How To Take Care Of Your Hibiscus Bonsai Tree

Rosa Sinensis Bonsai Care

About The Hibiscus Bonsai Tree

Originating in Asia and the Pacific Islands, Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia and is most associated with the Hawaiian islands.

It is a widely grown ornamental plant, due to its beautiful and large flowers.

The flowers are large, generally red in the original varieties, and firm, but generally lack any scent.

There are numerous varieties, cultivars, and hybrids are available, with flower colors ranging from white through yellow and orange to scarlet and shades of pink, with both single and double sets of petals.

Placement

The hibiscus is a tropical plant and will die if frozen. When the overnight low temperatures drop to 55 degrees, it's time to bring your bonsai indoors for the winter.

When the low temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees, feel free to bring your bonsai back outside.

It loves light, and should get plenty of it on a south facing windowsill if possible.

Watering

The hibiscus, like most bonsai trees, will die if it dries out.  It enjoys plenty of water in well draining soil. Never let it dry out completely.

Humidity

The hibiscus enjoys humidity in the drier months, and a suitable humidity drip tray will provide plenty.

Fertilizing

Since your hibiscus bonsai is in a small pot, and not the ground, it needs nutrients.  A slow release (pellet based) fertilizer is perfect for this, and can be added sparingly every 1-2 months during the growing season.

Pruning & Trimming

Trim back the new growth to the farthest safe point that looks good to you — but never remove all of the new growth.

A regular trim will help keep your hibiscus bonsai tree short, while helping the trunk grow thicker.

Repotting

Repotting must be performed periodically on your bonsai, hibiscus included, when its root system has filled the pot.  If you can clearly see the roots coming out of the bottom of the pot, it’s time to repot your bonsai.

Generally, this means every 2-3 years for a deciduous tree and every 4-5 years for an evergreen.  Hibiscus, being an evergreen, will need to be repotted around every 4-5 years depending on its environment.

Repotting should be done in mid-summer, when the tree is at it’s least fragile state.

Your hibiscus bonsai, along with all of its soil, should be removed from the pot.  From there, you can trim away no more than 1/3rd of the root mass (1/4th is preferred.) 

Then you can repot the tree in the same pot, or give it a newer / bigger pot to thrive in.

After repotting, your bonsai hibiscus should be thoroughly watered.

Diseases, Insects & Other Pests

Your hibiscus bonsai can be treated for pests like a normal hibiscus plant.  Just remember, your tree is miniature and will need a much smaller and more gentile dose of treatment.