The hibiscus scores with magnificent flowers - at least with the right care. Find out everything you need to know about fertilizing hibiscus here.
The hibiscus (Hibiscus) is an enrichment for the home window sill or the conservatory, not least because of its flowers that spray throughout the summer. The right type of hibiscus, skilfully overwintered in a sheltered location, can bring the Hawaiian flair of the subtropical plant into your garden - at least in mild regions of Germany. The hibiscus actually comes from Asia. In order for the charisma of the mallow family (Malvaceae) to find its way indoors and outdoors, the striking blossoms of the hibiscus must not be missing. If the hibiscus is cared for properly, these show up in bright colors between June and October every year. Such an impressive flower naturally drains the plant's reserves and needs a regular supply of nutrients. Two hibiscus representatives in particular occupy an important place on our windowsills and in the gardens, as they want to be supplied with sufficient nutrients. The Chinese marshmallow (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is the classic on the warm windowsill, while the garden hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) makes the garden shine brings.
Proper nutritional intake and composition will ensure your hibiscus blooms profusely, rather than shedding its leaves and flowers in defiance of neglect. This article answers the most important questions about fertilizing your hibiscus so that your hibiscus shows its most beautiful flowers in summer as a thank you.
When to fertilize the hibiscus?
Below are the different times when it is advisable to fertilize the hibiscus.
Fertilize hibiscus when growing
If you want to grow or propagate your hibiscus yourself despite the rather low germination rates, start with the nutrient supply from the second month. The small plant is first fertilized with diluted liquid fertilizer. You should gradually adapt to the datedApproach the concentration specified by the manufacturer in order to slowly get the hibiscus used to the nutrient supply.
Fertilize hibiscus when planting
When planting in spring, you can provide the nutrients for the next bloom. You can do this by mixing mature compost or another long-term fertilizer such as our Plantura organic flower fertilizer into the garden soil. This is particularly recommended for a hibiscus pot culture, because when planting you have the opportunity to enrich the soil with nutrients. In a pot that has already been planted, mixing fertilizer into the soil is usually a difficult task. After planting, you can apply another layer of mulch in the root area.
When to fertilize the indoor hibiscus?
Due to the small volume of soil in the pot, it is better to use fertilizer regularly when growing a hibiscus in a pot. Provide your garden hibiscus with sufficient nutrients once a week during the growing season from March to October. Here you can also choose a mineral fertilizer variant, because the soil life inside the pot is usually sparsely sown anyway. If fertilizer sticks are given as an alternative, the fertilizer dose is reduced to the specified duration of action.
When to fertilize the garden hibiscus?
The garden hibiscus has the same nutrient requirements as the species that romp around on the windowsill, but with its roots in the garden soil it has completely different nutrient sources at its disposal. Although you can also use the quickly available mineral fertilizer variant from March to October, it is more convenient to use organic long-term fertilizer. This is used in much larger sections, one application in spring is usually sufficient. So you can combine the fertilizer application with the annual pruning of your hibiscus. Only a professional pruning will help the hibiscus to bloom unexpectedly.
If you also use an organic fertilizer variant, you are not only doing the animals and small children in your household a favor thanks to its high level of compatibility. They also protect the environment and soil life, which is important for the nutrient cycle.
Summary: When to Fertilize Hibiscus?
- At planting mature compost or organicMix slow-release fertilizer under the potting soil and apply a layer of mulch
- Fertilize at regular intervals from March to October
Hibiscus fertiliser: how and with what to fertilize hibiscus?
Even if the hibiscus is a plant originally from Asia, there are fertilizers on the market that are suitable for Mediterranean plants as well as Asian flowering plants. Even special hibiscus fertilizers are available. These promise a he althy leaf mass and beautiful flowers. The hibiscus needs the right combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. An NPK fertilizer with a ratio of 7 - 6 - 5 should be ideal here, but a normal flower fertilizer will also completely satisfy the flower-bearing plants. You should pay particular attention to the intake of the trace elements sulphur, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.
