Hibiscus room care at home. The main secrets of growing indoor hibiscus

Care at home requires little, but the positive is tangible. Huge flowers, beautiful leaves - not all the advantages of a pet. Of the many varieties of hibiscus, only settled in a person's home. We especially love indoor hibiscus in a spacious rural house, installed in the upper room so that from morning to evening a stream of light pours on it.

Useful properties of indoor hibiscus

From the point of view of feng shui, indoor hibiscus, shown in the photo, attracts good into the house, absorbs black energy, protecting people. Hibiscus is capable of absorbing harmful substances from the air, thereby purifying it. But from the flowers of this plant, you can prepare drugs that help with internal ailments.

Infusions of leaves and flowers help to cleanse the skin, slurry of leaves is applied to boils and boils. So, a first-aid kit is hidden in a beautiful plant.

Hibiscus tea, a favorite drink of many, is obtained from hibiscus flowers. It has a beneficial effect on hypertensive patients and helps the stomach cope with heavy food.

Humidification of the air due to the evaporation of moisture from the topsoil, contemplation of a beautiful flowering bush create healthy air and relieve internal stress. This is evidenced by the hibiscus in the photo.

Home maintenance of Chinese rose

Years will pass, several transplants will be required before the flower takes center stage in the composition. In a floor pot, an evergreen tree with dark serrated leaves attracts admiring glances from guests. With good care, indoor hibiscus flower lives for a long time. He needs a little attention and care:

• a certain composition of the earth and a pot for growth;
• a well-lit place without direct sunlight;
• watering and;
• bush formation;
• protection from diseases and pests.

In addition, the plant needs to comply with summer and winter conditions and does not like drafts. A signal that the plant is suffering will be the yellowing of the leaves, dropping them and unopened buds.

How to care for hibiscus at home, we will analyze in stages from the moment of purchase.

Like many indoor plants, hibiscus does not need a pot to grow. When choosing dishes for planting a plant, you need to make sure that there are drainage holes and create a good drainage layer either with traditional materials or with a special one - Seramis granulate. The use of a special composition will saturate the soil with the necessary micronutrient fertilizers for indoor hibiscus flower.

The composition of the land for planting is simple:

• clay turf - 2 parts;
• leafy and humus earth - 1 part each;
• sand, charcoal, vermiculite - little by little as additives.

It is necessary to transplant or transfer the plant at a young age into a larger pot every year, but only in the spring. An older bush is transplanted more often, then the top layer of the earth is changed. When transplanting, old dark-colored roots can be trimmed with a clean tool. Light young roots work to feed the plant.

Plays a major role in the decorativeness of the bush. In the shade, hibiscus does not bloom, in summer and winter it should stand in the light. If the sun is scorching, indoor hibiscus needs shading. In summer, the temperature of 18-25 degrees is comfortable for a flower. But the hotter, the more often the flower is watered and sprayed. In winter, keeping in cool conditions, but not lower than 12 degrees, will provoke a summer riot of flowers.

Water the plant with soft settled water without traces of chlorine. It is improper watering that is often a provocateur of diseases. Therefore, it is impossible to overdry the plant - it will drop leaves and flowers.
From the overflow, the roots will rot with the ensuing consequences. From hard, cold and rusty water, the leaves will turn yellow, which is shown in the photo, hibiscus at home with improper care.

For good development, the plant requires frequent top dressing during flowering. In spring, for the development of green mass, the plant needs nitrogen, but not much. For violent flowering, hibiscus needs phosphorus. And for the good development of the bush is required. It is better to purchase a ready-made composition of soluble fertilizers for flowering plants.

For good flowering, indoor hibiscus, when cared for at home, needs pruning of shoots. Flowers are formed only on young branches. After pruning, the branch gives new shoots, on which flowers form.

How to propagate Chinese roses

You can propagate the flower by seeds, cuttings. The easiest way is to get a cutting. When the plants are pruned, the tops are used for propagation. Germinate cuttings in water or wet sand in warmth.
The roots that have appeared are slightly grown and rooted in a permanent place, in a cup, up to 10 cm in diameter. With proper care, a new plant will bloom in the same year.

Sick plant care

How to care for hibiscus if it is sick? It is necessary to analyze why the flower sheds leaves or flowers. The first thing to do is to create the right conditions of detention. If the disease has not had time to turn into a chronic form, results will be noticeable in two weeks.

As a preventive measure against the settlement of bushes by insects, you can use a shower for leaves. Water will wash away dust, aphids, and will not allow the spider mite to organize a colony. Chemical protective agents are used after folk cleaning methods.

Let's analyze the main causes and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Cause	Solutions
Pests attacked	Weakened plant.	Use protective equipment, transplant into a new soil.
bacterial fungal diseases	Cold, damp, dark.	Improve the conditions of detention, revise the roots with a transplant, treat with fungicides.
Leaves turn yellow, veins green	Watering with cold hard, chlorinated water, cold and damp.	Change the conditions of detention, change the soil, add iron sulfate to irrigation water. Keep the hibiscus warm. Protect from drafts.
No flowers or buds	A lot of nitrogen, in winter the plant did not rest in the cool.	Improve lighting, create conditions for the formation of buds, reduce the proportion of nitrogen in fertilizers.
Falling buds and buds	The temperature regime and conditions of detention have changed dramatically.	Put in heat, feed with phosphorus, check for insect pests. It is impossible to turn the pot and change its place during flowering.

Such are the simple reasons for the indisposition of indoor hibiscus.

Video about indoor hibiscus care

Hibiscus, or Chinese rose, has many faces and is known to many of us as a wonderful tea, a luxurious houseplant, and even a dietary vegetable. Hibiscus are famous not only for their beautiful flowers, but also for their beneficial qualities. The birthplace of hibiscus - China and India - from here began its victorious march around the planet. Through Pakistan, along the Great Silk Road, he got to Greece and the Middle East.

What you need to know when buying hibiscus

When choosing a plant when buying, pay attention to the fact that the flower is not affected by pests, has a healthy appearance. Carefully inspect the leaves, stems. Even a small speck can be a sign of defeat. Do not purchase dubious specimens so as not to infect the entire collection of home flowers.

Remember: the younger the flower, the faster it will get used to new conditions. The plant is alive, it takes some time to adapt. Therefore, you should not panic if, when conditions change, the flower gets a little sick, losing its decorative effect.

Growing hibiscus at home

Hibiscus is very to living conditions. Any type of soil is suitable, but loose, fertile soil is preferred. Hibiscus belongs to the group of light-loving plants, but it will not die if it does not stand on the window, but inside the room. However, with a lack of sunlight, flowering will be inexpressive, perhaps it will not bloom at all. Feels great on the windowsill or stand near the south, west or east windows. If you place it on the north window, then in order to see flowering, you can use special lamps for additional lighting.

• The lack of light can be recognized by appearance: the leaves become pale, the stems stretch, the plant sheds leaves and stops flowering. In summer and spring, you can take it out to the balcony, veranda or outdoor garden.
• The Chinese rose annually experiences a dormant period: in this state, all life processes are slowed down, most often this happens in the winter months.

If the florist at this time actively waters and feeds his pet, then he will grow and at the same time lose strength. And by the beginning of the new season will be exhausted and exhausted. Do not expect anything good from such care - the flower may even die.

In order not to confuse the plant, it is very important to give it a rest. It itself will signal the end of the dormant period by the appearance of new kidneys. That's when you should start taking active steps in the care. It is better if, during the dormant period, the hibiscus somewhat lower the temperature of the content. Previously, with stove heating, this was very easy to do, which is why hibiscus wintered so well.

If it is not possible to lower the temperature, you should move the plant away from the central heating radiators for this period or put it in the coldest room.

How to water a hibiscus house rose

Indoor hibiscus require abundant watering and weekly spraying in the warm season, and moderate in winter. You need to water when the soil in the container on top dries out, and the excess water from the pan is drained after a few minutes. Chinese rose does not tolerate waterlogging and overdrying.

• To check if the soil inside the pot is dry, you need to tap the pot with your finger. If the sound is sonorous, then the flower needs watering, if it is deaf, it should not be watered.
• For irrigation, rain or melted snow water is ideal. If possible, plants can be taken out under not too much rain.

It is plentiful in the early stages of cultivation and during extended dry spells. Top dressing From the beginning of the growing season, it should be fed weekly with organic and mineral fertilizers alternately so that the plant blooms luxuriantly and profusely. In August, the amount of nitrogen during feeding is reduced, and the dose of potassium and phosphorus is increased.

It is convenient to use fertilizers made in the form of sticks that are simply stuck near the root. They usually contain substances that are used for the purpose of prevention. infectious diseases and the presence of pests. Such sticks usually last several months, which greatly facilitates care. Throughout the year, monitor the humidity of the air, because. hibiscus really does not like dry air and dry earthy coma.

