How to Plant a Hibiscus in a Pot
Planting hibiscus in a pot is a great way to bring the beauty of this tropical plant to your home or garden. With the right soil and potting technique, hibiscus plants can easily thrive in containers and produce beautiful blooms.
What You Need
Before you start planting, you will need the following items:
- A hibiscus, in either potting mix or a 4-inch root ball
- A 10-12 inch deep pot with good drainage
- Soil that is particularly suited to hibiscus – blend two parts sphagnum peat moss to one part garden loam and add some slow-release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10
- Sharp pruners and a hand trowel
Instructions
- Fill the pot with soil mixture to about an inch from the rim. Ensure the soil blend is appropriate for hibiscus.
- If your hibiscus came in a pot, gently remove it (to avoid damaging the roots). If it’s a root ball, cut away any plastic wrapping or any material keeping the plant bound together.
- Set the hibiscus in the center of the pot; adjust soil level so that the root ball is even with the top rim of the container.
- Fill the side and around the root with the prepared soil blend.
- Water the hibiscus thoroughly until the excess water drains from the bottom of the pot.
- Once the pot is full of water, allow it to drain again.
- Place the potted hibiscus in a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure to remove any dead or wilted leaves to avoid mold.
- Fertilize your hibiscus with a balanced 5-10-5 fertilizer in the spring, summer and fall.
- Do not overwater; you want to keep the pot lightly damp.
By following the steps listed above, you can successfully pot a hibiscus and enjoy its beautiful blooms. With the right care and attention, your hibiscus will thrive for many years to come.
