Hibiscus is a water-loving plant. However, if you water too much, it will affect the plant’s growth as well as efforts in providing other growing conditions. Overwatered hibiscus is a common problem for gardeners.
But how to tell if you have been overwatering your plant? What can you do to revive it? This post will give you a comprehensive guide to caring for and avoiding overwatering your plant. Let’s read on to discover!
Contents
- 1.Signs Of An Overwatered Hibiscus
- 2.How To Revive An Overwatered Hibiscus?
- 3.How To Water Hibiscus Correctly?
- 4.Tips For Caring Hibiscus
Signs Of An Overwatered Hibiscus
When growing a healthy hibiscus, it may be very distressing to look at it and see hibiscus leaves turning yellow and drooping.
Many plant lovers and gardeners make the mistake of overwatering their hibiscus plants. Although it isn’t a big issue, it will destroy your plant if ignored.
If you notice any sign in the leaves, moisture, or root system, take immediate actions to heal your plant.
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves, or sometimes brown, are a clear indicator that you have overwatered your hibiscus plants.
The leaves of a plant that has got submerged will be brittle and yellow, and the growth will bend upwards and wither.
If you overwater your hibiscus, its leaves will turn yellow regardless of the species. Yet, it will be the opposite rather than being brittle, dry, and thin.
Edema occurs in wilting hibiscus, which means you soak it in water for too long and excessively.
Check for the yellow leaves first
Moisture
The next step in determining an overwatered hibiscus plant is checking and touching the growing soil.
The overwatered hibiscus looks wilted and yellow, practically as if it is dying from a lack of water, although the soil is still damp.
The ideal soil texture for the plant is moist and relatively spongy, rather than dripping or soaking wet.
If it leaks when you pick it up or if the drip tray is full of stagnant water, you are in trouble.
Root rot
Checking the roots is the final step in determining whether you have been overwatering your hibiscus.
To do so, gently unpot the hibiscus and wipe any soil away from the roots using a soft brush. They should look healthy, firm, and creamy.
You get root rot if the roots have a terrible odor, are black or brown, and mush under the touch of your forefinger and thumb.
Overwatering is the primary cause of hibiscus root rot, which is one of the most prevalent diseases that crops suffer.
Overwatering can cause root rot easily – Picture of overwatered hibiscus
How To Revive An Overwatered Hibiscus?
It’s time to start putting on your hidden super-gardener gear and save your flower once you’ve confirmed that it’s been growing in too much moisture.
Begin by flipping the plant upside down and grasping the base of the main stem as near the soil surface as possible. Pull it loose from the pot gently yet firmly.
Then, brush off and clear as much of the wet soil with your hands and sift through the roots.
If the plant hasn’t had to struggle with overwatering for too long, it will still appear to be in good condition. You can easily see the white and firm roots.
Remove the damaged parts.
The next step is to prune as many damaged roots as possible. You can report your plant into a new one with clean, slightly moist soil after cutting the damaged parts of the root ball away.
If you don’t have any new potting soil, use the old dirt from the pot, but let it air dry slowly. However, it should still be damp so that your little plant can grow.
It’s now time to remove the dead leaves. Try to cut any yellowed, curled, or wilted leaves carefully.
Cut all the damaged parts of your plant
Repot
It’s time to begin watering hibiscus again when the soil starts to look drier and less damp. Remember not to let it dry completely.
Your hibiscus will slowly return to life and bloom with its distinctive huge, brilliantly colored flowers.
Repotting is a popular method in planting hibiscus. You can watch this video for the ultimate guide to carry this task correctly.
How To Water Hibiscus Correctly?
Hibiscus comes in two varieties: tropical and hardy. The tropical hibiscus can thrive in warm climates, while the hardy hibiscus (also known as a hibiscus spp) prefers cold weather.
The tropical type is more favorable since it is evergreen. As a result, we’ll pay greater attention to it in this article.
