In this article, I am going to discuss the best fertilizers for hibiscus. Show
Hibiscus is my favorite summer flower because they come in a variety of colors (pink, orange, white, yellow, red, etc.) and also because they remind me of my trip to Hawaii. Although they do not demand any special care, a steady dose of fertilizer is important to help these tropical beauties bloom perfectly throughout the summer. The exciting thing about growing Hibiscus is that you can grow it as a full tree in your summer garden or in a pot; it will reward you with colorful blooms in both ways. Other than regular watering, fertilizing is the only requirement for your Hibiscus to grow healthy. In this guide, I’m discussing what type of fertilizer is best for Hibiscus and when is the best time to fertilize them. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. The best fertilizers for hibiscus are high in potassium (K), have a medium amount of nitrogen (N), and are low in phosphorus (P). such as NPK 10-5-20. Fertilize every 2 weeks in the growing season using a liquid fertilizer or every 8 weeks using a slow-release fertilizer. The best fertilizers for hibiscus are:
Best Fertilizers For Hibiscus Table could not be displayed. Contents
Best Fertilizers for HibiscusBest Overall Hibiscus Fertilizer – Exotic Blend by Dr. EarthThis organic fertilizer is a must-have for Palm, Hibiscus, and tropical plant gardeners. This fertilizer is pet and people-friendly. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, humic acids, and multi-minerals. It also has trace elements to promote soil health. Customers have claimed that this brought their dying Hibiscus plants back to life. This plant nutrition will ensure larger and more vibrant blooms on your Hibiscus. I have also noticed that my Hibiscus plants produce more blooms after using this fertilizer. The nutrient ratio or NPK in this fertilizer is 6-4-6. To make fertilizer tea, mix 5 cups of the fertilizer in 5 gallons of water and let the solution sit for one day. Strain the mixture, and it is ready to use as mulch. The liquid can also be used through foliar or soil application. Some gardeners also use it as a compost starter to enhance the compost pile. For established Hibiscus plants, use ½ of fertilizer for every foot of plant height and work the fertilizer in the soil around the base. Always water the soil to complete the fertilization. The application should be repeated every 2 months from early spring to late summer, i.e. the growing seasons. For new Hibiscus plantings, add 1 cup of fertilizer to the planting hole and later add another cup to the soil around the plant base. For established Hibiscus plants in containers, use 2 tablespoons for a 6-inch diameter pot. For new plantings of Hibiscus in pots, mix 2 tablespoons of fertilizer in soil and water well. For optimum results, make sure the soil pH falls between 5-6.5. The quality of this organic fertilizer is verified by Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI), California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), Organic Input Materials (OIM), and National Organic Program (NOP). Pros
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Use fertilizer for hibiscus during the growing season Best Slow-Release Hibiscus Fertilizer – Earthpod Hibiscus and Tropical Flower FormulaEarthworm Technologies was established with an aim to provide high-quality plant food for enthusiastic gardeners. All their products were designed to have a positive impact on the environment. This formula is a perfect fertilizer for indoor and outdoor tropical flowers such as a Hibiscus. It’s a pack of 100 fertilizer spikes that can boost the roots, color, flowers, and foliar growth on Hibiscus plants. You can also use it for other tropical plants like Bougainvillea, Bird of Paradise, Passion Flower, etc. Since the fertilizer is enclosed in small pods, you don’t have to have to measure anything or tolerate the awful fertilizer smell. The manufacturer claims that you will have a steady 4 years of supply for a single Hibiscus plant. Therefore, it is a long-lasting fertilizer. This slow-release fertilizer is easy to apply. All you have to do is bury the earthpod in the potting mix near the base of the Hibiscus. Add water to the soil, and the earthpod will slowly release the fertilizer for the roots. This flower fertilizer is developed with a special blend of ingredients such as soil organisms, humates, organic nutrients, and other trace minerals to replicate the organic forest