• Hibiscus thrives in moderate humidity levels. Excellent response to spraying, especially when in bloom. The frequency of this procedure should be 2-3 days. Water is defended for this.
• If too hard water gets on the leaf blades, light spots may appear on them. This should be taken into account and only soft water should be used.

With great dryness in the room, the tips of the leaves of hibiscus dry up - it is necessary to constantly monitor the humidity of the air. To increase it, you can close the soil in the flowerpot with a layer of expanded clay, moistening it constantly. Moss-sphagnum successfully copes with this, which, in addition to everything, is an excellent antiseptic and successfully prevents the spread of various fungal diseases. Insect pests also do not like this moss, avoiding such pots.

How to transplant hibiscus video

Young plants are transplanted every year in the spring, while pruning, giving them the desired shape and aesthetic appearance. To keep the bushes small, the roots are also cut to a third of the length, but without touching the central root, so that the plant does not die.

Adult specimens are transplanted as needed, once every 3-4 years. If the plant has reached a large size and it is difficult to transplant it, you can annually change the topsoil in the flowerpot to a new, fertile and nutritious one. For hibiscus, an earthen mixture is recommended, consisting of equal parts of soddy soil, leafy soil, humus, peat, sand.

Propagation of hibiscus cuttings

For propagation of perennial species, cuttings are most often used.

• To do this, take one-year half-ripe shoots, cutting into pieces with two buds.
• The lower cut is best done perpendicularly, directly under the node, and the upper one is done arbitrarily.
• The prepared ones are planted in a moistened mixture of equal parts of peat and sand, covered with plastic bags or jars to create greenhouse conditions. After the roots appear, the plants are seated in individual cups (the growth of new leaves will signal the development of the root system).
• You can not put the cuttings in the sun, they need light shading. They are constantly sprayed with water.
• It is recommended to use root stimulants before planting (for example, root, heteroauxin). They are used carefully and moderately - it is enough to keep the lower part of the cutting in the solution for a day.

Video about hibiscus cuttings:

In winter, garden young seedlings are kept in an unheated room, they are planted in the garden only in spring.

Growing hibiscus from seeds at home

Annual species are propagated by seeds, sowing them at the end of March. This method takes place when breeding vegetable varieties and some species. indoor plants. When buying seeds, you should pay attention to their shelf life. They quickly lose their germination capacity, because the hard seed crust dries out over time and becomes very hard.

It is difficult for a weak sprout to break through such an obstacle. When sowing, this is paid attention to, by all methods they achieve softening of the hard shell. Seeds can be soaked for several hours using various solutions. A few drops of agave juice added to water also stimulate growth energy in dormant sprouts. Good results are obtained by soaking with a solution of hydrogen peroxide (1 tablespoon of which is stirred in 100 ml of water).

The seeds are placed in this mixture for half an hour, then washed under the tap, transferred to a saucer for pecking. Many flower growers scald the seeds with boiling water, while achieving 100% germination. It is better to sow with germinated seeds, because you are already guaranteed to know that the seed has sprouted, and you will not needlessly wait for the emergence of inanimate seeds.

• Loose soil is being prepared, you can purchase ready-made soil mixture for flowers.
• Spread the seeds on the surface, sprinkle lightly with earth, moisten with a spray bottle.
• Cover the container with a bag, ventilate every day.
• After the seeds germinate, the bag is removed, put the container in a sunny place.
• When 2-3 true leaves appear, the seedlings need to be picked into separate cups.
• Plants are grown to a height of 10-15 cm and then planted in a permanent pot by transshipment.

Growing hibiscus seedlings in a snail and picking into separate pots are shown in the video:

How to plant hibiscus

For a beginner grower, this is a rather complicated operation, it is not often used. Usually, a stalk from a new variety with a different color of flowers is grafted onto a mature tree. Some flower growers plant several varieties on one bush of Chinese rose, grafting up to 5-6 cuttings per plant. They do not all take root, but on the same bush with such reproduction, buds of different tones can be observed at the same time.

Vaccination is done in a standard way in a split. The stock is cut evenly, split. A scion is being prepared: a young stalk, pointed at the bottom with a wedge. All the branches on it are cut to improve survival, but you can leave the green leaves. Work with a disinfected knife. The stalk is tightly driven into the split and rewound with a thread. The place of inoculation is carefully covered with garden pitch and wrapped with a film.

After 1.5-2 months, young leaves should appear - this indicates that the vaccine has taken root.

Propagation of hibiscus by layering

The shoots extending from the main plant - layering, are bent down, pinned with wire staples and sprinkled with earth so that they subsequently take root. Layers must be properly rooted before they are separated from the mother bush. After a couple of months, the branch between the main plant and the child can be cut.

If after this the layering continues to grow, this indicates a successful survival. The new plant is transplanted into its own pot. If the branches are lignified, then air layers are made. to do this, a narrow ring of bark is removed around the branch or it is cut, and a plastic bag without a bottom or a cup of soil cut in half is attached to the damaged area.

A container with soil should properly compress the damaged area, and roots will grow there. After the appearance of young sprouts, the new plant is separated from the mother bush and planted in a separate pot.

Trimming and pinching hibiscus

A hibiscus bush can be easily shaped by trimming the stems regularly. Pruning stimulates the appearance of a large number of young shoots on which flowers form. Cut off all the branches on which there were buds. This will cause the plant to push out new young branches with flower buds.

Be sure to pinch to encourage branching. Pinch all the tops when the bush is about 15 cm high.

By pruning, you can form a hibiscus crown in the form of a bush or tree. Pinching can replace pruning. This is a more gentle operation, it consists in removing the top of the stem (growing point), which contributes to the formation of side shoots. The crown of the plant should be uniform. A plant with bare stems and a small number of side shoots looks ugly.

Pests and diseases

Inadequate care can cause plant disease, usually hibiscus does not get sick often. The danger is drafts, low humidity and overdrying of the earthen clod. All this can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Insects can get over from other plants, or if the pot is on the street.

Sometimes white worms can be found on the soil near the roots - these are the larvae of fungal mosquitoes that appear in too wet ground. They feed on young roots and can cause great harm. Adult mosquitoes that hover around the plant do not harm it. To get rid of these pests, you need to remove the plant from the flowerpot, clean the roots, rinse them with a disinfectant and then place them in healthy soil.

• If the plant began to wither and wither with good care, you should examine the roots. Bloating on them is a sign of damage by microscopic worms - nematodes. Nothing can be done about this, you will have to part with the plant and throw away the infected soil.

Thrips, which look like small black flies, harm the flower. They eat leaf tissue, leaving peculiar silvery traces. An appropriate insecticide will help here.

• If the shoots are dotted with small round plaques, this is a scale insect. To combat them, the plant is wiped with a cotton swab soaked in soapy water. since these pests may reappear from the larvae, shoots and leaves will have to be wiped repeatedly. And after each such procedure, pour clean water from the shower or watering can.

Periodically spray hibiscus with an infusion of garlic or a solution of laundry soap. This will help avoid insect attacks by scaring them away from the bush. Usually pests and diseases come to us on the windowsills with newly acquired flowers. In greenhouses where seedlings are grown, they are treated with special preparations that suppress the vital activity of many insects. When the plant is at home, pests become active and quickly spread throughout the window, infecting neighbors.

Of course, it is better to prevent the troubles associated with growing green wards than to eliminate them later, which is quite laborious, especially if the indoor plantation takes up a lot of space. By following some precautions and carefully caring, you can avoid many troubles. A healthy plant looks more attractive and resists disease itself.

By devoting a few minutes periodically to their favorite plants, many flower growers achieve success in keeping. And grateful flowers give their owners all the beauty and attractiveness, heal the atmosphere of the stay.

Growing hibiscus hydroponically

advantage this method is that the root system does not suffer from drying out or waterlogging. With this method, much less time is required for care, there are no pests living in the soil. The flower receives nutrients in the required amount.

This new method is intimidating for beginner growers, but it's worth learning to understand its benefits. There are many readily available materials for such content in our time. And the more aesthetic appearance that a plant grown in this way receives pays for these costs.

Varieties of hibiscus with photos and names

Syrian hibiscus Hibiscus syriacus

Of the shrub species, the deciduous Syrian hibiscus (H. syriacus) is most often grown with characteristic triangular or diamond-shaped leaves with serrated edges. In the summer-autumn period, numerous bell-shaped pink-lilac flowers bloom. Many hybrid varieties have been bred with flowers of various colors: white, pink, purple, red.

Varieties of Syrian hibiscus are ideal for growing in the garden. It does quite well in temperate climates, provided that it is covered in the same way as an ordinary rose. In warm areas, the flower will take root and every season will delight the owners with its unusually beautiful flowering.

Grows about 1.5 m tall. Lush flowering provides its location in the open. Terry varieties tolerate winters better. Gorgeous as a single plant against a lawn or surrounded by hybrid tea roses. Propagated by cuttings.