The hibiscus flower is a moisture-loving species. The plant comes from tropical regions such as the Pacific Islands and Asia, where the weather is hot all year.
As a result, the hibiscus will require ample moisture in the summer. Also, remember to reduce the water supply for it in cold weather.
It would be best to water your flower until the soil is totally wet, then wait until it is dry to the touch before spraying again.
The rule of thumb is to keep the soil moist adequately. Tropical hibiscus plants require lots of moisture to grow. However, too much moisture is not a good idea.
More to read: Why Should You Water After Fertilizing?
In the summer
Your hibiscus plant needs watering almost every day during the springtime to mid-summer periods. Because, tropical also hibiscus require ample moisture, try to give them more water throughout the flowering stage.
The typical root length of this plant is 6 inches. Hence, make sure you soak the soil entirely when watering.
In the winter
Because this plant can’t flourish during the colder months of the year, it needs far less moisture in the fall and winter.
As a result, do not overwater your plant throughout the winter. Instead, please give it some water when the soil is too dry.
If your temperature is mild enough for you to keep the hibiscus outside in the wintertime, you’ll need to irrigate it less than if you move it indoors.
Your little tree requires a different amount of water depending on the weather
Tips For Caring Hibiscus
Aside from watering, other factors play vital roles in raising your plant. As a result, pay equal attention to the light, fertilization, and other growing tips too.
Growing tips
Many people opt for cultivating these tropical plants in pots. These containers allow them to transfer the potted plants to the best position for the season.
Provide about six hours of direct sunlight to the plant, particularly if you want to see the gorgeous blossoms.
Unlike the hardy hibiscus, the tropical one thrives in hot, humid weather. However, it still needs some afternoon shade if the weather is too hot. Containers, once again, make this job simple.
When grown in a container, the plant needs a snug fit. Potted plants should be slightly root-bound.
When repotting, make sure that the potted hibiscus has more room. Besides, it requires excellent drainage.
Light
If you live in an extremely hot sunny area, a little shade can directly benefit outdoor hibiscus, especially to shield it from the intense afternoon sunlight.
You can plant inside, despite their light requirements. All you have to do now is make sure the illumination is bright enough.
Always position the container-grown flower in a window that faces south or southwest to obtain the most light.
Fertilizing
To bloom successfully, a hibiscus plant needs a lot of nutrients. You can use a potassium-rich fertilizer in the summer.
You may feed your plant once a week with a water-soluble fertilizer, once a month with a slow-release fertilizer, or once a month with high potassium manure.
Conclusion
These little trees need a lot of water, especially while they’re flowering and the weather is hot outside. However, it’s also easy to overwater them.
You may carefully nurture your overwatered plant back to life by cutting the damaged sections of the leaves, roots, stems and repotting the remaining plant in moderately wet soil.
Hopefully, the tips we have shared can help with your gardening. If you need any further information about gardening tips, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!
Related articles:
Hibiscus Plant Diseases
How Often Should a Hibiscus Shrub Potted Plant Be Watered in the Summer?
FAQs
Lift badly over-watered plants from the pot. Remove as much wet soil from around the roots as possible. Cut any rotten roots off the exterior of the root ball with clean shears, then repot the hibiscus into fresh, slightly moist soil in a clean pot.
How do you fix wilted hibiscus? ›
Mist your hibiscus every day. Try to really wet down all sides of all the leaves. The extra hydration will take some stress off the roots while the plant recuperates. Continue misting daily until you see active growth.
How do I know if my hibiscus has root rot? ›
Signs of root rot are slow growth, mushy stems, and wilting, yellow, distorted leaves (especially when the plant has been well watered, as wilting leaves can also be a sign of a dry plant). Usually the soil will smell rotten and the roots will appear to be reddish brown.
What is the best way to water hibiscus? ›
Keep the soil surrounding the hibiscus moist but not soggy. For the first week after planting, water daily, tapering off to once every two days in the second week, and then about twice a week thereafter, when there is no rainfall. If the weather becomes especially hot and dry, water every other day.
