Best Fertilizer for Hibiscus. Many people, including you, should enjoy Hibiscus flowers and plants. It would be challenging to take care of them if you do not know anything about it, and you do not use the right products to take good care of the plant. You need to use the best fertilizer for Hibiscus!
If you love the gorgeous and exotic hibiscus, these plants are vigorous growers that produce numerous vivid colors flowers, and big flowers. This flowering plant makes for an excellent household plant if you have the desire to add a lovely leafy plant that flowers easily!
You should know how to provide the essential requirement of their color pigmentation, its durability to so support dense buds, and its growth. One critical problem is caused by a lack of nutrition in the soil.
These common issues can be fixed if you know what is the best fertilizer for hibiscus plants. The scientific name of Hibiscus is Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis. Its common name is show flower of China rose. Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis belongs to the family Malvaceae of a dicotyledonous group of angiosperms.
What is required by Hibiscus plants in fertilizer?
1. Potassium
Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis plants demand an enormous quantities amount of Potassium. Potassium provides and assists in the metabolism and growth of Hibiscus. The photosynthesis where the plant creates sugar for food using sunlight.
These sugars will be used by the Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis plant to build every part of the plant. Their complex, vast, and colorful flowers require more Potassium to help the building processes.
The Potassium absorbs water into the plant’s plant cell. The water will keep the cell healthy, hydrated, and plump, which makes the plant prettier and lusher. The water also makes the plant more resistant to disease and drought. Potassium also transports nutrients, chemicals, and food, through every part of the plant.
Potassium does not become part of the plant but acts as free ions to lock into this chemical. The ions will be lost when the plant wilts, stresses, loses water.
To solve these problems, Potassium must be replaced for Hibiscus plants. During the plant’s blooming time, you need to keep enough Potassium.
2. Nitrogen
Nitrogen is needed by the Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis plant as well as for all plants. It is used for the metabolism of plants in their chlorophyll, enzymes, and proteins.
If you notice the leaf edges turn dark brown, this could be the cause of the plant receive too much Nitrogen. Nitrogen can burn leaves, but too little Nitrogen can make the plant stop growing.
You need to give the right amount of Nitrogen, or for the Hibiscus plant, the amount should be middle-ranged. You must be very careful with Nitrogen.
If you notice the leaves’ edges turn brown, stop applying fertilizer for two to three weeks. You give the plant plain water during that time.
When you start again, cut the dosage amount of fertilizer to half. If you still see brown leaf edges, stop your fertilizer for another week or so. Water them well.
You can fertilize on your regular schedule if you see no more brown leaf edges.
3. Phosphorus
Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis plant does not allow the existence of Phosphorus well. If they do, the Phosphorus will damage Hibiscus plants slowly.
Do not use an extremely high proportion of Phosphorus because it is very damaging to the Hibiscus plant. Several species of Hibiscus plants got their nutrients and minerals like iron, tied up by Phosphorus. The roots can not absorb the iron.
Without iron, the Hibiscus is going starved to its death. Whatever other nutrients you add to the plant, the plant’s roots were lack everything the plants required.
Hibiscus plants need the right amounts of Phosphorus. Phosphorus may be beneficial for some species of plants, but for Hibiscus plants, they are a disaster.
What is the Best Fertilizer For Hibiscus?
The Hibiscus flowers bloom everywhere to add some tropical beauty to gardens or patios or homes, outdoors, and indoors. To successfully achieve Hibiscus plants that feature huge and bright flowers, the proper nutrients from fertilizer must be applied throughout the spring months, summer months, and fall months.
The size of the flowers is approximately three to eight inches in diameter. The flowers can have a variety of colors, including white, yellow, red, and coral flowers.
You will be thrilled by its appearance that blossoms bloom during its growing season.
The best fertilizer for Hibiscus plants needs the pattern of Medium amount of Nitrogen (N) – Low amount of Phosphorus (P) – High amount of Potassium (K).
Fertilizer for Hibiscus Comparison Chart
| Product | NPK | Weight | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| EZ-Gro 17-5-24 Fertilizer for Hibiscus | 17-5-24 | 32 fl oz | Every 7 – 14 days |
| JR Peters Jack’s Classic 16-5-25 Palm Food (Fertilizer for Hibiscus) | 16-5-25 | 1.5 pounds | Every month |
| Grow More Bromeliad Tillandsia Food 17-8-22 Hibiscus Fertilizer | 17-8-22 | 1.25 pounds | Every month |
| 15-5-30 Water Soluble Banana Fertilizer | 15-5-30 | 2 pounds | 1 teaspoonful every 1 – 2 weeks |
| Grow More Citrus and Fruit Tree And Hibiscus Fertilizer | Nitrogen – 16% Phosphorus – 8% Potassium – 24% | 5 pounds | 1 teaspoon per gallon of water every 1 – 2 weeks |
| BGI Fertilizers HIBISGAIN 10 Pounds Bag | 12-6-8 | 10 pounds | Every 1 – 2 weeks |
| Nelson Hibiscus and Flowering Tropicals In Ground Container Indoor Outdoor Granular Fertilizer NutriStar | 10-4-12 | 25 pounds | Every 4 weeks |
| Dr. Earth Organic And Natural MINI Exotic Blend Palm, Tropical And Hibiscus Fertilizer | 5-4-6 | 1 pounds | May through August, every two months |
| Carl Pool Hibiscus Plant Food 10-4-12 | 10-4-12 | 4 pounds | Every 4 -6 weeks |
The 9 Best Fertilizer For Hibiscus Plants Reviews
1. EZ-Gro 17-5-24 Fertilizer for Hibiscus
- NPK Formulation. As per various sources, this EZ Gro fertilizer product is the perfect combination of nutrients for the Hibiscus plant with 17-5-24 NPK formulation. Other plants that can benefit from this product are palm trees. This nutrients formulation will provide the Hibiscus plants enough nutrients for better vibrant blooms and the foliage growing luxuriantly.