It forms flowering buds on young shoots - pruning before active growth stimulates flowering. It is also used to form a decorative form of the bush. In the southern regions, you can see flowering compositions in the form of a ball, cube, pyramid. You can keep it as a container plant - outdoors in the summer, and transferred to a cool room in the winter.

Variable hibiscus Hibiscus mutabilis

Deciduous shrub species, resistant perennial plant. A well-developed plant has an umbrella crown. It is characterized by heart-shaped leaves, as well as flowers that change color depending on the time of day - from light in the morning to darker in the evening. The flower stays on the plant for a day and then falls off. It is used in single and group plantings, to create hedges.

Actively develops in cold climatic conditions. Shade-tolerant, but with a lack of light, it develops worse and blooms little. In hot weather, it is watered abundantly, preventing the topsoil from drying out. Periodically, they give him a shower, washing off the dust from the leaves and protecting him from pests. Requires high humidity. Can be propagated by seeds.

Bright red hibiscus Hibiscus coccineus

This is a North American species that produces large scarlet flowers in summer. The leaves are dark green. A typical subtropical species that cannot withstand even warm winters.

Hibiscus cassava Hibiscus manihot

Perennial grown in an annual crop. Its peculiarity is wide rough leaves. The flowers are bright yellow with a purple center. This is not only a bright decoration of a flower bed, but also a valuable edible, medicinal plant. At home - in India, this unusually beautiful sunny flower is cultivated as a perennial shrub. In Russia and Ukraine, it is successfully grown as an annual crop.

It blooms profusely with large lemon-golden flowers with a dark purple center. The yellow anthers contrast amazingly with the almost black stigmas. Grow through seedlings. Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in water until sprouts appear. Sow in shallow cups. Seedlings are kept in a warm and bright place. Grows quickly and powerfully. Seedling care consists of watering and fertilizing.

Transfer to the ground after the frost ends. Suitable for growing in pots as a houseplant, decorate the garden and flowerpots. It is a nutritious vegetable with a high protein content. The leaves are eaten raw as a salad, stewed, fried, baked, added to soups and omelettes. Widely used in Indian traditional medicine. Popular with perfumers - they use the extract from the seeds and the extract from the pods to make creams for skin rejuvenation.

Hibiscus dissected petal Hibiscus schizopetalus

The red petals of its flowers are intricately cut. It has the shape of a bell with elongated petals, similar to the wings of an exotic bird. Originally from Brazil, lives in the coastal strip or tropical forests.

Suitable for home gardening. Edible - the seeds are used in confectionery, the flowers are added to tea, the leaves are added to salads, the fruits are valued in the preparation of jams and soups. Droplets of a sticky substance on the back of leaf blades are normal and are a reaction to temperature changes.

Hibiscus marsh Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus palustris

Hibiscus marsh Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Pink Clouds’ photo

The leaves of this deciduous perennial are oval in shape, and the scarlet buds have a rich tone. It is also known as the Scarlet Hibiscus, the Star of Texas. Caring for him is not difficult. This is a very unpretentious, frost-resistant plant. It just needs a lot of water. The size of the bush, the quality of flowering depends on this. They feed him 2 times per season with mullein infusion. It can be kept in an apartment in a place accessible to the sun.

Edible vegetable hibiscus Hibiscus esculentus

It is also called okra - a vegetable spicy plant that is grown in the southern regions. In temperate zones, okra can be grown in greenhouses and conservatories. It is an annual vegetable plant with a tap root. The stems are slightly pubescent. The leaves are single - their shape depends on the location on the stem. The flowers are yellow with a crimson spot at the base. Okra fruits are harvested throughout the summer.

This is a multi-celled box, with botanical ripeness, it bursts along the edges and the seeds fall out. The seeds contain an oil that is similar to olive oil. The pods themselves are rich in mucous substances, contain proteins, carbohydrates, organic acids, vitamins A, C, B6, calcium, iron, potassium, folate, thiamine. Okra helps the body recover after heavy loads, prolonged illness.

The decoction helps with bronchitis, regulates blood sugar levels, strengthens the walls of blood vessels. It is recommended for pregnant women due to the high content of folic acid. During the Second World War, due to a shortage of coffee, the people of Asia and Africa used okra seeds instead. The famous writer Anton Pavlovich Chekhov diligently cultivated this vegetable in his garden. Historians say: many famous beauties of antiquity - Queen Cleopatra from Egypt, Yang Guifei from China loved to eat okra dishes.

Hibiscus Chinese or Chinese rose Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Or the Chinese rose is a very beautiful plant with delicate flowers of various colors, which is loved by many flower growers and grown indoors. Caring for a Chinese rose at home is easy. The plant is considered unpretentious, but in order for the flowering to be plentiful and the tree to be healthy, some rules are followed. It can reach a height of up to two meters. A few decades ago, this plant was exotic. Our grandmothers. Shops did not have such an abundance of indoor plants, and our grandmothers and great-grandmothers shared cuttings with each other, anxiously nursing sprouts. After some time, almost every house grew a Chinese rose.

People admired the magnificent flowers, carefully looked after. And when the bushes reached large sizes and rested on the ceiling, they were given to schools, libraries, hospitals. And now you can often find a huge Chinese rose in a large hall or corridor of some official place.

Sudanese rose or Hibiscus sabdariffa or Rosella Hibiscus sabdariffa

Or the Sudanese rose is known to us as the famous ‘karkade’ tea. It grows in Sudan, and is also grown in large quantities in Egypt, China, Thailand, Mexico. In Sudan, mainly shrub forms grow, and in Egypt - tree-like ones. To make tea, dark red fleshy leaves of the calyx and subcup, called rosettes, are used.

The leaves, stems, and calyxes of the plant have a reddish tint - the entire plant is edible except for the root. Dried flower petals are used in various teas. After the flowers wither, the roses grow, increasing several times, and become juicy. They are used for the production of jellies, sauces, compotes, as food coloring, pickled and pickled. Young shoots and leaves are eaten as a vegetable dish.

The Sudanese rose is also used in medicine. Leaves and flowers are ground into a homogeneous mass and applied to tumors and ulcers. Malignant carbuncles are successfully treated with this slurry. From the flowers of the Sudanese rose, black hair dye and purple are obtained for the food industry. Seeds are used for various crafts - necklaces and bracelets.

Hibiscus tea (red tea) is the national drink of Egypt. In hot weather, they drink hot red tea as a refreshing drink. They also make cold hibiscus tea with sugar, similar to fruit drink. Such tea strengthens the walls of blood vessels, regulates blood pressure. In hot form - increase, in cold - decrease. It has antispasmodic and diuretic effects, helps cleanse the body - removes unnecessary metabolic products. Hibiscus tea kills some pathogens, is used as an anthelmintic, improves metabolism.

The history of the distribution of hibiscus and some legends about it

In every corner, people have discovered something useful when using hibiscus. Having appeared in Asia and the Pacific Islands, hibiscus has become the national flower of Malaysia. It has many types and varieties, and the color scheme consists of an infinite number of colors, excluding blue and black. It has been grown in room culture since 1831.

They attract attention not only with flowers, but among them there are variegated specimens. They are unusually hardy - they tolerate insufficient lighting, cold, underfeeding, but all this will negatively affect flowering. Almost all of them come from the tropical and subtropical regions of the globe, although some feel good in a temperate climate - in our summer cottages and household plots.

The inhabitants of East Asia make miraculous tea from the leaves - the ‘drink of the pharaohs’, which refreshes in the heat and cures some serious diseases. Oriental beauties pin up their hairdos with Chinese rose flowers before a romantic date, considering them to be ‘flowers of love’. Hindus weave them into wedding wreaths, believing that they bring boundless love, fidelity, mutual understanding to the house. In the Hawaiian Islands, hibiscus is called the flower of beautiful women.

Local girls like to adorn themselves with bright flowers of the Chinese rose, which looks very impressive on black hair. Already at the beginning of the 18th century, it was an adornment of the botanical gardens of Europe, surprising visitors with lush flowering. The decorative qualities of hibiscus are highly valued among professional flower growers who have developed new varieties and hybrids intended for growing at home.

Hibiscus is present on the coat of arms of Korea, depicted on the attributes of state power, minted on coins. And the national flower of Malaysia is the red hibiscus with five petals. Mass interest arose with the advent of the twentieth century, it was then that hibiscus became widespread as a houseplant. Until now, this is one of the most beloved and common house plants, although some species have taken root perfectly in flower beds and lawns. And the assortment presented on the shelves of flower shops is simply amazing.

The Old Myth tells of a traveler exhausted by a long journey through the jungle: he sat down to rest in the shade of trees, praying to the gods for food. Suddenly, several scarlet flowers fell into his pot, which was put on fire, which gave the water a ruby ​​​​color. The traveler tasted the drink, which turned out to be fragrant and invigorating. With each sip, he felt a new surge of vigor and strength. Leaving the jungle, the traveler took with him a handful of these amazing flowers. He distributed them to people along the way and talked about the tonic tea that helped him survive the long journey.