What do overwatered hibiscus look like? ›
Hibiscus are generally thirsty, but it is possible to overwater the plant. Overwatered Hibiscus will develop yellow leaves and possibly experience leaf drop. If you are concerned that the Hibiscus has been overwatered, give the plant time to dry out and continue to check the soil's dampness before watering again.
What does Epsom salt do for hibiscus plants? ›
Epsom salt – actually magnesium sulfate – helps seeds germinate, makes plants grow bushier, produces more flowers, increases chlorophyll production and deters pests, such as slugs and voles. It also provides vital nutrients to supplement your regular fertilizer.
Can hibiscus get too much sun? ›
Morning sun and afternoon shade would also provide good growing conditions. Hibiscus can tolerate full sun but in the heat of the summer, they might become stressed. In winter, Hibiscus needs the brightest room in the house. With enough light in winter time, they can bloom.
Why does my hibiscus look like it's dying? ›
The reason for a hibiscus dying is usually dry soil, low humidity or excessive airflow which saps moisture from the leaves causing them to turn yellow, drop off and for the hibiscus to die back. Dying Hibiscus is also often because of a sudden drop in temperature and frost.
What does an unhealthy hibiscus look like? ›
The main symptom of hibiscus disease is wilting. Underwatering can also cause wilting, so first, make sure your plant's soil is not dried out. But if the soil is moist and your plant is still wilted, this is a clear sign of disease. There are two main diseases that cause wilt in hibiscus.
Is Miracle Grow good for hibiscus? ›
Beginning a month after planting, feed hibiscus regularly with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Bloom Booster® Flower Food, which was specially developed to encourage lots of colorful blooms. Using the Miracle-Gro® Garden Feeder makes feeding super-easy, but you can also mix the food in a watering can instead if you prefer.
Hibiscus do like lots of water, but they do not like to sit in soil that is constantly wet. If the soil is already wet, wait to water. If it is just slightly moist, this is when you should water again. Anytime your hibiscus shows signs of suffering from dehydration, dropping leaves, bone dry soil…
What happens if hibiscus gets too much water? ›
Too little or too much watering: Tropical hibiscus plants generally require lots of water, but too much or too little water can cause yellowing leaves. Overwatering can lead to root rot as well.
Can I spray Epsom salt on hibiscus plants? ›
Apply Epsom salts at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of pot size, or throw a healthy handful around grounded plants once a month. Epsom salts can be added to the water-soluble fertilizer and used as a soil drench or a foliar spray.
Can I spray my hibiscus with soapy water? ›
White bugs and other insects on the hibiscus plant can be terminated safely, easily, and effectively by the use of soap and water spray.
Should I cut off yellow leaves on hibiscus? ›
Hibiscus yellow leaves are common and usually not anything to worry about. Often, hibiscus leaves turning yellow will correct itself. In some cases, pruning of the entire plant is necessary.
Why are my hibiscus leaves wilting and turning yellow? ›
This is related to water but please take note on super hot summer days that hibiscus will need lots of water to keep all the big lush leaves well supplied. If they don't get enough they react by dropping leaves (that turn yellow first) so that they don't need as much water.
Should you spray hibiscus with water? ›
To provide extra hydration and humidity for your plants, mist them daily with a soft mist if you can. Just fill a spray bottle with water and thoroughly spray the plant on all sides of all the leaves, stalks and branches.
Do coffee grounds help hibiscus? ›
Yes! No matter how strange this may sound, hibiscus benefits from coffee grounds. Coffee grounds provide nitrogen and potassium to hibiscus plants that help as fertilizers. First, dry the coffee powder for 2-3 days and then sprinkle it on the soil, trunk, and the upper part of the hibiscus.
How wet should hibiscus soil be? ›
Feel the soil; it should be a bit moist but not wet when watering it again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers, if water seeps out it's still wet.
