Hibiscus are a whole genus of the Malvaceae family with about 150 species. They are tropical plants, highly valued for the vivid colors of their five-petal flowers, ranging from white to purple, orange, yellow and pink. In addition, it is very common to take the infusion of hibiscus flowers, also called Jamaica flower or Chinese rose , due to its beneficial properties.
If you want to learn how to properly care for them at home, keep reading us in this article in which we offer a practical guide to caring for hibiscus or hibiscus .
Hibiscus or hibiscus care – basic guide
Follow this practical guide to hibiscus care at home and you will see that the plant grows
and blooms without problems.Location
As a tropical plant, the hibiscus prefers warm climates, with temperatures that remain approximately between 14ºC and 18ºC . It is important to keep it protected from winter cold and frost, or the shrub may not survive them. As far as light is concerned, this plant prefers a well-lit place, which receives sunlight during the first half of the day , but safe from the direct incidence of the midday sun.
Hibiscus watering
In the flowering season, during the summer, the hibiscus requires abundant watering to keep the soil or substrate moist. However, this does not mean that you should allow it to puddle, as this would endanger the health of the plant. For this reason, it is important that the hibiscus soil has a very good drainage . If you have your hibiscus in an indoor pot, gently spray water around the leaves to replicate high humidity.
In winter, the plant needs very little water. Just water it a little when you notice very dry soil or substrate.
Fertilizer for hibiscus
It is good to apply fertilizer to this plant when spring arrives, and maintain the contribution every 15 days throughout its flowering season.
In this way you will help the hibiscus to keep its flowers in good condition and to produce new ones. The hibiscus flower, also called cuckoo flowers in some countries, will dress your garden with their large, brightly colored blooms.
Hibiscus: pruning
Pruning the hibiscus plant should be done in spring . Trim shoots from the previous season to keep the shrub in its desired shape, and be sure to remove any dry or damaged branches. Keep in mind that this shrub can reach 5 meters in height.
Hibiscus: reproduction
Hibiscus can be easily propagated by cuttings. To do this, it is convenient to cut the hibiscus cutting , help it with rooting hormone and have it submerged in water for about 2 months, until it develops roots and these take a slightly tan color. It is important that you change the water every week, and that you add a drop of hydrogen peroxide each time.
Hibiscus: winter care
The most important thing in this regard is the temperature for the hibiscus in winter . If you live in an area where there are frosts and the temperature falls below 0 ºC, you should not have your hibiscus outdoors. Transplant it into a pot before frost hits to keep it at a suitable temperature indoors.
Also, winters are very dry in some climates. You can help remedy this by placing the pot in as warm a location as possible , and where it receives sunlight . Spray water around the plant to add moisture and cover it with a thin plastic to hold it in.
What is hibiscus for – properties and benefits
In Asia Minor and South America it is very common to drink hibiscus flower infusions as a way to combat thirst and heat. However, not only does it bring us this, but the various properties and benefits of taking hibiscus are worth mentioning :
- Hibiscus tea is a great supplement as a vitamin supply, therefore it is a valuable ally when it comes to fighting fatigue, mild anemic states and lack of appetite.
- In addition, it also has digestive effects, which is why it is very useful to lighten indulgence, heavy digestions or abdominal pain, helping digestion to be lighter. For this reason, it is also useful when it comes to fighting heartburn or gastroenteritis.
- It can also help to solve occasional constipation, although it is recommended to take it in support of other plants with these properties.
- In addition, it helps the correct development of liver functions, being very beneficial after cases of food allergies.
- It is a great remedy and purifier, which also helps against hypertension.
- Finally, it is also a mild relaxant, and a very beneficial venous tonic in the treatment of varicose veins or hemorrhoids.
