Tropical hibiscus, one-oh-one with its flamboyant and exotic blooms, is a perfect choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. It is important to fertilize these plants properly, so that they are always in their best form. Continue reading if you want to understand a little bit better about how fertilizing hibiscus works, as well as some tips for fertilizing tropical hibiscus so that they grow and flower their best.

Tropical Hibiscus Fertilization Tips

Before we jump into our tips for fertilizing tropical hibiscus, it is important to know a few things about them. The plants are found growing in tropical and subtropical regions, they like to grow in hot and humid conditions. Their distinctive flowers, in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink and white are wonderfully showy. The tropical hibiscus needs sunlight, some water and well-draining soil to have a happy life.

Why Fertilize

Fertilization is Key to The Growth and Bloom of Hibiscus on Parade. This will give the plant a source of nutrients that its ancient relatives might not have found in the soil around their roots and could be the catalyst for strong root development, leaf growth and even help persuade nature to make flowers in due course. It results in a slowed growth of hibiscus plants, yellowing of leaves and less number of blooms.

Types of Fertilizers

Many types of fertilizers are available for tropical hibiscus, each with its benefits. Though, knowing the variations help you decide which one is suitable for your plants.

1. Granular Fertilizers: Granular fertilizers are slowly released into the soil and provide nutrients for an extended period. They are simple to use and apply less often.

2. Liquid Fertilisers: Are mixed with water and applied during watering. Liquid fertilizers can quickly release nutrients and are rapidly absorbed.

3. Organic Fertilizers: These are made from natural sources (e.g., compost, manure, or bone meal) which give nutrient rips slowly and help in improving the health of the soil. These are fertilizers that contain exact nutrient ratios and are the most common type of manufactured fertilizers. They work well but can cause some nutrients to become out of balance if used incorrectly.

Hibiscus Essential Nutrients for a Healthy Plant

Tropical hibiscus needs a macro and micronutrient balanced nutrient program to reach its highest growth potential. Key Nutrients:

• Nitrogen (N): leafy growth, bright green foliage
• Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is important for root growth and flowering.
• Potassium (K): Helps with general plant health, disease resistance and flower quality.
• Micronutrient Elements: Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, and Others For many physical processes and the general health of vegetation

Soil Testing Fertilization Tips

Only Test your soil before you begin any fertilization program. What this will do is get you an idea on what the current NPKs and pH are so that you may more effectively fertilize.

Selecting the Ideal Fertilizer

Balanced plant foods like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 for exotic hibiscus are generally great choices. If they’ve yet to bloom and it’s the blooming season, consider using a higher phosphorus (middle number) fertilizer for flowers.

Apply

Fertilize your tropical hibiscus every 2-4 weeks when the plant is actively growing (spring through early fall). Cut back on fertilization in the late fall and winter when the plant goes dormant.

How to Apply

Evenly sprinkle granular fertilizer around the plant, starting 6 inches away from the stem. After you finish planting the new flowers, give them a good drink of water to help the added nutrients sink deeper into the soil. Dilute and apply to the manufacturer’s specifications for liquid fertilizers.

Limit fertilizing

Excessive fertilizer can injure the hibiscus, resulting in nutrient imbalances or burning the roots. Do not apply it more than needed and stay on the recommended dose.

Type of Water Used

The fertilizer for tropical hibiscus has to be watered properly. Before and after using the fertilizer, make sure you water the plant well to prevent root burn and to absorb all this nutrient. Moisture – keep the roots watered consistently throughout the growing season, but do not swamp them.

Organic Options

As well as possible organic fertilizer options such as compost or well-rotted manure that you can work into your soil. These condition the soil and nutrients, release slowly in grainsml form. It even aids in water storage and soil temperature control in the organic mulch.

Micronutrient Supplements

If your hibiscus has signs of nutrient deficiencies like chlorotic leaves (yellowing) or inadequate growth, try using a micronutrient supplement. Both of these concerns can be addressed with products that contain Iron, Magnesium, and other trace elements.

Time of Year

Fertilize and propagating plants when they are no longer dormant (No more than once per month.) Fertilize more when it is growing (spring-early summer) and less during the rest of the year when its dormant (late fall-winter).

Foliar Feeding

Besides feeding them from the soil, using foliar food can also be very helpful. This is where fertilizer a solution with water is sprayed directly on the leaves and the plant will get its food in through the skin. If it appears that it could benefit from more nutrients, then foliar feeding may be just what you need.

Checking Plant Health

Please inspect your Haitian hibiscus for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses. Fertilization problems are perhaps the most common reasons for yellowing leaves, poor growth and subsequent fewer number of flowers. Then modify your fertilizing routine based on the plant’s reaction.

Common Fertilization Mistakes

• Forgetting Soil pH: Hibiscus plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral pH soil (6.0 to 7.0). Nutrient uptake can be impacted by too high or low of a soil pH. Soil testing and pH changes on a regular basis.
• Incorrect Fertilizer: Hibiscus must be fertilized but not all type of fertilizers should be used on hibiscus. Never apply high-nitrogen fertilizers when plants are blooming because they will promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Over Fertilizing: A common mistake is to think that more fertilizer is better. Over-fertilizing your plants may cause all kinds of nutrient imbalances, root burn and pollution.
• Uneven care: Your hibiscus plants need regular care. Fertilizing at irregular times or simply forgetting to apply it, will cause the nutrients to spike and depress throughout time which puts stress on the plant.
• Ignoring Organic Matter: Applying just synthetic fertilizers could cause the soil organic matter to decrease, and it does not help to sustain land fertility. By adding organic matter such as compost, soil health is ensured.

Summary

Hibiscus plants of the tropical variety need to be fertilized in balance based on their own nutritional requirements, the soil conditions and the growth cycle of the plant itself. With the right fertilizers, timing and know-how you will then be able to grow a healthy green stunningly flowering plant in your garden. Just follow these principals with patience and consistency, and you will have beautiful flowers in your garden in no time.