Is vinegar good for hibiscus plants? ›
Vinegar Solutions
Dilute a cup of vinegar in a gallon of water and pour the whole solution onto the roots of the plant. The solution, which settles around the roots, unlocks vital nutrients in the soil, feeding hibiscus plants.
Adding Epsom salts to soil that already has sufficient magnesium can actually harm your soil and plants, such as by inhibiting calcium uptake. Spraying Epsom salt solutions on plant leaves can cause leaf scorch. Excess magnesium can increase mineral contamination in water that percolates through soil.
What is a homemade fertilizer for hibiscus? ›
Vinegar. Dilute a cup of vinegar in a gallon of water and pour all the solution into the roots of the plant. The solution, which settles around the roots, opens up important nutrients in the soil, feeding Hibiscus plants.
How often should I water my plants with Epsom salt? ›
Adding Epsom salt is a simple way to increase the health of their blooms, and is something that you can include easily as a part of a normal routine. For potted plants, simply dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt per gallon of water, and substitute this solution for normal watering once a month.
What temperature kills hibiscus? ›
Temperatures below freezing will injure hibiscus. Factors such as how cold and for how long, the age of the plant, and whether it is dehydrated determine how extensive the damage. Under 30°F (-1°C) for many hours will most likely kill the plant entirely. Such temperatures should be avoided.
Can hibiscus take hot afternoon sun? ›
Location and Light
Hardy Hibiscus does best in full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but growth and flowering will suffer. If you live in areas with very hot summers, during the hottest part of the day, Hibiscus may need shade. Hibiscus should be planted along, or in the back of perennial flower beds.
Will my hibiscus come back to life? ›
Do hibiscus plants come back every year? Yes, cold hardy hibiscus plants will go dormant and come back in the spring every year in the right growing zone. Tropical varieties will stay evergreen in warm climates, but are otherwise grown as annuals, or kept as houseplants.
Will a dead hibiscus come back? ›
This shrubby plant can survive an occasional frost, but its stems and leaves may die back a bit. As long as the roots don't freeze, you can prune the dead parts away, and new growth will sprout in spring.
Should you remove dead flowers from hibiscus? ›
Although deadheading isn't a necessary aspect of any tropical hibiscus plant care, removing faded flowers will help maintain the plant's beauty, improve its appearance, develop more blooms, and divert the plant's energy into creating more blooms.
Can a hibiscus recover from root rot? ›
If you catch the disease early enough, you can prune off the affected roots and treat the soil with fungicide before replanting the hibiscus. Treating the plant with a growth enhancer can help strengthen it so it can fight off the disease on its own.
How do you take care of a potted hibiscus? ›
Hibiscus plants in pots need water when the top couple of inches of soil are just barely wet. Do not let the soil completely dry out, and drench the soil until excess water comes out of the drainage holes. Planter-grown Hibiscus typically need to be watered every couple of days, depending on the weather.
Best Fertilizer For Hibiscus
Help the Hibiscus start the reason off right with a balanced fertilizer, like a 20-20-20 appalled in the spring. This will provide a well-rounded mixture of nutrients. You can continue to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the rest of the growing season, or you can switch to a 12-4-8 mix.
How do I fix yellow leaves on my hibiscus? ›
Yellow hibiscus leaves can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies. Yellow hibiscus leaves that remain on the plant rather than falling off could show a lack of necessary nutrients. Applying fertilizer or amending the soil will resolve this problem, but take care not to over-fertilize as you may do more harm than good.
How often should you fertilize hibiscus? ›
Hibiscus plants in containers should be fertilized a little more frequently than ones planted in garden beds— about once a week during the blooming period should suffice. Garden hibiscus should be fertilized about once every two weeks. Neither require any fertilizer during the winter months.
What does overwatering look like? ›
If a plant is overwatered, it will likely develop yellow or brown limp, droopy leaves as opposed to dry, crispy leaves (which are a sign of too little water). Wilting leaves combined with wet soil usually mean that root rot has set in and the roots can no longer absorb water.
