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South Lanark, United Kingdom Gb

I've been given a hibiscus to look after, but some of the leaves have turned yellow and are beginning to drop - what could I be doing wrong?
I've placed it in situ as far as possible where it was... could my house be too warm for it?

I've moved the Hibiscus to take this photo and I'd already removed the yellowing leaves so it probably looks healthier than it really is in this photo!



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Answers

 

On the assumption that it's actually Hibiscus rosa sinensis (houseplant) and not an outdoor form, this plant hates draughts and won't tolerate temperatures below 55 deg. F. If its been moved to your home for you to look after, (i.e., taken outside and then into yours) a brief interlude of cold air might have been enough to have upset it.

14 Feb, 2010

 

Thanks for this info, how will I know if it's a Hibiscus rosa sinensis (houseplant) or not? I checked the plant but there's no label, may have got lost in the move.... I seem to remember it having a name, I'll check with my mum and see if she knows... or even better if we can find the missing label anywhere.... I have been "given" it as there's no room for it in her house anymore... Have taken a photo of it and maybe someone will can tell whether it's indoor or not???

14 Feb, 2010

 

Ooops sorry have uploaded a couple of the garden Pics first instead of the Hibiscus one.... but I guess it shows what the weather here is like!

14 Feb, 2010

Sid
Sid
 

I've got a couple of Hib. rosa sinensis and my first thought is that yours seems to be in a very small pot for the size of plant. My other thought is that it's right by a radiator in the photo, so it could well be too hot and dry. You could try placing the pot over a tray of moist gravel to increase humidity. Otherwise, the plant looks pretty good to me - maybe it's just naturally shedding some old leaves, as teh leaves on evergreens don't last for ever.

14 Feb, 2010

 

Does look like rosa-sinensis, though the leaves look a bit large - they should be up to 3 inches long, and its hard to tell the exact size from the photo. You can cut it back now if you want to make it a bushier plant (best time for this is late winter).I'd agree with Sid about repotting.

15 Feb, 2010

 

Thanks Bamboo... will try repotting then see if it recovers before cutting back...or should I do it the other way round???

15 Feb, 2010

 

You either cut it back now or next winter - now's the time, I'm afraid! I'd cut it back and then repot in spring, later on.

15 Feb, 2010

 

Thanks Bamboo

16 Feb, 2010

How do I say thanks?

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