How to Transplant a Potted Hibiscus

Outdoors

• 1

  Place the hibiscus plant outdoors when the threat of frost passes to acclimate it to the weather. Place the hibiscus outdoors on the porch for one week and bring it indoors when frost is expected. Move the hibiscus plant under the shade of a tree for one week and then move it into a location that receives bright sunlight for another week.

• 2

  Transplant the hibiscus outdoors when the daytime temperatures remain around 55 to 75 degrees F. In a sunny location, dig a hole that is twice as large as the root ball of the plant.

• 3

  Place the hibiscus container on its side. Gently grab on to the stem base and wiggle the plant from the pot.

• 4

  Set the root ball into the new hole so that it sits at the same soil level as in its previous location. Pack the soil around the hibiscus plant to remove air pockets.

• 5

  Water the newly transplanted hibiscus plant to dampen the soil. Keep the soil moist; never saturate it completely.

• 6

  Apply a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at half strength every two to three weeks. Follow the label directions properly when fertilizing the hibiscus.

Indoors

• 7

  Transplant the hibiscus plant in February while the plant remains dormant.

• 8

  Find a growing container 2 inches larger than the previous container. Fill the new container with 2 parts of potting soil, 1 part perlite and 2 parts peat moss.

• 9

  Place the hibiscus plant on its side onto several sheets of newspapers. Hold on to the base of the plant and wiggle it free from the growing pot.

• 10

  Plant the hibiscus into the new container so that it sits at the same soil level as the previous pot. Pack the soil down around the hibiscus plant.

• 11

  Water the plant until the water drains from the pot. Continue to water the hibiscus soil to keep it moist.

• 12

  Place the hibiscus plant in a sunny and warm location such as a south-facing window. The temperature must remain between 55 and 75 degrees F to prevent the flower buds from falling off the plant.

• 13

  Apply a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at half strength every month in the spring in summer. Fertilize the plant every other month in the winter. Follow the label instructions to apply the fertilizer properly.