Hibiscus is a perennial shrub (sapling) with bright flowers belonging to the Maltova family. There are about 300 species of hibiscus. Originally from the subtropics and tropics of Indonesia, China, Fiji.
The most common among the species received marsh hibiscus. It can be grown not only in the apartment, but also in the garden or open greenhouse. Loved gardeners thanks to large and bright flowers, pleasing throughout the year. It is also quite easy to maintain.
Characteristics, description of hibiscus marsh
Hibiscus marsh conquers lovers of indoor plants. It is very bright and will decorate your home or office.
Root system
Hibiscus marsh has a fairly powerful and well-developed root system. This is due to the fact that in nature the plant can grow up to 3 m in height with a well-developed crown.
Leaves
The surface of the sheet is glossy, the lower part is pubescent. Heart-shaped leaves with jagged edges.
Flowers
The flowering period is quite long. It begins in early spring and lasts until mid-autumn. The flowers are bright, there are bright red, purple and purple with carmine spots at the base. In diameter, the rim reaches 15 cm. The flowers bloom for one day, in the evening they wither and fall.
In place of the flowers the fruit is formed. It is a box with five leaves. Inside contains a large number of pubescent brownish seeds. They have a light woody flavor with a touch of wine.
Trunk
The stem is erect, the lower part is woody. The bark is dark brown.
Swamp hibiscus - planting and care
The plant is notable for its endurance, even despite its thermophilicity. The plant does not cause much trouble.
Landing
After buying the plant, you must ensure quarantine for 10-14 days. During this time it will get used to the new place. After quarantine can be transplanted into a new soil. For planting is necessary fertilized soil.
In the summer months you can plant marsh hibiscus in the garden. Place must be sunny and well hydrated.
Transfer
The young plant is transplanted annually, the adult - once in 3-4 years. The most suitable time for transplantation is the beginning of May. When transplanting the land around the rhizome is not removed. The whole earthen room is transplanted into a new pot with the addition of fresh soil. In the pot of an adult shrub, the topsoil is replaced annually.
Priming
The earthy mixture is made light and nutritious. In proportion 4: 3: 1: 1 mixed:
- sod land
- leaf earth
- humus,
- sand.
You can add crushed charcoal to the prepared mixture. It will prevent root disease. Bonemeal is added as a fertilizer.
Watering
During the spring, summer and autumn months it is necessary to ensure regular and abundant watering. Before watering, you need to try the top layer of the soil with your hand, it should dry out a little. From the end of autumn and the whole winter watering is required moderate, once every 5-7 days is enough.
For irrigation it is desirable to use separated room temperature water. Excess water must be poured from the pan 20-30 minutes after watering.
Air humidity
The plant is regularly sprayed with warm water. Thanks to this procedure, dust is removed from the green mass, the leaves are cleaned. This is also the prevention of the appearance of pests such as the spider mite. In winter, the leaves can be gently wiped with a damp cloth.
Top dressing / fertilizer
During the flowering period, it is monthly fed with mineral fertilizers with a nitrogen content. In the winter months, fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium half the dosage once a month. Feed the shrubs need after wetting the soil.
Light mode
Marsh Hibiscus loves bright, diffused light. The direct rays of the sun can scorch tender foliage. The flower feels most comfortable on the east or west side. If the plant pot is located near the southern windows, then this place should be shaded. In summer, you can take the flower to the balcony or garden.
In winter, daylight hours should be at least 10 hours. To ensure a comfortable environment, additional lighting is provided.
In hibiscus with insufficient light, the flowers become small or stop flowering altogether.
Thermal mode
In spring and summer, the temperature is favorable - 19-23 degrees. In autumn, the temperature is lowered to 17-19 degrees. In winter, the plant is comfortable at a temperature of 15-17 degrees. At lower temperatures, foliage is dropped.
Lifespan
With proper care, the life span of a shrub will be from 20 to 30 years.
Bloom
The first flowers appear in early spring. During the whole summer and the beginning of autumn, bright flowers bloom on the bush. With proper care, inflorescences in diameter reach 12-15 cm.
Pruning
Crohn trimmed to give a decorative look. This procedure is carried out when the plant grows to 60 cm. It is advisable to prune in the winter, during the rest period. Also in the process of pruning removed dried twigs. Cropped twigs can be used to grow a new plant.
Breeding
Cuttings - The easiest way to breed. In the spring, twigs are cut and rooted in containers with water or wet sand. After 10-14 days, after the appearance of the roots, the cuttings are planted in a pot.
Growing hibiscus from seed is as follows. Before planting, seeds are soaked for 12 hours in a solution of a growth biostimulant — epine, after which they are sown in a seedling box. For seeds mixed in the same proportions tori and sand.
The seedling box is covered with glass and placed in a place with a temperature of 25-27 degrees. Periodically, the glass is lifted to spray the soil and airing.
After the appearance of 2-3 leaves, the young sapling swoops in a small pot. A plant grown from seed, blooms for the first time in 3 years.
Diseases and pests. Methods of struggle
With a lack of nutrients in the soil, or insufficient watering, dropping buds and leaves. To eliminate the problem, they are transplanted into a new soil or replace the upper layer and provide regular watering.
With yellowing and dropping of new leaves You need to pay attention to the quality of the water that is being irrigated. This indicates a high content of chlorine. Water for irrigation must be defended within 1-2 days.
If throughout flowers do not appear for a long time then the problem is an oversupply of fertilizer in the soil. It may also be too hot or lacking light. You can eliminate the problem by ceasing to feed and ensure proper temperature conditions.
In a cold and damp room, the root system can be startled by rot, leading to the death of the plant.
Dry air can cause spider mite and scale. You can remove them with the help of a soap solution with the addition of alcohol. If the defeat was plentiful, then only the use of chemicals will help.
Hibiscus marsh is easy to maintain. It is rarely affected and has a longer life span. He also has bright greens and very beautiful leaves. Thanks to these qualities hibiscus marsh so fond of gardeners.
A photo
See more photos of swamp hibiscus below:
