Hibiscus Care and Insecticides

Location

• The first part of hibiscus care involves planting it in an appropriate location. Temperatures below freezing kill hibiscus plants quickly, so be prepared to replant in the spring or to bring the hibiscus indoors if you live in a colder area. Choose a location that receives between six and eight hours of sunlight per day and that has soil that is loose and full of organic matter.

Maintenance

• Keep the hibiscus plant constantly moist during the first two weeks after planting. After that, water the plant regularly because hibiscus plants prefer wet environments, though they can survive drought after they are well-established. Feed the hibiscus once or twice during the season with an organic fertilizer.

Insect Pests

• Hibiscus plants attract a wide variety of pests, and before you spray them, you should identify what they are. Thrips and aphids are common on hibiscus, as well as scale insects and white flies. Ants, spider mites and mealyworms are also pests that trouble hibiscus. Some signs of insect problems include discolored leaves and leaf and bud die-off.

Insecticides

• Apply insecticides to both the tops and the bottoms of hibiscus leaves. Systemic insecticides, which are ingested by the insects, may be used to control most insect problems. If you are interested in a more natural insecticide, use insecticidal soap sprays or diluted neem oil.