Can Hibiscus Grow in Shade or Full Sun?

Hibiscus is one of the beautiful plants to have in your garden. It is one of the most favorite options for those who love the tropical vibe. The thing is, planting this plant is not that easy, especially when you live in a non-tropical places. One of the things that can cause the issue is the light. So, how much light does a hibiscus need? It is possible to grow this plant in shade?

In order for the hibiscus to grow well, it needs about 6 hours of full sun each day. If you live in a non-tropical place and are wondering if you can grow it in shade, there is a chance for you to grow this plant in partial shade. Your area might not get as much sunlight as the tropical places but the plant can still grow perfectly well in your place. What makes it different is that it will not fill in as fully or bloom as spectacularly as it will in the places with lots of sunlight. The more light this plant gets the better it will bloom.

Actually, having a little bit of shade can be beneficial when there is too much light and in hot and dry weather. If you live in the sunny or hot area, the hibiscus that you put outdoor can be saved by the little bit of shade. The function of the shade is to protect it from the bright afternoon sun. The shady can actually be obtained thanks to the leafy trees that are planted to the southeast of the hibiscus.

While it is true that hibiscus can show its full potential in the areas that are full of light, it is also possible for you to plant it inside your home or the other indoor places. Everything is fine as long as the conditions are bright enough. To make the plant to get the most light possible, you are recommended to always put the plant in a south or southwest facing window. The plant will grow and bloom well as long as it gets to touch the sun, even though it is through a sunny window. In case you fail to provide the plant with the sunlight from indoors, you might want to consider the supplement with artificial lights.

Read also: Does hibiscus evergreen or deciduous

The light is actually not the only thing that should be the focus. When growing the hibiscus, there are some other planting cares that you have to know, including:

• Watering

The moist and well drained soil is the best soil for hibiscus. The foliage will drop if it dries out to much. In the end, it will look like a bunch of dead sticks. When you are in this kind of situation, keep calm as the bud will reappear. Not everyone knows but it is the way the plant to protect its root system. Both giving to much water and lacking of water is not good for the plant like hibiscus. If you plant it in a container, make sure to use the container with drainage holes to prevent the water accumulation. It is especially not good for the root as it will make it starts to root.

• Temperature

The best temperatures for the bud of the hibiscus to grow are the warm ones. It does not really tolerate cold spring, winter, or summer. In the extreme weather, it will grow slower. The most effective way to provide the warm temperature to the plant is to use a layer of mulch.

• Fertilizer

To grow well, you should feed hibiscus with something that is full of nutrients. There are several methods to fertilize this plant. During spring, you can apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant. The second option is to apply the fertilizer with 10-4-12, 9-3-13, 04 10-10-10. Please apply it around the base of the plant. When applying the fertilizer, please be extra careful. Do not apply it too much as it is the fastest way to kill the plant.

• Pruning

There is no need for you to prune the hibiscus unless the leaves of the plant turn yellow. Instead of pruning, you might want to shape the plant by cutting back the old growth. The best time to do it is in the end of fall or in winter. Everything depends on the place you live. If you do not cut back the old growth of this plant, it will be too crowded as the plant will usually produce new growth every year from the ground up. you are encouraged to prune in early summer or when the plant has started to grow in order for it to branch and to produce more flower stalks.

In addition to these basic caring for hibiscus, below are some other tips to plant this plant:

• Keep an eye on the pests. The attacks usually come from aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. To get rid of all of them, you can pour the insecticidal soap.
• Avoid using clay pots as it can cause the soil to be a bit more alkaline over time. The best ones are still plastic and stone pots.
• If you see the leaves of hibiscus that turn yellow, you are advised to water it less.
• It is needed for the hibiscus to be pruned once in the spring. It is effective to promote the future blooms. You have to remove about 1/3 of the branches. You can start to get rid the one that looks weak or the one that is awkwardly outward. Do not forget to leave behind at least 3 or 4 strong main branches.

For more information about hibiscus and how to take care of this plant, it is better for you to discuss with the professionals. They can be found offline and online. Not only that, it is also beneficial to visit the communities or forums where the others who also grow this plant gather. Do not hesitate to join them and to seek help.