The Chinese named one of the cities after the hibiscus - Zhongzhen (City of Hibiscus). According to legend, the foundations of the buildings of this city were not firmly laid, so almost all the houses in the city collapsed. A magic turtle crawled to the aid of the residents, suggesting how to properly build foundations. The footprint left by the turtle looked like a hibiscus flower. Grateful Chinese immortalized the turtle in the name of the city.

Another legend tells that on the site of Chengdu a thousand years ago there was the principality of Later Shu, ruled by Prince Meng Chang. He was very fond of flowers and for one of his princesses he planted hibiscus bushes in every corner of his property so that she could walk along the alleys, enjoying the view of beautiful flowers. In Fiji there is a holiday dedicated to this flower. On the day of the Fire Hibiscus, the natives decorate their homes with bright flower garlands and ribbons, and on the streets they arrange a solemn procession, led by girls, hung with Chinese roses, dancing. This extraordinary spectacle continues throughout the day.

Eastern peoples believe that the Chinese rose carries the energy of movement, saturating everything around it with it. Petals are like flames, and fire is activity, strength, masculinity.

Signs and superstitions about hibiscus

According to the flower horoscope, hibiscus patronizes Leo, it stimulates the search for something new in everyday things. According to ancient belief, it revives the former love between spouses who have lived side by side for a long time. The extinguished passion can return again if you have this tree in your house. Hibiscus can be a great helper for those who want to become a stronger person, develop willpower. A man - a real man, a woman - more independent, instilling confidence.

Hibiscus is good to have where lethargic, passive people live, dreaming of rest, avoiding any work in every possible way. It absorbs the sluggish energies of laziness, turning them into the energy of creation. In a house where a Chinese rose grows, the very atmosphere makes people get up from the sofa and do something.

Hibiscus is also useful where people are trying to establish their own laws, where the desire of one of the household to be the master of the situation leads to quarrels.

It stimulates the work of the heart: for people with a weakened heart and low blood pressure, it is useful to have such a plant. Doctors confirm that hibiscus improves the atmosphere of the room, spreading phytoncides that destroy pathogenic organisms and eliminates some carcinogens that are present in the paintwork of furniture and finishes.

Chinese rose can be considered a traditional flower of our window sills and public spaces. And thanks to the success of breeding work, we can have at home new varieties with an unimaginable color, an unusual shape of buds, decorating our home for a long time. And how many positive emotions the contemplation of a flowering plant gives to its owner!

After all, only for the sake of this we start indoor plants, giving them the warmth and care of our hands. And in return they delight us with emerald foliage and bright flowers. And grown on a personal plot, they will bring many benefits to vegetable growers, maintaining their health. Feeling inner contact with a green pet, you will feel a surge of joy. At home, hibiscus can live for many years, will attract enthusiastic glances from guests.

Description of hibiscus

The genus Hibiscus, or Hibiscus (Hibiscus), includes about 250 deciduous or evergreen flowering herbaceous plants. They are quite common, belong to the Malvaceae family.

Hibiscus is a highly branched shrub or tree. In nature, it reaches a height of 2-3 m. The leaves are large, dark emerald in color, elongated-ovoid, arranged alternately on the stem. The edges of the leaf blades are serrate. Hibiscus flowers are large, five-petalled, very beautiful, like bells, up to 10 cm in diameter, simple or double, of various colors, resembling a rose. Petals thin, translucent.

The stamens fused into a tube strongly protrude beyond the edge of the flower, making the most nondescript buds attractive. The flower stays on the stem for only one day, but to replace it, more and more buds open for several months. Breeders have bred a large number of varieties of this familiar and beloved plant, some are suitable for growing in the garden, while others are suitable for indoor conditions.

Hibiscus is a very popular and incredibly beautiful flower that is successfully grown both in the garden and indoors. The genus "Hibiscus" belongs to the family "Malvaceae" and has more than two hundred species and varieties. Not many people know that it is from the petals of one of the types of hibiscus, called "Sudan Rose", that they make Hibiscus tea. But the Sudanese rose is grown only in the garden, and at home another type of plant has taken root - Chinese Hibiscus or Chinese Rose. Today we will talk about home care for indoor hibiscus.

Indoor hibiscus is a tree-like shrub that grows up to 3 meters. It has lush green foliage. Leaves are shiny and serrated.

In the tropics, hibiscus can bloom all year round, but at home it blooms from spring to autumn with large, cup-like flowers. Each individual flower lives 1-2 days, after which it begins to fade gradually. But on each bush of a Chinese rose, there are usually a lot of buds, so its decorative effect does not suffer from this. The color of the petals and their shape are very diverse depending on the variety.

When pollinated, fruits appear that look like a five-fold box. Inside are seeds that can be either smooth or covered with hairs.

Varieties of Chinese hibiscus

More than 500 hybrid varieties of Chinese hibiscus have been bred, which differ from each other in the shape of flowers and color. The photo shows the most popular of them.

Kyoto- yellow flowers with a reddish center.

Hamburg- purple double flowers.

Florida- red-orange petals.

Feeling Blue- Flowers of bluish-purple shades are diluted with thin white stripes drawn from the center to the edges. A very decorative variety.

Pearl Majestic- maroon flowers with white spots appearing closer to the edges of the petals.

Carmen Keene- pale pink flowers with a white border.

San Remo- rather large white flowers with a yellow pistil.

Borias- white flowers with wavy edges. The heart is bright crimson.

Hibiscus care at home

Growing hibiscus at home will require a lot of patience. But this is not due to the fact that the flower is too picky about the conditions of detention. It's just that the China rose is slowly growing. It will take several years for a young specimen bought in a store or planted independently to turn into a large, lush, profusely flowering bush. Perhaps this is the only difficulty, because otherwise, hibiscus, like most tropical plants, loves bright lighting, abundant watering and high humidity.

Lighting and location

Hibiscus needs plenty of sunlight. If you plan to grow a flower on a windowsill, east and west windows are the best options. A south window sill can also be used, but at noon the hibiscus should be shaded with curtains or blinds to keep the leaves and buds from burning. If the plant pot is planned to be placed in the back of the room, choose the south side, as otherwise it will not have enough light. In the northern regions, where cloudy weather or short daylight hours prevail, additional illumination with phytolamps is necessary.

Hibiscus does not like drafts. Remove the flower while airing the room, and do not place it near an open window.

In summer, a pot with a Chinese rose can be taken out to a balcony, loggia or garden. Fresh air promotes more abundant flowering. But protect the flower from the wind, as well as from prolonged exposure to the midday sun. Hibiscus tolerates morning and evening sunlight well, but can wither from the midday sun.

In winter, it is better to rearrange the plant on the windowsill of the south window. It is desirable to provide additional artificial lighting.

Temperature

In spring and autumn, the optimal temperature for hibiscus is 20-22 ° C. In summer it can be raised up to 25 °C. In winter, it is recommended to lower the temperature to 15-18 ° C, as this has a positive effect on the laying of buds and flowering of hibiscus in the next season. But in no case do not allow the temperature to drop below 12 ° C - the flower may die.

If you do not have a room with a low temperature at home, do not worry, hibiscus can overwinter at normal room temperature.

Watering

Hibiscus is a moisture-loving plant. In spring and summer, it should be watered abundantly so that the entire earthen ball is completely saturated with moisture. But this should not be done too often, between watering the top layer of soil should dry out. In autumn and winter, watering is slightly reduced, and watered 2-3 days after the top layer has dried. For irrigation, settled, filtered, rain or melt water at room temperature is used.

Hibiscus is not able to accumulate water in the leaves, so you should not forget about watering it. If you were still away and did not water your pet for a long time, you need to immediately bathe him in the shower upon your return. So the plant will be saturated with moisture faster than through the roots, and, most likely, will not get sick.

Air humidity

The Chinese rose needs high humidity, otherwise there is a possibility that the buds will not open completely. Therefore, it should be sprayed frequently. For spraying, use the same water as for watering. At the same time, be extremely careful - try to spray only the leaves of the plant, without falling on the buds, otherwise they will become stained and fall off. A good bonus would be the presence of an aquarium or a humidifier in the room.

In winter, special attention should be paid to humidity, because during the heating season the air in our apartments becomes very dry. Try not to place a flower pot near a central heating radiator, and if this is not possible, cover the radiator with a damp towel. Don't forget to dampen the towel as it dries. You can organize additional air humidification using a tray filled with water and pebbles (expanded clay). But note that the bottom of the hibiscus pot should not touch the water, otherwise the roots may rot from an excess of moisture.

top dressing

Like any other indoor plant, hibiscus needs to be fed, because the nutrients in the soil are not endless. In the spring, when the flower is actively growing and gaining buds, feed it with liquid fertilizers containing nitrogen, iron and copper. During flowering, the composition of dressings should be changed, and fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium should be used. Potassium helps bud formation, and phosphorus helps root growth. Feed the flower 2-3 times a month, no more. Follow the dosage according to the instructions.

