Sunlight: Hibiscus plants need bright, full sun in northern locations and filtered sunlight in southern areas.
Watering: Water hibiscus plants thoroughly every couple of days for the first few weeks after planting. After that, water perennial hibiscus twice weekly for the first growing season, and once per week after that. Tropical hibiscus plants should be kept consistently moist.
Temperature: Tropical hibiscus plants prefer temperatures above 50?F and can't tolerate winter in many locations. Daytime temperatures should be 65 to 75?F (18-24?C) and no cooler than 55?F (13?C).
Soil: Hibiscus plants prefer moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer regularly during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim hibiscus plants in late winter or early spring to encourage growth.
Pests: Monitor for aphids, mealybugs, and Japanese beetles. You can use an insecticidal soap solution made from castile soap and water to get rid of them.
Potting: Use a high-quality potting mix and repot every few years. Don't overpot or change the pot size more than one size at a time. Avoid clay pots, as they can make the soil more alkaline over time.