Should You Bring a Hibiscus Plant in in the Winter?

Grow in Pots

• Plant your hibiscus in large pots if you live in a climate with typically cold winters. Make sure the pot is not too large for you to move and make certain that there is a spot in your home to move the pot to.

Prune Unmercifully

• Hibiscus are tolerant of severe pruning and it may be necessary to cut as much as 50% of your hibiscus back in the fall before bringing it into the house, otherwise your plant may be too large and too unwieldy for indoor growing. When cutting. leave some new growth and leave as many leaves as possible.

Light

• While the most important thing is to keep your hibiscus warm during the cold winter months, your plant will do even better if it gets as much light as possible. Place your hibiscus near a window which receives as much light as possible during winter days. If this is not possible, set a lamp near your plant. Even artificial light from a lamp will help keep your hibiscus healthy.

Water

• 0K, your hibiscus should not be over-watered, but the air in your home is extremely dry during the winter and your hibiscus will dry very quickly under these conditions. Make certain that the soil around your plant is not allowed to get completely dry between waterings and do not hesitate to mist your plant occasionally with a spray bottle of water. Your hibiscus will not need fertilizer during the winter months.

Back Outside

• Do not put your hibiscus back outside until the possibility of frost has passed. Even one night of below-freezing temperatures can harm your plant, although just one night of light frost probably will not kill a healthy plant. Hibiscus like lots of direct sun.