Some resources do not recommend the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen, as hibiscus do not like it. But in order for your bush to grow and grow lush foliage, nitrogen is necessary. Therefore, we, in turn, advise you not to worry about this, and apply nitrogen-containing fertilizers during the period of active growth. Most importantly, don't overdo it. Make such top dressing no more than 3 times a month.

There are a couple of rules to follow when feeding hibiscus:

1. before feeding, the flower should be watered abundantly;
2. Fertilizers are best applied in the evening.

The frequency of fertilizing in winter depends on the temperature at which your bush hibernates. If you were able to provide him with a cool wintering with a temperature of 15-18 degrees, stop feeding. If you can't, just reduce them to 1 time per month.

You need to know that buds are formed only on young branches of the Chinese rose, and pruning is necessary for their appearance. After the flowering period, trim the tips of all shoots. This stimulates the appearance of new side shoots in these places, on which buds will appear next year. In early spring, also pinch all the shoots, including the young ones that have appeared.

Pruning for decorative purposes is also necessary. Remove shoots that grow parallel to the main trunk (tops) and those that grow inside the crown. Do not worry about the flower, it tolerates pruning well and never gets sick after it.

How to transplant hibiscus

The first transplant of indoor hibiscus should be done a couple of weeks after purchase. Stores use a lean substrate to keep the plant from growing too much while on the counter. But if you bought a flowering specimen, wait until the end of flowering, otherwise all the flowers will fall off. Further, young specimens less than 3 years old are transplanted once a year in early spring, slightly increasing the diameter of the pot. Older specimens are transplanted every 2-3 years, and adult large bushes are no longer transplanted at all. It is enough to update the topsoil.

Pot

Each time a new pot should be slightly larger than the previous one. But you can’t immediately take too large a container, otherwise the plant will put all its strength into the growth of roots and foliage, leaving you without colorful flowering this year. The diameter of the pot should be increased until it reaches 30-40 cm. In the future, new pots are not used, and transplantation can be carried out in the same pot. Otherwise, you will grow a fairly large bush at home and face the problem of its placement.

The soil

Loose soil with neutral acidity is suitable for indoor hibiscus. The easiest way is to buy ready-made soil for hibiscus in the store. If this is not found, you can prepare the mixture yourself:

• Buy a universal potting soil and dilute it with an equal part of the garden soil with the addition of moss.
• Mix the same universal soil with soddy soil and humus in equal proportions. Add some charcoal.
• Mix 2 parts of humus or rotted compost, 1 part of leafy soil, 1 part of sand or vermiculite.

Transplant process

1. Wash the pot and prepared soil.
2. At the bottom of the pot, pour a thick layer of drainage and some soil.
3. Remove the hibiscus from the old pot along with the earthen clod. Shake off the earth ball a little, but not completely.
4. Take a close look at the roots. If you find rotten roots, cut them off.
5. Place the bush in the center of the new pot and fill the earth between the earthen clod and the walls. In the process, shake the pot a little so that the earth falls into hard-to-reach places and settles a little. Add some earth on top as well, compacting slightly.
6. Water well and spray the hibiscus.
7. Return the bush to its old place. The plant does not like moving, and even more so after a transplant, he does not need any extra stress.

Hibiscus propagation

Chinese hibiscus can be propagated at home from cuttings and seeds. Propagation by seeds is a rather laborious process, and is more often used by breeders. With this method of propagation, there is no guarantee that the varietal characteristics of the mother plant will be preserved. In addition, the first flowering will have to wait several years.

Propagation by cuttings at home

Cuttings are the easiest and most common way to propagate indoor hibiscus. A copy grown from a cutting retains all the varietal characteristics of the mother plant. In addition, flowering can be expected in the first year. Cuttings are best done in the fall, after flowering.

1. Cut cuttings 10-12 cm long with 3-4 internodes from even, undeformed branches of the mother bush.
2. Cut off the lower leaves and flowers.
3. Prepare a soil mixture of equal parts peat and sand. Fill cups or other containers suitable for rooting cuttings with it. Put the cuttings in there.
4. Create greenhouse conditions for them by covering with a film, a transparent bag or glass.
5. Place the greenhouse in a room with an air temperature of 25-27 degrees, ventilate and moisten daily.
6. The cutting will take root in about a month. When this happens, transplant young specimens into pots 7 cm in diameter, cut off the top and care for as an adult plant. Most likely, your new copy will lay buds in the spring.

Hibiscus cuttings can also be rooted in water. To do this, simply place the cuttings in an opaque glass of water, adding a growth stimulator or a couple of activated charcoal tablets there. Next, proceed in the same way as when rooting in the substrate, starting from point 4.

Growing from seed

It is best to sow seeds in winter - in January-February.

1. Soak the seeds overnight in a growth stimulant solution (Epin, Zircon).
2. Prepare the soil by taking turf, sand and peat in equal proportions.
3. Place a layer of drainage and substrate in the sowing container. Water.
4. Plant the seeds at a depth of 0.5 cm at a distance of 2 cm from each other.
5. Cover the container with a film to create a greenhouse effect, and place in a warm room with a temperature of 24-27 degrees.
6. Ventilate and moisten the greenhouse daily.
7. After a couple of weeks, the first sprouts will appear, but the seedlings should be planted only after the appearance of 3 true leaves on each of them.
8. After transplanting into separate pots, keep young specimens in a room with good lighting, but not in direct sunlight.

Hibiscus grown in this way will bloom for 2 or even 3 years.

Growing problems

If you notice the symptoms of the disease in time, you can quickly determine the cause and correct the situation. Now we will describe what this or that symptom means.

Hibiscus sheds unopened buds.

• insufficient watering;
• low air temperature in the room;
• lack of nutrients.

Leaves wither.

• insufficient watering;
• excessive watering, and, as a result, rotting of the root system.

Leaves dry and curl.

• insufficient air humidity.

Leaf fall.

• the presence of pests;
• the flower stands in a draft.

Leaves turn yellow and dry.

• watering is done with hard, most likely, not settled chlorinated water;
• low room temperature.

The stems are stretched, the leaves lose their bright color, turn pale.

• lack of sunlight.

Indoor hibiscus does not bloom.

• too big pot;
• insufficient lighting;
• lack of top dressing;
• pruning has not been done.

There are sticky droplets on the back of the leaves.

• insect pests;
• the norm, for some varieties that do not have a smell. This is how they attract insects for pollination.

On the front side of the leaves is a white bloom, which eventually turns brown.

• Powdery mildew. Remove infected leaves. Treat hibiscus with Bayleton or Fundazol.

Pinkish spots on leaves.

• excess fertilizer;
• lack of light.

Pests

Spider mite.

• There are yellowish spots on the leaves, a small cobweb is noticeable. Spray the Chinese rose with insecticides such as Fitoverm or Derris. Avoid excessive dryness of the air, regularly spray the plant with water from a spray bottle. If spraying does not help, put the flower under an ultraviolet lamp.

Shchitovka.

• On the reverse side of the leaves along the veins, hard brown growths are observed. Adult scale insects are not afraid of chemicals and will have to be removed manually. Then spray the plant with the insecticide solution. Repeat the procedure several times until you completely get rid of the scab.

• Young leaves and shoots wither and curl. They show small insects. Spray the plant with an aphid repellant as directed.

Conclusion

Indoor hibiscus is a wonderful decoration for any home. It has lush decorative foliage and lovely flowers. A variety of varieties allows any grower to find exactly what he wants. Do not forget about the ease of care and long flowering period. And this is all just a small part of the virtues of the Chinese rose, which will bring a sea of ​​\u200b\u200bpositive moments into the life of the owners of the home.

1. Growing temperature: summer - 20 - 27 ° C, winter - it is desirable to provide a cool dormant period at a temperature of about 15 ° C.

2. Lighting: the plant is very photophilous and should bathe in the sun daily for 6 hours - morning and evening in spring and summer. Light shading is necessary during the day when the activity of the sun is too high.

3. Watering and humidity: dry the substrate between waterings 1 - 2 centimeters deep during the growing season, in winter, reduce the frequency of watering in accordance with the temperature in the room. The humidity is quite high.

4. pruning: shaping pruning to create a lush crown, sanitary to remove old and weak shoots. It is timely necessary to cut off wilted buds.

5. Priming: well-drained, high in organic matter and easily permeable to moisture and allowing the root system to breathe.

6. top dressing: mineral fertilizer for flowering plants in spring and summer every 2 weeks. In autumn, feeding is reduced, in winter they are not carried out at all.