In late summer, early autumn at the latest, you should also switch to potassium-rich fertilization. This makes the plants more resistant and fit for the winter. This is particularly advantageous for garden hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) that have been planted in the bed. However, species such as the Chinese rose mallow (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) also benefit from the additional strengthening in the winter quarters. Our Plantura organic flower fertilizer offers a nutrient ratio of 4 - 2 - 7 (NPK), which is gratefully accepted by almost every flowering plant. In addition, it offers extra potassium for the cold season. Your hibiscus is therefore cared for all year round. This organic fertilizer offers many advantages for the gardener and his green environment:
- Soil life, i.e. earthworms, but also helpful bacteria are promoted
- The ingredients all come from organically controlled cultivation and are completely animal-free
- The nutrients are available over a long period of time and are therefore released to the soil and the plant in good doses
Tip from the professional: The best fertilizer is of no use to you with the hibiscus if waterlogging forms because the irrigation water cannot drain off. Therefore, when cultivating in pots, be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole and lay out a drainage layer.
Fertilize hibiscus correctly: Instructions for application
Your hibiscus needs a variety of nutrients for a bloom that makes eyes and mouths open. These are fetched from the soil surrounding the roots. Especially with pot culturesa regular supply of these fuels is therefore essential. The reserves in the earth are not simply filled up again. Even in the bed, the natural nutrient supply is usually not sufficient to maintain the nutrient supply for years. In addition to an optimal nutrient supply, a fertilizer with a high potassium content - such as our Plantura organic flower fertilizer - offers cold-sensitive plants strength for harsh winters. Here's a quick guide to expertly fertilizing your hibiscus:
- Before planting, work 100 - 150 g/m² (well-filled 0.2 liter glass) of our Plantura organic flower fertilizer into the top layer of soil
- Water the base and freshly planted hibiscus well so that the granulate can be easily loosened
- For maintenance fertilization in spring, you should fertilize another 80 - 120 g/m² (0.2 liter glass) per plant
Fertilize hibiscus organically: Instructions
A hibiscus needs a brisk supply of nutrients, but that doesn't mean that you have to fall back on the mineral fertilizer club. On the contrary: You can avoid using the fertilizer once or twice by using an organic fertilizer.
You can work the nutrient suppliers into the top layer of soil around the root area using a garden tool. Those who have resorted to the completely natural form of fertilization strengthen their hibiscus by fertilizing with patent potash. The additional supply of potassium ensures that the shoots ripen more quickly. The magnesium also ensures a green and he althy appearance. About 40 grams per square meter are used for trees and ornamental shrubs. When cultivating hibiscus plants in pots, however, applying organic fertilizers such as compost is usually difficult. In addition, the smell doesn't exactly contribute to the tropical feel-good atmosphere.
Organic long-term fertilizers in liquid or granulated form are therefore better suited. With our Plantura organic flower fertilizer, you don't have to make any compromises in terms of natural compatibility. The almost exclusively plant-based ingredients come from controlled, organic cultivation. In this way you can take care of your hibiscus in a pot in the long term, conveniently and in an environmentally friendly manner. For better resilience, you can also fertilize with rock flour. This contains many minerals and trace elements such as silicic acid, iron, manganese and molybdenum.
Fertilize hibiscus with minerals
Mineral fertilizers arehighly concentrated and supply according to the principle of rapid availability. Your plants will be supplied with all the nutrients they need in no time at all. This can offer benefits if your plant is showing signs of deficiency. However, if dosed incorrectly, these benefits quickly lead to damage from over-fertilization. Also, the excess of plant food is often flushed out as quickly as it is available. Therefore, always fertilize exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions. During the growing season from March to October, you should fertilize hibiscus in pots or tubs about once a week. Your plants are optimally cared for and less fertilizer ends up in the groundwater. However, to minimize the risk of soil and plant pollution, we recommend using an organic fertilizer variant.
Fertilize hibiscus with home remedies
Small home remedies can have a big effect - this also applies to the fertilization of indoor and garden plants. Mixed into the soil, coffee grounds, crushed banana peels, or tea grounds provide a good supply of everything your hibiscus needs. Alternatively, you can also water with liquid manure or broth made from plant residues or vegetable water. Potassium s alts such as Epsom s alt ensure good winter hardiness with an additional load of potassium.
Read this article for more tips on how to best care for hibiscus.