social

Rooting a Hibiscus from a Larger Plant

Question:

Does anyone out there know how to or if it is even possible to root a hibiscus from a large hibiscus that I have?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Barbara from Philadelphia, PA

Answer:

Barbara,

Not only is it possible, but some varieties actually root quite easily.

  • Start with woody cuttings that are about the size of a pencil in both length and diameter.
    Advertisement

  • Remove all but one or two of the leaves at the top - these leaves will help with the transpiration process as the roots develop.
  • At the bottom of the cutting either scrape away some of the bark or simply make a small slanted cut through a leaf node (eye). This will make it easier for developing roots to emerge.
  • When taking your cutting from the mother plant, it is a good idea to cut it at an angle above a leaf node that is facing out so that when new growth resumes, it does so in an outwardly direction.
  • Hibiscus cuttings seem to root better when crowded together in a pot, so I encourage you to find a gallon - sized pot and try rooting several at one time. This will also increase your chances for success.
  • Use a lightweight mixture of moist perlite and sand as your medium.
  • Before inserting your cuttings into the pot, use a pencil to 'pre - drill" holes. Then dip the bottom of each cutting in some rooting hormone and insert them into the holes.
    Advertisement

  • Optimum temperatures for rooting are 60 - 70ºF. Hibiscus like a high degree of humidity so either mist the cuttings regularly or cover the pots with plastic bags. Just be sure not to bake them in the sun.
  • Keep the pot of cuttings moist and in partial/filtered sun for about 6 - 8 weeks.
  • Once the roots have developed, remove the cuttings carefully and repot in single pots.

Good luck!

Ellen

Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!

 
By AGeekyMom (Guest Post)
January 30, 20080 found this helpful

Are you referring to a Hibiscus Mallow or the exotic hibiscus trees? If you mean the Mallow (which dies back each year and sprouts from the ground each spring) I have had luck dividing them in the spring before they grow more than 6 inches or so.

Advertisement

They seem to be very hardy here in Michigan and I have had the same original plants for bout 15 years now.

 
January 30, 20080 found this helpful

Thanks for you answer but this is an exotic tree I have had it for about 5 years. I but it out in the spring and bring in it usually around the beginning of October.

 
By CONNIE (Guest Post)
January 31, 20080 found this helpful

You should be able to take a cutting from the big plant and cut the stem on an angle. I put maybe 2 stems about 6-7 inches long in a bud vase (a clear one) and it will take awhile but eventually you will get some roots on the tropical hibiscus. It will get calcium deposits on it from the water so don't confuse them with roots. Make sure that some of the stem is under water where maybe a leaf was at and it will eventually root.

Advertisement

I have had 3 on my kitchen window sill for some time and they are still nice and green and some calcium deposits and a few roots. so don't give up on it. I have done this for year and it can be done. Good luck. Connie--------this is for a tropical variety that you can purchase at lawn and gaden centers in the summer. If they don't get alot of roots by spring plant in a pot of sterilized medium.

 
January 31, 20080 found this helpful

Thanks Connie I will give it a try.

 
By Deniese (Guest Post)
January 31, 20081 found this helpful

Very easy. I live in Houston, TX and hibiscus are everywhere. Ihave 4 on my back patio from last fall that are growing in small pots.You take a cutting about 6 inches long from a new shoot, clip off the lowest leaf and trim the cutting and inch or two below where you clipped of the lowest leaf, and stick it in some dirt. That's it.

Advertisement

Make sure you water it and don't let it dry out too much.

 
By Elaine (Guest Post)
February 2, 20080 found this helpful

The hardy hibiscus, like AGeeksMom has, is very easy to start from seed also. I started many last year. Save the seed this fall and then you can share with friends.

 
By Wendy from Oz (Guest Post)
February 3, 20080 found this helpful

Do as Denese said, but if you dip the (damp) bottom into some hormone powder (aka rooting/striking powder) from the h'ware store, or you can also try honey. This will give you a much better chance for a good strike rate. I have taken a small piece of an apricot coloured hibiscus, then found that some of the flowers were apricot, some pink & others, half pink & half apricot .... as though they had been cut in half & glued together! Good luck & have fun with it. Wendy

 
By Hibiscus fan (Guest Post)
February 4, 20080 found this helpful

I just start my hibiscus from the previous years seeds. I plant them in late winter in pots (inside), transplant outside in spring and they will bloom by mid summer. That's interesting, Wendy from Oz, last year I noticed my pink hibuscus had pink and white flowers on it.

Advertisement

They weren't on the same blossom like it sounds yours were, but scattered all over the bush! Wonder what causes this? I have red seeds I am going to plant this year, we'll see if I get red & pink!

 
By Barb (Guest Post)
February 4, 20080 found this helpful

Thanks everyone : ) Hoping to have a new tree.

 
November 14, 20160 found this helpful

A very clear explanation of how to propagate hibiscus from cuttings.

All I need to find out is what is rooting hormone?

Thank you for your help Ellen!

 
Anonymous
March 23, 20170 found this helpful

I want to cut it off the one i have and put it back in the pot can i d0 that

 
June 17, 20180 found this helpful

Before putting in pot dip bottom of cutting with cinnamon to help in rooting process

 
Anonymous
August 30, 20180 found this helpful

Thanks for all of the information on cuttings I have some new seedlings come up this year, a couple of them bloomed change in color much lighter than the adult but just as pretty thanks again

 
November 24, 20190 found this helpful

I recently took a hibiscus cutting from a plant with red flowers yet my cutting is pink. Anybody have an explanation?

 
April 27, 20200 found this helpful

Good morning. I did my hibiscus cuttings I put 6 in one pot and 6 in a different pot. Out then in different spots in the house. The first ones died in about a week in half. The second ones are just starting to lose the battle(about 4weeks) is there something else to try

 

Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!

 
In This Page
< Previous
Categories
Home and Garden Gardening RootingFebruary 28, 2008
Pages
More
💘
Valentine's Ideas!
🍀
St. Patrick's Ideas!
🎂
Birthday Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2024-02-04 09:00:39 in 4 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2024 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78753564.tip.html