How to propagate and prune hibiscus?

Juniperus is a tropical flowering shrub with a very tropical feel. It is usually believed to bloom in summer. In fact, if the environment can be kept warm and the temperature can be maintained above 15 degrees, it can continue to bloom all year round. So how to propagate and prune hibiscus? Let’s take a look below.

1. How to propagate and prune hibiscus?

1. Select branches. When propagating Hibiscus rubra by cuttings, it is best to choose branches that are free of pests and diseases and have thick growth. When pruning the branches, you can prune them at an angle. This will give the branches a larger cross-section after propagation, allowing them to absorb more nutrients and increase the speed at which the cuttings are planted in the pot, thereby ensuring a higher survival rate for Hibiscus rubra by cuttings.

2. Cutting time. The grafting of hibiscus flowers should be carried out during the development period of the plant, generally from May to June each year. The climatic conditions during this period are suitable for the growth and development of hibiscus flowers. As the temperature continues to rise, the flow of nutrients in the branches continues to accelerate, which can ensure that the branches grow faster after grafting and increase the survival rate of hibiscus flower reproduction.

3. Cutting medium. When transplanting hibiscus flowers, you need to use a substrate that is rich in nutrients and has strong air permeability. You can use a soil that is a 1:1 mixture of vermiculite and leaf mold. Before transplanting, you need to thoroughly disinfect the soil to prevent bacteria in the soil from infecting the wounds of the cuttings, which will not only reduce the growth rate but also cause the death of the cuttings.

4. Daily maintenance. After the hibiscus flowers are cut, they should be placed in a cool and ventilated place for maintenance. After the cuttings have developed for a period of time and have strong vitality, they can be transferred to a normal environment for maintenance. During cultivation, sufficient water and appropriate amount of light must be provided to promote rapid rooting of the cuttings and increase the growth rate of the hibiscus flowers.

2. Hibiscus cultivation methods and key points

1. Lighting

Hibiscus likes light and needs at least 8 hours of light a day to bloom beautiful flowers, so the flowerpot should be placed in a sunny place to avoid darkness and obstruction. However, in summer, shade can be provided to avoid leaf burns caused by direct sunlight.

2. Temperature

Hibiscus likes a warm environment, the most suitable temperature is between 15-25℃, and it is not resistant to cold. In northern regions, flower pots should be moved indoors to keep warm in winter. The room temperature should not be lower than 10℃ or higher than 20℃ to avoid affecting dormancy and flowering. In the southern regions, if there is no frost in winter, it can be placed outdoors.

3. Moisture

Hibiscus likes moisture but not too much moisture, so water it moderately, and water it thoroughly when the soil surface is dry. In summer, water the plants once in the morning and evening every day, and spray water frequently to increase the air humidity; in winter, reduce watering and keep the soil slightly moist.

4. Soil

Hibiscus likes loose, fertile, well-drained slightly acidic soil. A mixture of loam and decomposed organic fertilizer can be used as the culture soil.

5. Fertilizer

Hibiscus has a high demand for fertilizer and needs to be applied with a thin liquid fertilizer once a month, mainly phosphorus fertilizer, to promote flowering. When repotting, apply enough base fertilizer, mainly organic fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer.

6. Pruning and repotting

Hibiscus needs to be pruned every spring to remove old branches, weak branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, and crossed branches. The strong main branches and side branches should be retained, and about 1/3 of the upper part should be cut off to promote the growth and branching of new branches. After pruning, apply pruning shears disinfectant or lime water to the cut to prevent infection. Repotting should be done in spring or autumn. Replace the potting soil with new one, cut off some of the dense fibrous roots, and apply enough base fertilizer.

That’s it