how/when to repot hibiscus

Discussion in 'Hibiscus' started by suan44, Mar 19, 2009.

  1. suan44

    suan44 Member

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    I have a beautiful hibiscus that I am very proud of. So far it has produced single and double red flowers and one branch is producing peach flowers. A third branch is giving verigated red/white flowers. Really cool! Everyday is a surprise! I desperately need to repot this plant, but I have more than 20 buds on it right now. A lot of the leaves are turning yellow and falling off, I think because I water too much. I believe the plant is rootbound. If I don't give the plant at least a glass of water a day the leaves get wilty and the buds fall off. I've tried misting on alternate days but that doesn't help much. How and when can I repot this plant? If I repot will I lose all my buds? If I don't repot I fear all the leaves will fall off. The current pot measures 9 1/2 " wide and 7" tall. The plant is 52" high. Any advise is truly appreciated!
     
  2. Bluewing

    Bluewing Well-Known Member

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    Your hibiscus sounds really beautiful!

    If it were mine, I'd wait on re-potting until it's done flowering. or you might lose ALL the buds. If it's wilting without getting that single glass of water each day, and it is severely pot-bound, I doubt it's being over-watered.

    If you can lift the whole plant out of the pot a ways, you should be able to see the roots, if it's more roots then soil which wrap around and around inside the pot, drying out very quickly only a day, or two after watering, that would be considered severely root-bound.

    You might not be watering it enough if it is really root-bound. Then you'll need to soak the soil with more then just a glass of water, making sure the entire root-ball gets wet. Submerging the entire pot until water flows in over the rim is another way if hydrating a very thirsty dry plant. Keep it under the water until the soil stops bubbling, replacing any soil that floats away after lifting it out.

    When you do re-pot, only go up one pot size larger. You'll want an inch, or two, of root-ball room inside the new pot is all.
     
  3. suan44

    suan44 Member

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    the only reason I'm giving the plant only a glass of water a day is because I'm afraid all the leaves will yellow and fall off. I will give your suggestion a try - maybe it really is not getting enough hydration.
     

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