Question
Hello, I have a Hybiscus tree that I cant seem to make happy. The leaves are droopy and I have not had a flower since the day I bought it almost a year ago. I moved to a new house and there for shocked the tree for about a month of trying to get it into the right spot. Now that I have moved my house around trying to make this plant get the best possible spot for sun it doesnt seem to be doing well. I had it elevated off the ground but still infront of the window and I am unsure if the recent cold weather has affected it even more. I trimmed the branches down but not all the way because there are huge spots where there are no leaves and new growth. The tree stands about 4feet and has a ton of foliage near the bottom of the plant but the leaves are sad looking. What should I do, I have been giving it a normal fertalizer since i got my tree and prun it every time i have dead leaves. The tree does look a lot better then 2 months ago but still cant seem to get some major growth.
Any answers or ideas will help
Thank you so much for your time and response
Candice

Answer
Candice,

I own 3 hibiscus plants. One is tree form and the other 2 are bonsai hibiscus. These plants need as much sun as possible. They have to be in front of an east, west or south window that has the drapes and blinds open from sun up to sundown. During the summer months it is best for the plant to go outdoors in full sun. Hibiscus is a tropical plant native to tropical islands with intense sun. If you cannot give it a lot of sun during the winter and put it outdoors during the summer months chances are you will not get major growth and blooms. If you can put it in front of a south facing window and place a directional lamp on it with a florescent light bulb in it shining on the plant no more than 18 inches from the hibiscus. It needs to be on for 12 hours a day . If it is a tree hibiscus there should be no growth on the trunk or at the base of the trunk. Any growth there should be pruned or it will take over and the top will not grow as a tree.  You said you give it regular fertilizer. This plant is a heavy feeder. You need to be feeding it regularly with a water soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Grow for Blooming plants. If it is not for blooming plants you won't get the flowers you are looking for. You have to water it once or twice a week, when ever it is dry. If the leaves start to droop slightly water it immediately. It must be in a pot with a drain hole and a drain tray under it. Do not leave it sit with water in the drain tray constantly or the roots will rot. It has to dry out between waterings but it cannot be dry for days. If the leaves turn yellow constantly inspect closely for fine webs in leaf crotches. It may have spider mites. You can wash those off with a handheld shower sprayer or spray them with a 50/50 mix of water and rubbing alcohol every 3 days for 3 weeks to kill them and any eggs that hatch. So get it more light, put it outside in the spring after all danger of frost.  Check for insects, be careful on watering and write again if you have more questions. Good luck.

Darlene