7. reproduction: hibiscus propagates by stem or apical cuttings, less often by seeds, grafting.

Botanical name: Hibiscus.

Hibiscus flower - family. Malvaceae.

plant homeland. China.

Description.The genus Hibiscus or Sudanese rose includes more than 200 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, trees, annual and perennial herbaceous plants.

A huge variety of varieties and hybrids have been bred with large, showy funnel-shaped flowers. Shades range from golden, pink, yellow to orange. Everyone flower stays open for 1 - 3 days and has a diameter of 7 - 15 cm. There are single, semi-double and double varieties.

Leaves shiny, dark green, oval, pointed with a serrated edge, 5 to 7.5 cm long and 2.5 to 4 cm wide.

Blooming hibiscus looks very impressive, most often the flowers of the plant are odorless.

When pollinated, China rose will form fruit. How to care for a flower, you will learn further.

indoor hibiscus height. Hibiscus grows very fast and can double in size in one season. When purchased, they are often 30 - 40 cm high. Can reach a height of up to 1.5 - 2 m. indoors.

2. Indoor hibiscus - home care

2.1.Reproduction

The most common method of breeding is considered to be vegetative propagation using cuttings or cuttings.

Hibiscus is breeding lignified stem or apical cuttings 8 - 15 cm long, with 3 - 5 internodes, in spring or summer.

1. The cuttings will be separated with a sharp sterile instrument, making an oblique cut at the bottom.
2. The lower leaves and buds are removed from the cuttings, and the upper ones are often cut off by half to reduce the area of ​​moisture evaporation.
3. Powder the lower end of the hibiscus cutting with rooting powder.
4. They take small pots, lay a drainage layer 2-3 cm high on the bottom.
5. Fill the pots with moist soil, consisting of peat and coarse sand or perlite.
6. Place the cuttings in a small pot deepening one internode.
7. Cover the pot with a plastic hood or glass to maintain even humidity and place in a warm place with a temperature of at least 21 ° C.

In the ground, the cuttings take root faster - within about a month, from this moment the shelter can be removed. The beginning of a new growth will indicate the successful completion of the process.

Successfully rooted cuttings - shoots even in water- for faster rooting, an opaque container is taken, and young plants are also covered with a transparent film or glass.

Unfortunately, plants rooted in water and then planted in the ground slightly slow down their development - their root system adapts to new conditions.

Maybe seed propagation, but this method is suitable for patient flower growers, and the resulting plants may not inherit all the charm of mother plants. Fresh seeds have good germination.

Sowing seeds is carried out in the spring. Hibiscus seedlings are placed in a warm place, shaded from direct sunlight and covered with a transparent plastic cap. With the advent of new growth, the cap is removed.

Hibiscus species with decumbent stems can independently take root upon contact with the soil in leaf nodes, it is also possible to dig in the stems of plants.

Sometimes used as a method of reproduction vaccination and then the same grafted hibiscus bush becomes the owner of the most diverse buds in shape and color. This method is suitable, for example, for varietal hibiscus, which can be difficult to root at home.

There is an interesting way to propagate by air layering right on the bush.

Plant stems are cut in a circle to the white part with a sharp sterile instrument, sprinkled with rooting powder on the wound surface and cover the incision site with a plastic bag containing nutrient soil. After a while, roots will appear under the package.

2.2. When it blooms

Hibiscus blooms continuously late spring to late summer. Individual flowers may appear at any other time of the year.

2.3. Care, how to prune hibiscus

Growing hibiscus is not at all difficult - even beginner flower growers can do this process. Landing and care at home requires adherence to certain agricultural practices.

Regular pruning the tree contributes to the formation of a denser and lush plant with abundant flowering. In addition, pruning controls the height of the shrub.

The plant easily tolerates even cardinal pruning and is able to start side shoots from any dormant bud.

For the sake of an attractive external form, some flower growers create standard hibiscus.

Timely pruning avoids exposing the lower part of the stems.

The buds appear on the tops of young shoots, so for pruning it is worth wait for the shoot to bloom.

Proper care of indoor hibiscus will ensure lush and long flowering in the summer months.

Topping carried out only after the flowers on the shoot withered.

For the formation of lateral shoots, long branches can be bend to a horizontal position and fix it like this - in this case, new branches are formed from sleeping buds. Sleeping kidneys in order to awaken them to life, you can anoint with cytokinin paste.

Encouraging the plant to move in with dormancy in winter you will also get a lot of flowers during the warm season. Reduce watering during this period, stop fertilizing, lower the maintenance temperature and transfer the plant to partial shade.

Try not to move a plant with formed buds to a new place.

Take out the plant to the street in the warm season, taking care of shelter from direct sun, rain and strong gusts of wind.

2.4.Growing soil

Lightweight and well drained high in organic matter and perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.

The plant does not have special requirements for soil pH, but loves nutrient-rich soils.

2.5. How to transplant hibiscus

Hibiscus being transplanted annually spring - in March, immediately after cropping. Keep in mind that hibiscus blooms best in relatively cramped container. For planting, pick up a pot with large drainage holes.

In large tub plants, the transplantation of which is difficult due to their size, change the top layer of soil thickness 5 - 7 cm fresh annually, in spring.

vaccinated plants should not be buried in the ground - the grafting site should rise a few centimeters above the soil.

When transplanting, carefully examine the root system and trim rotten and old roots, sprinkling the places of cuts with crushed charcoal.

2.6. Pests and diseases of domestic shrubs

• When too dry air and lack of moisture in the soil, the plant can drop buds.
• in winter leaves are falling if the plant is too cold or exposed to cold drafts.
• New leaves are small and stunted, the plant refuses to bloom - affects lack of nutrients in the soil.
• Plants are stretched lack of light, refuse to bloom, and the lower part of the stems is exposed.
• turns yellow when root rot occurs.
• The leaves are turning yellow with insufficient nitrogen content in the soil.
• Chlorosis iron deficiency occurs in the soil - with this disease, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. To compensate for iron deficiency, foliar top dressing with iron chelate is carried out, applying a nutrient solution to leaf blades directly from a fine sprayer.
• Plants willingly drop buds when overdrying the substrate at the time of flowering.

Of insect pests, the plant can be attacked by scale insects and spider mites. Hibiscus leaves become sticky and deform when infected aphids.

Insects - pests

insect name	Signs of infection	Control measures
	Inconspicuous cobwebs on the leaves, yellowing and falling of foliage with extensive damage. The surface of the leaf plates becomes dead and covered with small cracks. Plant development slows down.	Folk ways. Plants can be washed in the shower and left in the bathroom in a humid atmosphere for half an hour. Irradiation with an ultraviolet lamp every week for 2 minutes. Chemicals based on pyrethrum, sulfur powders, Fitoverm, Aktellik.
Aphid	Sticky droplets appear on the leaf blades, leaf blades curl and deform, tender buds and young leaves wither. On the tops of the shoots, buds or the underside of the leaf plates, insect colonies can be seen. The flowers of an aphid-infested plant may become misshapen.	Folk ways: nettle infusion, decoction of rhubarb leaves, wormwood, soap solution, tobacco and dandelion infusion, onion, marigold, yarrow, tansy, dusting with virgin ash. Chemicals: Sulfur powders, treatment with green potassium soap of green mass without getting into the ground, Decis, Aktellik, Fitoverm.
Shield and false shield	Sticky droplets on the leaves, yellow small spots on the surface of the leaf blades. With a large spread of scale insects, they contribute to the drying and falling of leaves. Flowers slow down	Folk methods of struggle. Spraying with soapy-alcohol solution. Scale insect larvae do not like garlic infusion, they also use pyrethrum-based products. Chemicals. Fitoverm, Aktellik, Fufanon.

2.7. Watering hibiscus

In times of growth water abundantly, but allow the top layer of soil a few centimeters thick to dry before the next watering. Gradually reduce the frequency of watering in the fall.

Watering should be plentiful, but excess moisture should be removed from the pan immediately after watering.

The plant hardly tolerates both the bay and the lack of moisture.

For irrigation use only settled water at room temperature.

2.8. Fertilizer

Hibiscus is very fond of liquid mineral fertilizers, rich potassium. Use the solution every two weeks during the growing season.

With an excess of nitrogen, the plant abundantly increases green mass to the detriment of flowering - use mainly fertilizers rich in phosphorus.

2.9.Growing temperature

During the growth period, the plant is kept at room temperature not lower than 18 ° C. If the hibiscus is dormant in winter, the temperature is lowered to 15 ° C, at which time the plant may shed its leaves.

A cool winter allows the plant to rest and gain strength for abundant flowering in the next season.

Hibiscus can hardly tolerate heat and at temperatures above 27 ° C they need frequent foliar spraying.

Some varieties at temperatures below 15 ° C begin to hurt - for example, their leaves turn yellow.

2.10 Lighting

In summer, the plant needs brightly lit place out of direct sunlight. In winter, move the plant to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Lighting directly affects the number of buds and the duration of flowering.

