If you are looking for dramatic flowers, consider tropical hibiscus. The trumpet-shaped flowers are 3 to 8 inches in diameter with dramatic protruding stamens. Flowers are produced constantly, but each blossom lasts only one day.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is native to the East Asia. In warmer climates, tropical hibiscus is grown as a perennial garden plant and is used as a woody shrub for hedges and screens. In colder climates, it is often planted in large containers as a patio or deck specimen. Tropical hibiscus can grow as high as 12 or 15 feet, but when brought indoors, it is usually trimmed back to 5 or 6 feet. Tropical hibiscus is generally free of pests and diseases, but try to maintain consistent soil moisture and air temperature to help prevent yellow leaves.
Keep the soil surrounding the hibiscus moist but not soggy. For the first week after planting, water daily, tapering off to once every two days in the second week, and then about twice a week thereafter, when there is no rainfall. If the weather becomes especially hot and dry, water every other day.
Loam soils are best for plant growth because sand, silt, and clay together provide desirable characteristics.
By removing overgrown foliage, you will improve airflow to the plant, and light will be better able to penetrate all portions of the plant. This actually leads to a fuller and healthier-looking houseplant.
You can propagate your tropical hibiscus from soft-stem cuttings taken in late spring. It is good to use rooting hormone, and be sure to keep the cuttings out of direct sunlight until they are growing.For consistent flower production in container plantings, make sure to avoid very deep containers, which can cause the plant to spend its energy on root development at the expense of flowers. In mixed containers, the ideal pot shape is quite wide but relatively shallow. You will likely need to repot your plant every one to two years. Look for signs that it is dropping leaves, appearing stressed, or hasn't been growing well.
Choose a pot with drainage holes, which also ensures potting soil doesn't stay too wet after watering your houseplants. The excess can freely escape out the bottom of the container, allowing oxygen to make its way to plant roots.