soil composition. The beneficial bacterial and root fungi will support the root system of the Hibiscus. Pure worm casting and sea products are the secrets behind the success of this formula. The small pod design makes it very easy to fertilize Hibiscus in containers or hanging baskets. But you can also use this fertilizer for garden beds. It should be applied every 2 or 3 weeks. Generally, for small plants, 1-2 pods should be used. For medium-sized plants, 2-4 pods should be used, and for large, established Hibiscus, use 4-8 pods. You have to take extra care to store these in a cool and dry location because a humid environment can result in an early breakdown of the pods. Pros
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Learn more about this fertilizer here. Hibiscus plants are heavy feeders Best Fertilizer for Potted Hibiscus – Hibisgain by BGI FertilizersThis fertilizer is designed specifically for Hibiscus to support their growing habits. It is used by home and commercial growers for Hibiscus gardening. The NPK in this fertilizer is 12-6-8, and it also has other minor nutrients. It does not require any mixing. Apply it directly to the soil. For potted Hibiscus, the rate of fertilizer depends on the size of the pot; 6 inches pot needs 1 tablespoon. Add 1 tablespoon for 4 inches increase in diameter. According to the manufacturer, this fertilizer should be kept away from the foliage. Therefore, you cannot use the foliar application. Soil application is the recommended method but make sure you sprinkle the fertilizer evenly. If you accidentally get the fertilizer on the leaves, make sure you wipe it off to avoid any leaf injury. For in-ground Hibiscus, the amount of fertilizer depends on the height of the plant. Starting from 2 tablespoons for a 2 or 3 ft high plant. Regular application will soon result in glossy green leaves and large colorful flowers. The blooms will last longer, and your plant will bloom throughout the season. For healthy Hibiscus plants, apply the fertilizer at least once in the growing season. The rule of thumb is to fertilize less but regularly, so adjust the fertilization schedule accordingly. However, always make sure you follow the instructions on the label. The convenient handle and sealable package make this fertilizer easy to use and store. Pros
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Buy this fertilizer here. Always water the soil when fertilizing hibiscus Best Granular Hibiscus Fertilizer – Hibiscus and Flowering Tropicals Fertilizer by Nelson Plant FoodThe NPK ratio for this Hibiscus plant food is 10-4-12. In my opinion, this fertilizer is a perfect source of food for any Hibiscus variety. It also contains sulfur, magnesium, and iron, but the higher potassium content will promote bigger bolder blooms. I like using this plant food for other tropical flowers in my garden as well. In the last season, I have used it for Rose of Sharon, Texas Star Hibiscus, and Mallow Hibiscus, and all of them have shown excellent results. Make sure you apply it once a month in the growing season. The NutriStar formula increases the growth rate of vines, promotes heavy blooming, and increases the tolerance of plants against dry weather. This fertilizer has been a popular choice for landscape flowers for almost 30 years. The noteworthy point about this granular formula is that it provides the best nutrition to your plants instantly, and the slow-release nature ensures long term benefits. For a 1-gallon container, use 1 tablespoon of fertilizer. You can also use this while transplanting Hibiscus, mix 1 ¼ cup of plant food in 1 cubic ft. of growing media before planting the Hibiscus in the media. Water the plant thoroughly after transplanting. If you plan to use it for landscape Hibiscus, sprinkle ½ cup of the plant food across a 10 sq ft area in your garden or yard. Pros
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Best for Budget Hibiscus Fertilizer – Hibiscus Plant Food by Carl PoolThis plant food has a 10-4-12 nutrient ratio indicating it’s a well-balanced diet for Hibiscus. It also contains other micronutrients such as sulfur to maintain optimum pH for Hibiscus growth. This granular fertilizer should be applied every 4 to 6 weeks in the growing season. A single application will produce new buds and blooms, but reapplying it regularly will result in several beautiful blooms throughout the year. I tried it on one of my Hibiscus plant that was suffering from transplant shock. It soon recovered and turned lush and beautiful. One of my Hibiscus plants was producing 4-8 blooms per day after this Hibiscus plant food. The blooms mostly lasted for 2 days. It is sold in a 4-pound package. Many Hibiscus gardeners have appreciated this fertilizer for the perfect balance of ingredients. For potted Hibiscus, use 1.5 teaspoons for a 1 gallon or 6-inch container. Make sure you water the soil thoroughly. Sprinkle the product evenly around your Hibiscus plant and work it into the soil. I would highly recommend this product if your Hibiscus struggles during winter, as this well-balanced diet can save it from winter blues. Pros