2.11 Spraying

The plant needs high air humidity. Spray the shrub - the higher the temperature of the content - the higher the humidity should be.

The dry air of living quarters causes the plant to drop buds and some of the leaves.

spraying try to spend in the morning, as the leaves should remain dry at night, use soft water.

To increase the humidity of the air, you can also place the plant on pallet with wet pebbles or sphagnum moss or use room humidifier.

2.12. Purpose

A very ornamental plant with large showy flowers. Under the right conditions it can bloom all year round.

Hibiscus flowers are used for medicinal purposes in China, flower petals are added to salads, used to make hibiscus tea.

Hibiscus tea serves as an excellent source of vitamin C, and is also believed to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the blood.

In India, hibiscus buds decorate brides wedding wreaths, in Haiti, it symbolizes female beauty; residents of Haiti and Brazil use large, showy flowers as decoration.

Sometimes the plant is grown as a flowering tree - bonsai.

Hibiscus bush can live indoors 20 years and more with good care.

Plant toxic for dogs and cats.

Young leaves and stems of the plant are sometimes eaten fresh, wood trees are used to make all kinds of crafts, and ropes are made from the fibrous bark of the plant.

Unmarried women in Hawaii and Tahiti wear a hibiscus flower in their hair on the right side, and married - on the left.

The plant has and medicinal properties - for example, it is believed that it is able to strengthen blood vessels, has the ability to remove cholesterol and toxic substances from the body. Flowers can serve as a choleretic and diuretic, have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Chinese women use hibiscus flowers for hair coloring They also make excellent food coloring.

Plants are obtained from flowers essential oil, rich in amino acids and vitamins A and C, has soothing and tonic properties, and also perfectly moisturizes the skin and helps get rid of dandruff.

2.14.Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics.

3. Types of hibiscus:

3.1. Syrian hibiscus - Hibiscus syriacus

Under natural conditions, it is a multi-stemmed, large-flowered shrub with a rounded crown up to 3 m high, which does not tolerate frost and is intended for cultivation only in room conditions. The leaves are bright green, palmately cut, each "finger" is oblong and has large teeth along the edges. The flowers are large - up to 8 cm in diameter, with 5 rounded, slightly corrugated petals, pink, white, red or lilac, appear on the plant throughout the summer. The center of the flowers is often dark. Syrian hibiscus is a tree type.

It is worth noting separately hibiscus variegated or variegated - hibiscus variegated- a plant that is distinguished not only by abundant and long flowering, but also by unusual, brightly colored leaves. On the green leaf blades of this variety, there are all kinds of specks, spots and marks of white, light green, pink and even burgundy.

Hibiscus Chiffon - Hibiscus Chiffon- a gentle terry variety of hibiscus with very abundant flowering. The inner petals on the flowers are much smaller than the outer ones, but outwardly they often have contrasting specks on the surface. Flower colors include white, pink, lilac, lavender, blue, and the flowers are up to 10 cm in diameter.

Hibiscus Tahitian - Hibiscus Tahitian- the common name for the absolutely incredible coloring of hibiscus varieties. The flowers are simple or double, painted in all colors of the rainbow, often contain 2 or more shades. The leaves are simple, glossy, dark green, creating an excellent contrast with the flowers.

3.2. Herbaceous or marsh hibiscus - Hibiscus herbaceous

A perennial showy overwintering flowering plant that is often grown outdoors. The main feature of this type is that for the winter the entire above-ground part dies off and grows anew every spring. The flowering of this subspecies is very long, but less plentiful than that of ordinary hibiscus, but the flowers are simply huge - they reach 40 cm in diameter. Simple, double and semi-double varieties are currently bred. The color scheme is within white, pink and red shades, the leaves, depending on the variety, can be either green or burgundy.

3.3 Hibiscus Variable - Hibiscus Mutabilis

Large shrubs with abundantly branching stems, green, large leaves, reaching a length of 18 cm. The leaf blades have a slight pubescence on the underside. The main feature of this species is that plants can change the shade of flowers - only the opened buds on the plant are painted white, and after three to four days the same flowers become dark pink or lilac. There are semi-double and terry varieties of this shrub.

3.4. Hibiscus trifoliate - Hibiscus trionum

A small annual plant - reaches 90 cm in height, develops quickly. Stems profusely branched, slightly pubescent at the tops. The leaves are beautiful, green, glossy, curly, palmate - separate, with 3 segments, for which the plant got its name. The flowers are medium-sized, with yellow, cream or white petals and a burgundy center, and remain open only during the daytime in clear weather. each flower remains open for only 1 day, however, numerous buds simply replace each other and the bush remains in bloom for 1.5 - 2 months.

3.5. Hibiscus sabdariffa or Rosella - Hibiscus sabdariffa

Light, airy shrub with thin, profusely branching, erect shoots. The leaves are palmate, consist of 3 - 5 segments, green, glossy, bent along the central vein, arranged alternately. The flowers are white or cream, up to 10 cm in diameter. The buds of the plant are used for food both fresh and for preparing all kinds of desserts and refreshing drinks. It is believed that this type of hibiscus has a diuretic, antipyretic and laxative effect.

3.6. Hibiscus schizopetalus or dissected-petal - Hibiscus schizopetalus

Very beautiful shrub with hanging large flowers coral or red. The petals of the flowers are deeply cut, bent back, the stamens are very large - they protrude far beyond the petals. The leaves are green, simple, glossy, lanceolate.

3.7. Chinese - Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Evergreen shrub or tree hibiscus, which in optimal conditions for itself can reach a height of 2 - 5 m. The leaves are green, glossy, broadly lanceolate, with small denticles along the edge. The flowers are large, solitary, up to 10 cm in diameter, with soft petals of red, pink, yellow, white, orange, light blue or light purple hues.

3.8. Hibiscus sour, maple or red-leaved - Hibiscus acetosella

Tall plants that can be considered both decorative and flowering plants. The stems are thick, erect, weakly branched, reach a height of 170 cm. Leaf blades are reddish, reach a length of 10 cm, arranged alternately and consist of 3-5 fingers. The edges of the leaves are corrugated, covered with small teeth. Flowers solitary, pink with a dark center, funnel-shaped.

The leaves of this plant are edible, have a sour taste and contain more vitamin C and are used in salads.

3.9. Hemp hibiscus or kenaf - Hibiscus cannabinus

Annual or biennial herbaceous plants with erect stems up to 2.5 m high. The leaves are green, dissected into 3 - 7 fingers, reach a length of 10 - 15 cm and resemble hemp leaves, in connection with which the plant got its name. The flowers are solitary, white or yellow, with a darker - burgundy center, reach a diameter of 8 - 15 cm.

3.10.musky - Hibiscus moscheutos

Tall flowering perennials with upright, unbranched, thick stems. The leaves are green, heart-shaped, on short petioles, with small teeth along the edges of the leaf blades. Flowers with 5 soft, rounded petals, found predominantly in the upper part of the plant and reach a diameter of 10 - 15 cm. Flower colors include white, pink and red, the center is often burgundy.

3.12. Holly hibiscus - Hibiscus militaris

A rare variety - it is a flowering perennial with woody stems, on which there are bright, green leaves up to 15 cm long, divided into 3 fingers. Plants reach a height of 60 - 90 cm. Flowers up to 15 cm in diameter, wide open, painted in pink or red tint.

3.13. Hibiscus heterophyllus - Hibiscus heterophyllus

Tall and rapidly developing evergreen, flowering shrub up to 6 m high. The leaves are narrowly divided into 3 narrowly lanceolate, dark green, slightly bent along the central vein of the fingers. The flowers are large - white, pink or yellow, with a dark center.

You may also be interested in:

Hibiscus, or Chinese rose, belongs to the Malvaceae family. There are more than 200 species of this plant. Hibiscus is native to northern Indochina and southern China. From there, the flower migrated to the tropics and subtropics.

For more than a decade it has been grown in greenhouses and flower pots. But in order to grow hibiscus, home care is carried out according to all the rules.

If you know how to care for a Chinese rose, carefully follow all the requirements and treat the plant with care, it will respond with beautiful flowering.

Location and lighting

For the full flowering of hibiscus, you need to choose the right place for a flower pot. Young roses are best placed on the western or eastern side. In no case should you put a Chinese rose in the northern part - it will go in length, but will not bloom. In the south the plant it will also be uncomfortable: excess sunlight can burn the hibiscus.

Temperature

The Chinese guest cannot stand the heat, and this must be taken into account in the first place. Comfortable are 18 ... 20 ° С degrees in warm weather, and in winter - not less than 14 and not more than 16 ° С.

Air humidity

Hibiscus is very moisture-loving. Its leaves must be sprayed, avoiding water on the flower petals. Dried air is extremely undesirable, so it is appropriate to use ionizers. The hibiscus pot is best placed on a hydrogel substrate- it is much easier to solve the problem of drying out of the earth.

