If the hibiscus won't bloom, what to do? In this article, we provide hints on how to prevent bud drop.
It's annoying when the hoped-for hibiscus blossom doesn't come. The outdoor hibiscus is affected, as are the plants in the room or in the bucket on the terrace.
Although the flower bud is already there, the flowering shrub is very sensitive to disturbance and suddenly sheds the bud. So success depends on how careful you are with the hibiscus. The following hints may help you with this.
What is wrong with the garden hibiscus?
This exotic shrub, which originates from Asia, places high demands on its location and the nutrient content of the soil. There are two main reasons why this garden shrub loses its flower buds and thus refuses to flower.
❶ Maybe the wrong location?
- When planting, make sure that you place your garden hibiscus in a sunny location. Your shrub can also do well in partial shade.
- It is therefore essential to avoid a shady and draughty place for your outdoor hibiscus. Because a lack of sunlight and temperature fluctuations due to drafts prevent the hibiscus from blooming.
❷ Possibly a nutrient deficiency?
- Nutrient-rich soil is important for the garden hibiscus. It is best to place the young plant in a mixture of sand and compost. Then fertilize it every two weeks with a special liquid fertilizer (available here).
- A lush bloom requires a he althy plant structure and foliage. It is therefore advisable to fertilize the outdoor hibiscus with patent potash (potash magnesia) from the end of August to mid-September. Potassium promotes plant growth and magnesium ensures a he althy leaf.
What affects indoor or pot hibiscus
In the room or on the terrace, the hibiscus reacts particularly sensitively to humidity, temperature and light conditions. It is therefore important that you ensure that these conditions are strictly adhered to.
❶ Is the water balance correct?
- Disturbance of the water balance can also be a reason for the cessation of flowering.After all, the hibiscus in the room and on the terrace is very demanding when it comes to watering. If you give the hibiscus too much water, it will react with a growth disturbance and subsequent bud drop. Excessive drought has the same consequences.
- Keep the plant evenly moist. However, you may only water again when the top layer of soil has dried. It is also recommended to use stagnant water at room temperature for watering.
- Be sure to pour away excess water in the cachepot, otherwise this will lead to waterlogging and root rot.
❷ Is there a draught?
- Drafts can lead to greater temperature fluctuations, especially in unstable weather. The hibiscus reacts sensitively to this at the room window and on the terrace and then throws off the flower buds. If you ventilate, you should definitely avoid draughts.
- When choosing the location on the terrace, check the wind conditions beforehand. It can be airy, but not drafty.
❸ Does the hibiscus get enough light?
- Light is of great importance for beautiful flowers of your hibiscus. Too little sun is a cause of flowering fatigue.
- Even if you move the hibiscus a lot, you change the incidence of light and the plant is stressed. The best thing is to put your flowering shrub in the spot where it will find the best conditions for the next few months.