Hibiscuses are a genus of the Malvaceae family, with about 150 species. They are tropical plants, highly valued for the bright colors of their five-petal flowers, ranging from white to purple, orange, yellow and pink. Also, it is very common to take the infusion of hibiscus flowers, also called Jamaica flower or Chinese rose for the beneficial properties it has. If you want to learn how to take care of them properly at home, keep reading us in this article in which we offer how to take care of hibiscus.
How to take care of hibiscus?
Follow this practical guide to hibiscus care at home and you will see that the plant grows and blooms without problems.
Location
As a tropical plant, hibiscus prefers warm climates, with temperatures that remain approximately between 14ºC and 18ºC. It is important to keep it protected from the cold of winter and frost, or the bush may not survive them. As far as light is concerned, this plant prefers a fairly bright place, which receives sunlight during the first half of the day, but safe from the direct incidence of the midday sun.
Watering
During the flowering season, during the summer, hibiscus requires abundant watering that keeps the soil or substrate moist. It does not mean that you should allow it to flood, as this would endanger the health of the plant. The hibiscus soil must have very good drainage. If you have your hibiscus located in an indoor pot, gently spray water around the leaves to replicate high ambient humidity. In winter, the plant needs very little water. Just water it a little when you notice the soil or very dry substrate.
Fertilizer
It is good to apply fertilizer to this plant when spring arrives and keep the contribution every 15 days throughout its flowering season. Here you can learn What fertilizers and their types are. This way, you will help the hibiscus to keep its flowers in good condition and produce new ones. The hibiscus flower, also called cicadas flowers in some countries, will dress your garden with its large blooms of bright colors.
Pruning
Pruning of the hibiscus plant should be done in spring. Trim the shoots of the previous season to keep the bush in your desired shape and be sure to remove any dry or damaged branch. Keep in mind that this shrub can reach 5 meters high.
Reproduction
Cuttings can easily propagate hibiscus. To do this, it is advisable to cut the hibiscus cut, help it with rooting hormone and have it about 2 months submerged in water until it develops roots and they take on a slightly tan color. It is important that you change the water every week, and that you add a drop of hydrogen peroxide each time. The common is the red flower hibiscus.
Hibiscus winter care
The most important in this aspect is the temperature for winter hibiscus. If you live in an area where frosts occur and the temperature drops below 0°C, you should not have your hibiscus outdoors. Transplant it to a pot before frost arrives to keep it at a suitable temperature inside the house.
Besides, in some climates, the winters are very dry. You can help remedy this by putting the pot in a location as warm as possible, and where it receives sunlight. Spray water around the plant to provide moisture and cover it with a thin plastic that keeps it.
Properties and benefits
In Asia Minor and South America, it is very common to take infusions of the hibiscus flower as a way to combat thirst and heat. However, not only does this give us this. It is worth mentioning the various properties and benefits of taking hibiscus:
- Hibiscus tea is a great complement to vitamin intake. It is a valuable ally when it comes to combating fatigue, mild anemic states and lack of appetite.
- Also, it also has digestive effects, so it is very useful for lightening empaths, heavy digestion, or abdominal pain, helping to make the digestions lighter. It is also useful when fighting heartburn or gastroenteritis.
- It can also help solve occasional constipation, although it is recommended to take it to support other plants with these properties.
- Besides, it helps the correct development of liver functions, being very beneficial after cases of food allergies.
- It helps against hypertension.
Finally, it is also a mild relaxant and a very beneficial venous tonic in the treatment of varicose veins or hemorrhoids.
Tags: Hibiscus
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