Watering

The Chinese rose loves abundant watering, so in summer and late spring it is watered especially generously in order to completely wet the earthen ball. Half an hour later from the stand drain the accumulatedwater. But you can’t fill the hibiscus: you can breed a fungal environment, and the plant will begin to rot.

From mid-September, when it is already cool, the irrigation regime is gradually reduced to a minimum. As soon as the top of the soil dries out completely, the earth is loosened and only after 3 days the flower is watered. The temperature is also gradually reduced: this is how the hibiscus prepares for winter.

The soil

The soil is preferably purchased, loose, saturated and neutral in acid-base balance. Peat is not used in this case.

Top dressings and fertilizers

Fertilizers can be made at home. Sleeping tea leaves, chicken egg shells, banana skins are suitable. Florist shops sell special mineral mixtures, selected in composition in accordance with the requirements of the flower.

From organic matter, as a top dressing for hibiscus, it is suitable:

• ash;
• bone meal;
• humus;
• green manure;
• compost;
• mullein;
• chicken manure.

Important! undivided manure can damage the roots of the plant.

An infusion on mullein is done like this: a bucket is filled with manure by a third and completely filled with water. To eliminate excess ammonia, the mixture is aged for 4 days. To prepare green fertilizer, a bucket is filled with grass by a third, filled with water to the brim and aged for 3 days.

Feed hibiscus at least once a month, alternating mineral fertilizers with organic matter. Top dressing is poured under the root.

The flower receives nitrogen and potassium from manure, phosphorus from flour, ash. These fertilizers must not be mixed as they neutralize each other.

Transfer

If the flower was bought on the market or taken from outside, the soil must be changed to get rid of pests and keep the rest of the plants in the house. The soil can be bought at the store, or you can make it yourself by mixing 2 parts of clay, 1 part of foliage humus, 1 part of earth, 0.5 parts of sand, vermiculite and charcoal.

The flower is gently tipped over into a basin and transferred to a new container.

Important! Young plants are transplanted every year, as they grow quickly. Adults, starting from the third year, are rarely transplanted - once every 3-5 years.

pruning

In order for the rose to bloom well, pruning is needed. Branches growing inward are cut off, and the tops are pinched. Young shoots are needed, because this is where flowers form. Sometimes the problem arises of how to make hibiscus bloom. Cropping here is the main assistant.

Not everyone knows how to prune hibiscus correctly. Old branches are cut to a third of the length. The very tips of the shoots are removed after flowering. This is how side shoots are formed and give life to new buds. Crown formation is best done in February - early March, but the procedure is allowed all year round.

Propagation of indoor hibiscus

Indoor hibiscus can propagate in two ways - cuttings and from seeds. Many hobbyists prefer seed propagation. This method is convenient, effective and affordable even for beginners. The advantages of this method are obvious: simplicity, good shoots, elimination of the possibility of transmission of viruses, flowering in the same year. The downsides are that the new flower doesn't always look like the plant that produced the seeds.

Among the advantages of propagation by cuttings is the simplicity of the procedure, and the new flower will copy all the qualities of the mother plant. The downside is that sometimes it is difficult to “release” the root system and prevent the cutting from rotting.

Reproduction by seeds

How to propagate hibiscus? Both purchased seeds and self-extracted ones are suitable. An adult rose forms seed pods that ripen, dry and open. When the pods have turned dark brown, they can be opened and the seeds collected.

Before planting, the germination of seeds is artificially accelerated: they are placed in a solution of manganese (per 100 ml of water, 1 g of potassium permanganate). Withstand an hour, sprinkle with wet sand and send to the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

Important! Chinese rose grows well in acidic soils.

Expanded clay is laid at the bottom of the pot, another 3/4 of the container is filled with a nutrient mixture and rammed. Everything is sprayed, mixed and sprayed again. seeds lightly sprinkled with earth. The soil is additionally moistened with a spray bottle. The pot is exposed to heat with a temperature of at least 28 ° C.

Seeds need more ambient light to germinate.. Under direct rays, the stems will stretch and break. In early spring, additional sources of lighting are needed. The container is covered with polyethylene, but it needs to be opened and ventilated daily. The soil must be sprayed, but do not fill and make sure that it does not dry out.

After germination and the formation of two leaves, hibiscus are seated in separate pots.

Reproduction by cuttings

When propagated by cuttings, lignified shoots are used. Young, green branches are not suitable for this. They quickly rot.

A sharp knife separates the shoot with two or three leaves and internodes. The stem is cut off with a “corner”, the lower leaves are removed. The rest of the foliage is cut by a third. The lower part of the cutting is placed in a root-forming preparation, for example, Epin. You can root in a container with water, and in a pot, and using a peat tablet.

Roots will be in 2-3 months. Only after this, the cutting can be transplanted into a container with earth.

How to plant hibiscus

Hibiscus practically does not have a stable dormant phase, so it is allowed to plant it all year round. It is advisable to wait for the growing moon, because it is then that the juices move away from the roots and nourish the stems as much as possible. Botany knows several grafting methods, but "split" is the most common.

For successful implantation of the graft, a good rooted cutting is needed - a stock - and a varietal hibiscus - a scion. It is better to choose a scion with 1-2 pairs of leaves, and a stock - at least 3 months old.

The vaccination is done with clean hands, the garden knife is wiped with alcohol. The stock and scion are selected with the same thickness. Everything you need for vaccination must be collected in advance so that the sections do not dry out.

From a varietal stem wedge-shaped cut off the stem. Then, the top with leaves is cut off at the rootstock, a vertical incision is made in the middle of the trunk with a depth of no more than 1 cm. The grafting site is tightly wrapped from the bottom up. After grafting, the plant is covered with polyethylene, a phytolamp is turned on.

Post-vaccination care consists of daily inspection and ventilation. In the first days, the leaves of the scion become loose, faded. But after the appearance is restored. If it fails, the vaccination is repeated.

Grafted plant after 3 weekscan be adapted to room conditions. This should be done slowly, at first the shelter should be removed for only a few minutes. Then gradually increase the time without film. The tape that pulls the branch should not be touched for six months. After that, the tape is removed, and the grafting site is lubricated with garden pitch or a special balm varnish.

Difficulties in growing

Hibiscus is a tropical plant and it is important to create the right conditions. Scattered rays of light, good humidity are indispensable conditions for the full life of the Chinese rose. She loves acidic soil, and if the balance is disturbed, the flowering will disappear and the flower will get sick.

If the humidity is exceeded, the hibiscus rots and becomes covered with mold.. The flower is sensitive to attack by pests. But with good care, many troubles can be avoided.

Diseases and pests

Aphid- a small voracious insect capable of eating the entire plant in a very short period. To understand why the leaves turn yellow, a thorough examination of the flower will help. A sticky coating indicates the reproduction of the pest. Aphids love young shoots and buds, as they are very soft and secrete juice. When a sticky coating appears, the flower should be immediately treated with Fitoverm, Biotlin or tobacco dust.

spider mite- a red spider, it is not easy to see it. A leaf covered with cobwebs from the inside is the first sign of the settlement of such a tick. Soap solution, "Akarin" and "Fitoverm" are the main assistants in removing the insect.

whitefly likes to settle on the wrong side of the sheet. White, small, flying aphids that leave a stickiness. Potassium soap, "Biotlin" and "Fitoverm" will help to cope with the annoying pest very quickly.

worms- relatives of scale insects - leave a discharge resembling wax. You can say goodbye to them by treating hibiscus with mineral oil.

Bloom

Flowers usually bloom from mid-summer and last until mid-September. 2-3 months is the optimal flowering period for Chinese roses.

The reason why hibiscus does not bloom may be an excess of old shoots. They must be removed, since only new branches give good growth.

The soil also needs to be changed: nutrients accelerate the appearance of flowers. Constant good watering and diffused light, warmth are the main requirements of hibiscus during this period.

Important! If the hibiscus was outdoors in the summer, and with a cold snap it was brought home and placed in a sunny place, flowering will continue.

When it blooms, the shape of the flower

Hibiscus "wakes up" at the end of February. Blooms in summer from mid-June to September. The form of flowers is the most diverse. Fully opened buds are cup-shaped, up to 16 centimeters. There are simple and terry varieties of various colors: peach, pink, bright red, purple. The presented varieties can be seen in the photo.

Plant care after flowering

When the corollas have withered and begun to dry out, they are removed so that the hibiscus directs its forces to the growth of new buds. Otherwise, the growth will be frail, the buds are small and weak. Do not be surprised why the plant does not bloom. Home rose actively lives from February to November, and then goes to winter.

Many people doubt whether it is possible to keep hibiscus at home when it has faded. It is not specifically necessary to remove the plant for wintering: they simply reduce watering and reduce the temperature to 15 ° C.