Why Is My Hibiscus Dying?

Over- or Underwatering

• Hibiscus plants prefer soil that is moist but not wet. Too-wet soil causes anaerobic conditions that make it impossible for the plant's root system to breathe. Hibiscus do tolerate short periods of dried soil, but after a few days of dryness, they wilt. To ensure that your hibiscus receives the proper amount of water, check the soil with your finger. If the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry, but the subsoil is moist, your hibiscus is happy. Maintain this level of moisture by watering deeply every few days. In northern states where temperatures are more moderate, you may only need to water weekly.

Parasites

• Parasites like the whitefly attack hibiscus plants and cause death of the leaves and stems if the infestation is not caught and treated early. Whiteflies attack the underside of the plant's leaves and coat them with a sticky substance. Check your hibiscus plant's leaves regularly to prevent infestation. If you see a few parasites, treating quickly with an insecticidal soap may save your plant's leaves from death.

Light

• Hibiscus plants prefer their native conditions of plenty of sunlight each day. In desert-like climates, however, the sunlight is too brutal and hibiscus wilts and suffers sunburn. If left in the scorching Southern sunlight for too many days, the hibiscus plant will die. The same thing will occur if the plant is left in the shade. Ideally, the hibiscus should receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight; in the South, the light may be filtered such as on a patio or under a tree.

Change in Environment

• Container-grown hibiscus plants that are relocated to a place indoors during the winter appear to die. The extreme change in temperature, light and humidity affect the plant and cause it to drop all of its blossom ends; leaves will turn yellow and may drop off. Correct the situation by misting the plant with water at least once a day and exposing the hibiscus to artificial light for at least 13 hours per day.