A flower for all seasons

The most beautiful hibiscus flowers can be easily grown in your backyard

Hibiscus, a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, is a globally grown flower with a range of colours and distinct flower types with a characteristic stamen. The national flower of Malaysia and the state flower of Hawaii, hibiscus flower is used to reduce cholesterol in blood and to control fever, blood pressure, fungal and bacterial infections. Containing loads of Vitamin C, antioxidants and diuretic properties, the plant is also used as a natural remedy for wound healing as well as for sore and painful eyes.

Type of plant

Suitable for warm, temperate, tropical and subtropical regions, the hibiscus plant is an annual and perennial plant which can be grown as an outdoor herb, shrub or even as a small tree, while its many indoor varieties are also used for home beautification. An all-season plant that thrives throughout the year, it may grow from 3 feet to even 10 feet high and is usually 2 feet in width. These may be grown in small pots to a 12-inch sized pot. However, when planted in the ground, the plant attains maximum height and bears more flowers than the potted plants.

How to sow and grow

The propagation of its stems is the best way to grow a hibiscus plant. For this purpose, after selection, a stem is cut out from the mother plant, ideally 4 inches to half feet in size. The leaves, from the lower half of this stem cutting, are removed and from this side it is inserted into the pot for propagation. Before inserting, it may be dipped into honey, cinnamon powder or aloe vera gel to save the plant from fungal diseases. It takes around a period of 8 to 10 weeks for its root development.

Growing the hibiscus plant from the seeds is relatively difficult. Before sowing, its seeds must be soaked in water and nicked up to weaken the outer shell to help water enter the seeds. The treated, slightly modified seeds are then placed into the soil quarter to half-inch below at least.

Hibiscus flower plant grows well from March to October in the subcontinent. After sowing seeds, it takes at least 15 to 20 days for seed germination. When it turns into a seedling, it may take from 6 months to 3 years for the first bloom of hibiscus flowers. The hibiscus plant is quite resilient and tropical and may continue to live for decades even without much care.

Sunlight and watering requirements

The plant grows well in direct sunlight exposure and should be exposed to sun for four to eight hours. To keep the soil moist throughout the day, the plant regularly needs sufficient watering during the blooming stage in particular. Mulching also helps in retaining water that should not pool up and be able to drain easily from the pot. The water should not be used directly on the base of the stem.

Fertilizers for plant nourishment

For plant growth, use fish and prawn scraps or used tea to acidify the soil of an acid-loving plant like hibiscus plant. You may also add banana peel fluid every 10 days to 2 weeks. Sometimes, its leaves may lose their green colour and turn yellow due to fertilizer deficiency, lack of water or changes in temperature. To tackle these situations, the plant must be provided with maximum nitrogen and potassium-rich fertilizers.

Pest attack

Apart from a few pest attacks by mealy bugs, aphids and red spider mites, there are hardly any significant pest attacks on most varieties of hibiscus plants. All such attacks can be avoided by fortnightly spray of any organic pesticide available at different nurseries or plant stores.

Flowering and harvest

Many traditional medicines and folk remedies are linked with the hibiscus flowers. For example, they are used in the preparation of cold and hot beverages like tea and are used as a seasoning agent for meat dishes. Its petals and leaves are also used to prepare the organic shampoo for strong and dandruff free hair, while much care must be taken to remove the stigma part before preparing the shampoo.

The single petal hibiscus varieties are relatively inexpensive compared to the double petal ones available in plant nurseries. With a relatively shorter life span of an overnight to 3 days, some flowers are likely to bloom at a time. The buds of hibiscus flowers may often drop off before blooming due to decrease in watering and sunlight exposure or any noticeable change in temperature. – Ends