Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) care guide
Quick answer
Water your Hibiscus when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 2 to 4 days.
- WateringEvery 2 to 4 days · summer
Every 6 to 8 days · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate12–27 °C (54–81 °F)
- Pet safetyNot confirmed pet-safe
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 2 to 4 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 6 to 8 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Hibiscus needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your Hibiscus every 14 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate12–27 °C (54–81 °F)
Humidity50–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 12–27 °C (54–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Overwintering hibiscus
Bring evergreen Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in before nights drop below about 12 °C (54 °F) and keep it at a bright window at 12 °C (54 °F) or warmer. Garden hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) stays outside.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Not confirmed pet-safe
Common questions
How often should I water a Hibiscus?
Water your Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 2 to 4 days. In winter, slow down to every 6 to 8 days.
How much light does a Hibiscus need?
Hibiscus needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Why is my Hibiscus turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted hybrid · hybrid formula · common names
- Royal Horticultural SocietyQuick facts · Cultivation notes · Spring and summer · Overwintering · Problems · Growing Conditions · Cultivation · Pests · Diseases
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · Cultural Conditions · Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems
- Smithsonian GardensCare of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis · Light · Water · Hardiness · Overwintering · Fertilizer · Pests · Diseases
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlHibiscus syriacus pet-safety record, not Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis/Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- How we check our plant advice
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