I have a Chinese Hibiscus that I just planted. They had ...
2ft to light, indirect
2” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 month ago
3
Hi Michael! I looked it up because I had same issue (but I live in central Texas!). It’s a lot of good info so I’m copy and pasting. I hope it helps. “Hibiscus buds dropping before they bloom is usually a stress response, most commonly caused by inconsistent watering (allowing the soil to dry out too much), extreme heat (consistently above 90° F), or pest infestations like thrips or the hibiscus gall midge. To get your hibiscus to hold its buds and bloom, consider these specific causes and solutions: 1. Water Stress (Most Common)Hibiscus plants are heavy drinkers. If the soil gets completely dry and then gets watered heavily, the plant will abort its buds to preserve energy. Solution: Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained. Never let it get soggy, but don't let it dry out completely between waterings. 2. Pest Infestations- tiny insects like thrips or the bud gall midge can wreak havoc on flowers. The midge lays eggs inside the bud, turning it yellow and causing it to drop, while thrips feed on the developing petals. Solution: Carefully cut open an off-color or dropped bud to check for tiny white maggots. Spray the foliage and developing buds weekly with an organic insecticide or a Neem Oil Solution to keep pests under control. 3. Excessive HeatTemperatures consistently over 90° F (common during Central Texas summers) are a major trigger for bud drop, particularly in double-flowered varieties. Solution: If your plant is in a pot, move it to a spot where it gets morning sun but is protected from the intense afternoon heat. If planted in the ground, adding a layer of mulch around the base can help keep the roots cool.4. Lack of Sunlight- Hibiscus thrive in the sun. If they don't get at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, they often refuse to bloom and drop their buds. Solution: Ensure your hibiscus is receiving enough direct, bright light. 5. Nutrient ImbalanceExcessive phosphorus in fertilizers can cause bud drop in hibiscus. They prefer fertilizers that are high in potassium and low in nitrogen/phosphorus.
@SillyPlantGirl
Thank you for that information! I was having the same problem with my new Hollywood Rico (central Oklahoma). It didn't bloom for the first two weeks after I brought it home—plenty of buds, but they would always fall off a couple of days before they should have been opening. I'm still not entirely sure what was causing it, though 🤷🏻♀️ It finally started holding its blooms and I never changed anything 😂
Thank you for that information! I was having the same problem with my new Hollywood Rico (central Oklahoma). It didn't bloom for the first two weeks after I brought it home—plenty of buds, but they would always fall off a couple of days before they should have been opening. I'm still not entirely sure what was causing it, though 🤷🏻♀️ It finally started holding its blooms and I never changed anything 😂
Sometimes plants get stressed when they are moved, and I’m pretty sure you’re having the same heat I am (Texas), so they can take a few weeks to adjust. I’m so happy to hear you have blooms! Gorgeous!!!! I love Hibiscus!