or slower growth in cooler periods. With proper care, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Petit Orange' can live for several years, continually producing flowers and seeds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Petit Orange', often known simply as tropical hibiscus, is through stem cuttings. Ideally, this should be done during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing, such as spring or early summer. A healthy, semi-woody stem of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long is chosen, with at least two to three nodes present. Leaves near the bottom of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Rooting typically occurs over several weeks, after which the new hibiscus plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.