Among the most popular species of the genus Hibiscus are Chinese marshmallow and garden hibiscus. The shrubs do not differ in terms of nutrient requirements. However, potted plants are fertilized differently than plants that are outdoors.
Potted plants should be fertilized weekly
time
In general, the garden hibiscus has the same requirements for nutrient supply as plants in pot culture. The flowering perennials enjoy regular fertilization between March and October. In the garden, compost or long-term fertilizers are an ideal alternative to liquid fertilizers, because they are applied once in spring or directly when planting. Potted plants are grateful for a weekly supply of a mineral fertilizer, as organic materials are not sufficiently decomposed. Fertilizer sticks (€4.48) reduce the maintenance effort.
Choose suitable fertilizer
Hibiscus values a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. With compost, hibiscus in the garden gets all the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. In order to support the vitality of potted plants, you should use a mineral fertilizer with an adjusted nutrient ratio.
How to administer the fertilizer:
- When repotting or planting, work in 100 to 150 grams of solid flower fertilizer (€1.95) per square meter of soil
- Water the substrate thoroughly so that the granules dissolve
- After one to two months, provide potted plants with liquid fertilizer weekly according to the manufacturer's instructions
- next spring, give each garden hibiscus 80 to 120 g/m² of fertilizer
tips
Room and garden hibiscus also enjoy regular watering with plant brews. These strengthen the shrubs and prevent pest infestation.
promote flowering
For pot plants, an NPK fertilizer with a ratio of 7:6:5 is suitable. There are specific products that are labeled as hibiscus fertilizer. You can use any regular fertilizer for flowering plants. An additional dose of rock flour (14.13€) supplies the perennials with silicic acid, manganese, iron and molybdenum.
support winter hardiness
From late summer you should provide your indoor hibiscus with a potassium-rich fertilizer (NPK 4:2:7). This allows the wood to mature and the plant does not develop new shoots, which means it gets through the winter better. The Hibiscus syriacus planted in the garden also benefits from this adapted fertilization. Patentkali is a good supplement for hedge plants because it provides potassium and magnesium.