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Best Water-Soluble Hibiscus Fertilizer – Miracle-Gro All Purpose FertilizerThis instant fertilizer will work like magic right after the first application. This all-purpose fertilizer is safe to use on any plant variety, including Hibiscus because it will never burn your precious plants. The NPK ratio for this Miracle-Gro product is 24-8-16. The application should be repeated every 1-2 weeks in the growing seasons. Always use according to label instructions to make sure your fertilizer does not mess with the soil pH. It has a sufficient amount of macronutrients to help the Hibiscus in blooming, root growth, and photosynthesis. Since it’s a water-soluble fertilizer, it dissolves faster and better in the soil for instant results. Unlike granular or slow-release fertilizers, this product will not leave any residue or capsules in the soil. This all-purpose fertilizer is easy to use on indoor, outdoor, potted, or in-ground Hibiscus. But keep in mind it comes in a small package, so fertilizing a large landscape might be difficult and expensive. Pros
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Learn more about this fertilizer here. Water Soluble FertilizerTable could not be displayed. This type of fertilizer is the best option for Hibiscus because it will dissolve faster in soil and show instant results. For you, they are easier to apply, and for plant roots, they are easier to absorb. I personally prefer liquid plant food or fertilizer for tropical plants like Hibiscus that need regular fertilization because I can conveniently fertilize my plant while watering, depending on the growth stage. Water-soluble fertilizer is not only easy to add but also easy to remove. If you end up over-fertilizing your plant with a water-soluble fertilizer, you can easily leach the soil with water to remove the excess fertilizer and start over. Water-soluble fertilizers give you better control over the nutrient content, especially for soilless mixtures. In simple words, they ensure maximum nutrients for your plants with minimum effort. Did you know that water-soluble fertilizer is the top preference of most experts and new gardeners because of its easy application? They also have stronger concentrations of nutrients compared to organic or granular fertilizers. But to prevent burns, you should strictly follow the instructions on the labels. Winner: Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer Which Nutrients are Important for Hibiscus?Clemson University suggests that hibiscus should be fertilized every 8 weeks using a slow-release fertilizer and every 2 weeks using a liquid fertilizer in the growing season. All types of Hibiscus need feeding for vigorous growth and color pigmentation. Potted plants suffer more from a lack of nutrients compared to those growing in the ground, especially if you are using a peat potting mixture for your Hibiscus. PotassiumHibiscus plants need plenty of potassium because it supports the overall growth and metabolism of the plant. Compared to other plants, Hibiscus needs a large amount of potassium because of the huge blooms. A good fertilizer will not only help in blooming but also help the Hibiscus develop strong stems and roots. This nutrient is responsible for all types of food, nutrient, and water transport throughout the plant system. It is necessary for the development of colorful and complex Hibiscus flowers; therefore, try to maintain the required potassium content, especially during heavy blooming. PhosphorusSupplying the correct amount of phosphorus to your Hibiscus is important as a high dose of phosphorus can damage the plant. Avoid using fertilizers or boosters with high phosphorus content because Hibiscus plants do not handle this nutrient very well. Overdose of phosphorus will result in a stunted, yellow, and bloomless Hibiscus plant. Most gardeners like