Propagating a Native Hibiscus

Propagating from Cuttings

• 1

  Make cuttings from healthy, nonblooming branch tips about 4 to 6 inches long. Include at least three leaf nodes. Strip off all leaves on the cutting’s lower half.

• 2

  Insert the cut end in a rooting hormone completely coating the branch at least 1 inch up from the cut end.

• 3

  Combine equal parts potting soil and perlite. Fill 3-inch pots with drainage hole with the mixture. Water them thoroughly until water runs out the drainage hole.

• 4

  Make one hole with a pencil or screwdriver in each small pot’s center. Insert the cut end of one cutting into the soil mixture and gently fill in with soil securing the cutting.

• 5

  Place the potted cuttings in a humid area with no direct sun.

• 6

  Mist your cuttings frequently. If you set up an automatic system, set it to mist the cuttings every three minutes.

Propagating from Seeds

• 7

  Pick dry seed capsules before they drop the seeds inside. Using your fingernail or the point of a small, sharp knife, score the capsule releasing the seeds. Working over a sheet of newspaper helps catch the seeds as they fall.

• 8

  Soaking dry seeds in water for 24 hours before planting speeds germination. Some growers recommend hot water, buy others claim soaking is not necessary.

• 9

  Prepare a planting mix of 2 parts perlite, 1 part vermiculite and 1 part sterile potting soil. Fill 3-inch pots with drainage holes with this mixture and then water the mix thoroughly until water runs out the drainage hole.

• 10

  Keep seeded pots in a shady area and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Expect germination of many species to occur within three to nine days.