What are the symptoms of overwatering? ›
Stunted slow growth with yellowing leaves is a symptom of over watering. Plants may suffer from leaf scorch or leaf burn. Water soaked spots and blisters (Oedema) may appear on stems and leaves. The crown of the plant may rot.
What are the leaves on my hibiscus curling? ›
It is more likely that the reason for the leaf curling on your hibiscus is from the hibiscus beetle or the metalic flea beetle. The beetles are active during flowering periods and can produce many generations each year. The beetles don't enjoy the brighter coloured flowers, preferring the pale colours or white flowers.
How do you prune a dying hibiscus? ›
Prune these in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Remove any dead branches. Cut dead tips back to a healthy side branch or above a bud. Limit additional pruning to what is needed to shape or control the plant's size.
Can I use baking soda instead of Epsom salt for plants? ›
Baking soda on plants causes no apparent harm and may help prevent the bloom of fungal spores in some cases. It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, but regular applications during the spring can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.
Does hibiscus water like Epsom salt? ›
Epsom salts work well for hibiscus planted in the ground in areas with neutral or acidic soil, or for plant in pots where the water drains out the bottom and isn't constantly taken back up into the pot.
Which plants do not like Epsom salt? ›
Carnivorous plants — Pitcher plants, venus flytraps, and sundews are some insect-eating plants that should not be applied with Epsom salts. Because they are adapted to grow in mineral-poor and depleted soil, supplementing fertilizers with even a tiny dosage could mean death to the bug-trapping ornamentals.
It's not recommended to use dish detergent (like Dawn), laundry detergent, or hand soap (even the “natural” versions), since these soaps contain abrasive ingredients that could harm your plants. For DIY insecticide, organic pure castile liquid soap is the best solution since it's all natural and highly effective.
Should you cut off leaves with holes? ›
Fortunately, there's good news! Greens with holes in them that were created by feeding insects or slugs should be fine to eat, if you cut away the damaged parts. However, there are times when you do want to avoid produce that has been damaged by the local wildlife.
Is Sevin spray safe for hibiscus? ›
Answer: No, Sevin Concentrate will not harm hibiscus flowers.
Can you revive an overwatered plant? ›
When you overwater your plant, there are several ways to rescue it. Overwatering doesn't always have to mean that your plant dies. You can let the soil dry, repot your plant in soil or leca, or propagate your plant to not have to give up on your plant and let it die.
What does a dying hibiscus look like? ›
By scratching just the top layer of bark off with your fingernail, you expose the second layer. If this second layer is brown and dry instead of green and moist, the branch is dead. If you scratched the bark at the base of the hibiscus and see brown underneath, the entire plant is likely dead.
How do you dry out an overwatered plant fast? ›
CPR for Drowning Plants
- Move the planter to a shady area, even if it is a full sun plant. ...
- Be sure the pot is draining. ...
- If possible, create additional air spaces around the root ball. ...
- If the plant isn't too large, repot into a different pot. ...
- Begin watering only when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch.
The good news is that most plants will bounce back between 7-14 days if they're given proper care (which includes rehydration). If this isn't possible because major damage was done or little healthy root system exists then expect about 2 weeks until improvement can be seen.
Can overwatering be fixed? ›
The first step in saving your overwatered plants is to determine how badly they have been affected. If your plants are showing some yellowing but have not yet started to wilt, you can save them by beginning to water them properly. If wilting has started to occur, you will need to work harder in order to save them.
Is coffee grounds good for hibiscus? ›
Yes! No matter how strange this may sound, hibiscus benefits from coffee grounds. Coffee grounds provide nitrogen and potassium to hibiscus plants that help as fertilizers. First, dry the coffee powder for 2-3 days and then sprinkle it on the soil, trunk, and the upper part of the hibiscus.