fertilizing their flowering plants with bloom boosters, but based on my experience, they are not suitable for Hibiscus as they are high in phosphorus. NitrogenAll plants need a certain amount of nitrogen for healthy growth because it is found in chlorophyll and is needed for almost all metabolic processes. Too much of it can burn the lush green leaves on your Hibiscus. Too little will stop the overall growth. Therefore, find a balance to avoid fertilizer burn. You should stop feeding your plant in case of fertilizer burns until it recovers. Resume fertilization by using a weak solution. For micronutrients, make sure you buy a Hibiscus fertilizer that has some amount of magnesium, copper, and iron. What is the Best Time to Fertilize Hibiscus?Hibiscus plants appreciate a light but regular application of fertilizer. This will result in a healthy plant that blooms frequently. For slow-release fertilizer, I would suggest fertilizing at the following 4 stages:
For most brands, slow-release fertilizer should be added every 3 or 6 months. Do not use them in cold winter months. But keep in mind that most slow-release fertilizers are low in potassium; therefore, I do not prefer them for Hibiscus. Otherwise, you have to supply potassium in some other way. For water-soluble, liquid fertilizer, you should fertilize it every 2 weeks in spring and summer. However, reduce the application to once every 4 weeks in autumn and winter. When fertilizing your Hibiscus tree, make sure you spread the fertilizer in all the soil under the tree canopy. This is important because some gardeners fertilize near the base only, but this does not feed the complete roots system. Generally, the root system of Hibiscus extends to the edge of the tree canopy. If you end up over-fertilizing your Hibiscus, you can fix the situation by adding phosphorus to the soil. The phosphorus will revive the blooms.
Conclusion About The Best Fertilizers For hibiscusTo conclude, the best fertilizers for hibiscus are fertilizers that have a medium amount of nitrogen, a low amount of phosphorus but a high amount of potassium. Hibiscus plants love the summer heat, but they will also appreciate an extra dose of fertilizer. For strong, colorful, and long-lasting blooms, you need the best fertilizer that has all the necessary ingredients for Hibiscus growth. Just remember your Hibiscus will need more feeding in the summer months but cut back on fertilizer once winter arrives. All the fertilizers mentioned in this guide are the best fertilizers for Hibiscus because they are tested and proven by several gardening experts, so choose your favorite and start feeding your hungry plants. The extra tips given in this guide for fertilizing Hibiscus will surely help you achieve large and colorful blooms on this summer plant. Table could not be displayed. Last update on 2022-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Daniel IseliTaking care of houseplants and gardening are my greatest passions. I am transforming my apartment into an urban jungle and am growing veggies in my indoor and outdoor garden year-round. What is the best fertilizer for hibiscus plant?7 Best Hibiscus Fertilizers + How and When To Use Them. Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food 24-8-16.. EarthPods Hibiscus Plant Food 0.2-0.2-0.4.. Down to Earth Organic Neem Seed Meal Fertilizer 6-1-2.. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food 15-9-12.. Espoma Flower-Tone Plant Food Organic Fertilizer 4-3-4.. Why are my hibiscus leaves not shiny?Magnesium Deficiency
When hibiscus are deficient in magnesium, the leaves lose their gloss and their dark green color. The youngest leaves at the tips of each branch still look green and shiny, but lower leaves get yellower and less glossy.
Can you feed Miracle Gro to hibiscus?Beginning a month after planting, feed hibiscus regularly with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Bloom Booster® Flower Food, which was specially developed to encourage lots of colorful blooms. Using the Miracle-Gro® Garden Feeder makes feeding super-easy, but you can also mix the food in a watering can instead if you prefer.
When should you fertilize hibiscus?Best Time To Fertilize Hibiscus
A slow-release fertilizer can be applied 4 times throughout the year: early spring, after the first round of flowers die back, midsummer, and fall or early winter. If you opt to use a water-soluble fertilizer, then you can feed your Hibiscus every 2 weeks.
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