Are you a gardening enthusiast who wants to know how to transplant hibiscus? Also known as rose mallow, hibiscus won’t fail to add color and life to your garden. This plant’s trumpet-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors including red, yellow, pink, orange, peach, coral, and white.
Hibiscus Facts That May Surprise You
Did you know that hibiscus is used for polishing shoes in China? There are about 250 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees that belong to this genus of flowering plants, and they’re mostly grown in tropical areas across the globe.
Hibiscus represents different cultural meanings
This plant is also associated with various cultural symbols. Hibiscus blooms symbolize beauty, young women, riches, fame, and glory. During the Victorian era, women who were given hibiscus flowers were considered to be beautiful.
It makes good tea
If you’ve never tried hibiscus tea, you’re missing out. The most popular Hibiscus variety that’s used for making tea is called Hibiscus sabdariffa. Its red flowers are also known for their health benefits that’s why they’re commonly used as a dietary supplement.
It can be used to treat illnesses
Ancient Egyptians used to drink Hibiscus tea to help reduce their body temperature, promote diuresis, and to treat heart and nerve diseases. On the other hand, Africans used it as a remedy for constipation, cancer, liver disease, and colds. In Iran, hibiscus is used for reducing high blood pressure, as well as cholesterol levels.
The pulps from the plant’s leaves can be used to heal wounds in the skin. According to studies, hibiscus may also have the potential to treat cancer and promote weight loss.
You can make rope and paper out of it
Did you know that this plant can also be used to make paper? However, this is only made possible with Hibiscus cannabinus and not with other Hibiscus varieties. Aside from this, hibiscus is also used in different areas such as landscaping and rope, and construction.
How To Transplant Hibiscus
It is best to do the transplant when the flowers start to fade. Usually, hibiscus blooms until late August or September.
While you’re at it, do the transplant around late August to late October. High temperatures and excessive sun can cause stress to the plant.
Step #1: Choose the right location
Choose a location that suits the needs of your hibiscus plant. They do not thrive in areas with too much shade and standing water. In terms of sun exposure, they require at least 6 to 7 hours daily.
Furthermore, avoid transferring them to areas that are exposed to constant winds. Hibiscus loves sunlight and a warm environment. Moreover, they thrive in well-drained soils.
Step #2: Prepare the transfer
Cut 1/3 of the branches back to keep the nourishment near the strongest parts of the plant. Dig straight down around the plant in a circular manner – around 1 foot per inch of trunk diameter away.
Avoid digging in a slant manner to prevent harming the roots. Lift the plant slowly to prevent damage to the roots. Ensure to keep as much soil as you can around the roots. Furthermore, wrap the roots using a gardening burlap and twine and tie it.
Step #3: Move the hibiscus plant
Dig a hole with loose soil for drainage in the new location. Transfer the plant to the hole and fill it with ¾ dirt. Dampen the soil with water and tamp it to press out any air pockets.
For every 2 days in the first 6 weeks after transplanting, water the plant thoroughly. Remember to let it dry out in between those days.
Advantages Of Using a Hobby Greenhouse
A hobby greenhouse is a great choice for growing plants that are off-season. Not all plants grow throughout the year. Some plants only survive during spring, winter, summer, or fall.
However, hobby greenhouses make it is possible to grow plants at any time of the year. It allows you to grow plants that do not thrive in your climate. If you live in a country where the weather is always cold, you can still grow tropical plants and get better results.
Additionally, a hobby greenhouse protects your plants from nature, pests, and other things that hinder the growth of your plant. It is a covered building that prevents freezing weather, too much heat, excessive rain, strong winds, and other weather factors from destroying your plants.
Furthermore, it extends the growing season, thus, resulting in a higher number of production and better quality. With the constant technology innovation, the greenhouses are improving in providing the best shelter for your plants.
Conclusion: How To Plant Hibiscus
Hibiscus thrive in temperatures between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. They cannot survive in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area where it is usually cold, a greenhouse is a great investment.
You can grow hibiscus at any time of the year – even in winter. Using a greenhouse, you get to control the temperature that your hibiscus plants need to survive and yield the best flowers.
Now that you have an idea on how to transplant hibiscus, you may want to move your hibiscus plants to a hobby greenhouse for better protection and improved growth.