Is My Hibiscus Dead Or Dormant? [PLANT 101]


Is My Hibiscus Dead Or Dormant?

Do you wonder why your hibiscus plants are struggling to bloom? There are several reasons why a hibiscus plant remains in a dormant state. Understanding the reasons and how to counter those problems will help you grow your plant quickly and healthily. This article will help you to know more about hibiscus plants.

Is My Hibiscus Dead Or Dormant?

Yes. If it is dead, you can see the dry and brown layer. If it is dormant, it will show the green layer, and it will be moist. This is the major difference between the dead hibiscus plant and the dormant one. You can check whether it is dead or dormant by scratching the top layer with your nail.

How Do You Get Hibiscus Out Of Dormancy?

Yes, you can take the below steps to get the hibiscus plants out of their dormant state.

  • Plan ahead

It is a tropical plant, and it will not grow if the climate is too cold. Hence, if you are in winter, plan and grow them in the pots to keep them inside till the winter gets over.

  • Prepare the plants

One of the major issues with the hibiscus plant is the attack from pests. Hence, disinfect the plants before planting to facilitate healthy growth.

  • Move as per the climate

If your plant is too dry, keep them in a place where sunlight is not too much; if it is facing a lack of sunlight, jeep them where sunlight remains for most of the time.

Can You Bring A Dead Hibiscus Back To Life?

No. You cannot bring a dead hibiscus plant back. However, you can identify the dying plant and take the necessary option to review it before dying. So, it is better to review your favorite plant regularly before it dies. There are several ways to determine whether the plant is dying or not.

Tips For Bringing Hibiscus Out Of Dormancy

  • If the plants are under dormant status, it is best not to water them since it may cause rotting. So, when it starts to grow, then start providing water.
  • Once the plant starts the signs of growing, water it regularly. This is the right time to provide the fertilizer to speed up the growing process.
  • Don’t directly put the dormant plant in the sunlight because it can burn the leaf buds and stem. You can gradually place the plant in sunlight.
  • In the winter, if the temperature goes below 45F, keep the plant inside. It will protect the tropical plant from getting too cold.
  • Once the winter is over, if you bring the plant to the sunlight, it may burn it, and it is normal. You can prune the weak stem, but it is not mandatory.
  • Sometimes repotting the plants will help to bring plants out of dormancy. You do this using the best soil that suits the hibiscus plant.
  • It may sometimes never wake up from the dormancy state, and if it is too long, you can choose to plant the new hibiscus plant. 

Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Becoming Yellow?

Hibiscus leaves may turn yellow due to the below causes.

  • Temperature change

If the temperature is extremely cold or hot, the hibiscus plant’s leaves can turn yellow.

  • Inadequate light  

Hibiscus is a tropical plant. Hence if the sunlight is inadequate, it can turn the leaves yellow.

  • Under or overwatering

Like all other plants, hibiscus plants do not do well if the watering is inadequate or over. Hence, it is necessary to provide the required amount of water.

  • Lack of nutrients

The lack of nutrients will cause iron chlorosis, leading to yellow leaves.

  • Insect infestation

Hibiscus can get infestation by aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. The damage caused by the insects can make the hibiscus plants yellow.

  • Environmental changes 

These plants are sensitive to environmental changes. Suppose if you move from the pot to the garden or vice versa, it will affect the plant.

How To Revive Dropping And Yellow Leaves?

  • Give full sunlight and shade

Hibiscus needs more sunlight, but it should not be too much. Hence keep in a place where it gets direct sunlight in the morning and shade afternoon.

  • Maintain moisture

Regular water is required for the hibiscus to grow. You can stop or reduce when the plant is under dormancy.

  • Properly draining

Ensure to give well-drained soil for potted plants. The holed pots are required to leave the additional water from the soil.

  • Protection

Protect the plants from the extreme climate. Water more if the heat is too much and keeps inside if the condition is too cold.

  • Maintain the required nutrition in the soil by applying fertilizer when required.
  • Use natural or chemical pesticides to protect from pests.

What Are the Causes For Hibiscus Plants Dying?

This can be because of the faulty watering technique, canker disease, excessive moisture, lack of care, lack of nutrition, etc.

Why Are Hibiscus Flowers Dying Before Opening?

There are several causes for this problem. But the most common causes are pests attack. The pests such as thrips and aphids crawl inside the premature hibiscus buds and eat. This causes the buds to die without opening. The usage of anti-pests will help to avoid this issue.

What Insects Eat My Hibiscus Leaves?

If you see the eaten-up hibiscus leaves, it could be from the attack of insects such as aphids, hibiscus sawflies, Japanese beetles, and whiteflies. You can use insecticidal soap, hose, neem oil, or other preventive measures. The same insects can also attack and eat the buds and cause them to fall before opening.

Why is My Hibiscus Wilting?

Since hibiscus is a tropical plant, it loves water and is sensitive to the humidity of the soil. Hence, like most tropical plants, the leaves will start to wilt if you overwater or underwater. There are other causes for wilting, such as excessive sunlight. It is also a sign of root rot.

FAQs

Can Sunlight Deficiency Cause Hibiscus Plant Dormancy?

Yes. Sunlight is an important factor that decides the health of the hibiscus plant. If the plant is getting more sunlight, it can cause leaf burn and results in white spots on the leaves. If the sunlight is less, it can lead to the falling of leaves and discoloration.

What Are The Common Causes Of Hibiscus Plants’ Dormancy?

The common reasons for the dormancy of hibiscus plants are over or under watering, lack or excessive sunlight, climate conditions, lack of nutrition in the soil, too much cold, and attack from the insects and pests.

How Can I Tell If A Hibiscus Plant Is Dead?

If you scratch the top layer of the plant, it will show the second layer. The second layer should be green and moist. If you do not see these conditions and the second layer is dry and brown, it is a sign of a dead part. If these symptoms are visible in the plant’s bark, the plant is likely dead.

Why Are Hibiscus Flowers Dying Quickly?

The primary reason for hibiscus dying is generally because of dry soil, excessive airflow, or low humidity. The death of the hibiscus plants can also be because of the sudden loss of temperature and frost. Over fertilizer also can make the hibiscus plants die quickly.

Conclusion

Hibiscus is a tropical, water-loving plant. It also doesn’t require too much care to grow and get the flowers. It also gives flowers throughout the year if you maintain the proper condition. We hope this guide will help you identify the dormant plant and how to revive it.

Alice

Alice is a writer who grew up on a beautiful homestead in rural Old England. She now lives in New England with her fur babies and is on a mission to return to the land for a simpler, greener, and all-round kinder existence.

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