My Hibiscus Tree Is Not Blooming

Fertilizer

• One of the most common causes of a hibiscus not blooming is either too much, too little or the wrong type of fertilizer. Too much nitrogen, represented by the first number in the fertilizer formula, promotes lots of foliage, at the expense of flowers. Excessive nitrogen also causes flower buds to fall off the plant, a condition known as "bud drop." Additionally, hibiscus loses buds when it receives too much phosphorous -- represented by the second number in the fertilizer formula. The best food for a nonblooming hibiscus is one formulated especially for hibiscus. If your local nursery doesn't carry the product, it's available online at several different nurseries. Follow the instructions on the label for application instructions.

Water

• Overwatering causes root and collar rot. Insufficient water causes the hibiscus to wilt and drop buds. Keep the soil as moist as a well-wrung sponge. During periods of drought, or during windy or hot weather, water the hibiscus to a depth of 12 inches, once a week.

Insects

• Inspect the hibiscus tree for insects. Caterpillars and thrips -- tiny winged insects -- can cause bud drop. Pick off caterpillars by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Insecticides are only marginally effective against thrips. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap spray to keep their numbers down. Follow manufacturer's instructions, printed on the label.

Pruning

• Incorrect pruning removes buds and prevents the hibiscus tree from flowering. Use sharp pruning shears and make all cuts just above a node -- the area on the stem where the leaves join. The new growth resulting from pruning should provide you with blooms about three months after pruning. Do the heavy pruning in early spring, but before the end of March. Pinch the very tip off of all new stems when they reach 2 inches. This causes the plant to produce new stems just under where you pinched. Pinch the new ones when they reach 2 inches. Continue this throughout the season.