Article: Once indoors for the winter, the hibiscus will still need proper care if it is to survive the long months ahead. Gardeners are advised to look up the plant that they have and treat it accordingly rather than make general assumptions. However, if the plant tag is lost or if the plant was a gift from friends, this article will provide some tips that apply to most hibiscuses. Hibiscuses need both warmth and light to flourish indoors, but will take the warmth over the light if they must. Ideally, these plants should be placed beside a window in the toastiest possible location. Plants that spend their winters in a room with no windows or in one that has low lighting will benefit from having their own lamp. However, gardeners should take care to keep the device far enough away from the plants that it doesn't burn them. Hibiscuses kept in outbuildings will likely need a heater of some type to keep them warm enough to survive but even a tiny space heater will adequately serve this purpose. Tropical plants generally prefer for the temperature to remain above 55F (13C). However, cold tolerance does vary by species and gardeners will need to check their plant's specific needs. Direct sunlight is recommended for most hibiscus species but some can take a bit less. If the leaves on the plant begin to appear browned or scorched, it might be best to move them to a situation with less light. Water the hibiscus according to the individual varieties needs. For example: In the wintertime, Chinese Hibiscuses (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) will only need to be watered enough to keep the soil from drying out, while Mallow cultivars (Hibiscus moscheutos) will require moderate levels of moisture. Gardeners should be aware that the Mallow types do not handle drought or being overwatered very well.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Look up care instructions for your specific variety of hibiscus. Provide the hibiscus with warmth and/or light. Keep the temperature above 55F (13C), if possible. Prevent the leaves from becoming scorched. Make sure that the soil is kept moist.