- Application. You can apply this fertilizer in the early morning. The ideal condition for the application of this fertilizer to Hibiscus plants is in cool or dark terms.
- Micro-nutrients. EZ-Gro is packed with micro-nutrients, as well as Potassium and Nitrogen. Micro-nutrients, Potassium, and Nitrogen are blended into the ingredient to give the right nutrition for your Hibiscus plants. Magnesium, Boron, Copper, Manganese, Iron, and Zinc are the much-needed minerals in the ingredient to promote healthy soil and to give a look more vigorous.
- No UREA. This EZ-Gro fertilizer does not contain UREA, so do not have to be concerned. You can easily apply this fertilizer with the included measuring cup, so you do not need to use other measuring tools.
- NPK formulation 17-5-24
- Good nitrogen availability
- Higher level of potassium ensure lush green foliage and vibrant
- Extra magnesium and sulfur
| Nutrition | Magnesium, Boron, Copper, Manganese, Iron, and Zinc |
| Container | 32 fl oz |
| Form | Liquid |
| When to Apply | Every 7 – 14 days |
2. JR Peters Jack’s Classic 16-5-25 Palm Food (Fertilizer for Hibiscus)
- NPK Formulation. As listed in the product description, with 16-5-25 NPK formulation, this JR Peters Jack’s fertilizer provides enough nutrients combination required by palms such as Zamia, Sego palm, Lady Cycad, kentia, dates, royal, queen, and majesty.
- Ideal Fertilizer. The 16-5-25 formulation is ideal for Hibiscus plants because it has more potassium than nitrogen and low in phosphorus. With this formulation, you will expect sturdier stems and leaves as well as growing luxuriantly. If you happen to have Hibiscus plants and those palms, the JR Peters 51624 Palm Food will be an excellent choice of fertilizer. No matter where you plant the Hibiscus, whether in the garden or container, you can use this product.
- Added Nutrients. There are added sulfur, magnesium, and micronutrients to the ingredients also. Before applying the fertilizer, mix the powder with water. When you are finished, use a bottle sprayer and spray the solution onto the soil for precise delivery. It comes with a measuring spoon to make the mixing much easier. The blooms will benefit from this fertilizer with the result of significant and look beautiful flowers.
- Prevents the build up of salts
- Provide strong growth
- Lush green leaves result
- Highest quality nutrients available
| Nutrition | Potassium, magnesium, sulfur and micro-nutrients |
| Container | 1.5 pound |
| Form | Water-soluble |
| When to Apply | Every month |
3. Grow More Bromeliad Tillandsia Food 17-8-22 Hibiscus Fertilizer
- Nutrients. Other than the 17-8-22 NPK formulation, this Grow More product also contains Zinc, Manganese, and Iron for added minerals. The formulation contains a high amount of potassium needed by the Hibiscus plant to thrive well.
- No UREA. If you are planting other plants like Tillandsia and Bromeliad, you can also use this fertilizer. This fertilizer does not contain UREA that is not a functional ingredient for Hibiscus plants.
- Other Plants. Other than planting the Hibiscus plant in your garden, you can also use this fertilizer to plant and grow on logs, wood, or container, or pot.
- Slowly releases organic nitrogen
- For plants with cupped and hairy leaf surface
| Ingredients | Nitrogen – 17% Phosphorus – 8% Potassium – 22% |
| Container | 1.25 pounds |
| Form | Water-soluble |
| When to Apply | Every month |
4. 15-5-30 Water Soluble Banana Fertilizer
- NPK Formulation. The NPK formulation of this fertilizer is the right one for Hibiscus plants other than just for bananas. With 15-5-30 NPK formulation, the high amounts of potassium will produce the blooms more beautiful and bigger than ever. Before applying the fertilizer, you should mix the water-soluble formulation with water.
- Micro-nutrients. Besides the primary nutrients such as Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphate, the fertilizer also included Zinc, Magnesium, and Iron for healthier Hibiscus plants. They are about what needed by the Hibiscus plants to thrive.
- Work well. You do not have to worry that this fertilizer is designed explicitly for bananas (banana fertilizer), because this great fertilizer will work well for your Hibiscus plants. The fertilizer does well on any plant that needs high in Potassium and medium Nitrogen.
| Ingredients | Nitrogen – 15% Phosphorus – 5% Potassium – 30% |
| Container | 2 pounds |
| Form | Water-soluble |
| When to Apply | 1 teaspoonful every 1 – 2 weeks |
5. Grow More Citrus and Fruit Tree And Hibiscus Fertilizer
- Ingredients. If your plant needs fertilizer that contains medium Nitrogen and high in Potassium, this Grow More fertilizer can work well. You need not worry that this fertilizer is designed for Citrus, fruit trees, avocados, plums, bananas, dragon fruit, and vegetables because this excellent Grow More fertilizer will work for your Hibiscus plants as well.
- Nutrients. The product comes in a five pounds bag. With 16-8-24 NPK formulation, the fertilizer will provide enough Potassium and Nitrogen for your Hibiscus plants. Other than just the primary NPK formulation, this Grow More fertilizer product also contains Boron, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Cobalt, and Manganese. These minerals and micro-nutrients will help Hibiscus plants to have bigger and vigorous flowers.
- Application. Before applying the fertilizer, you should mix it with water. Dissolve two to four pounds per one-hundred gallons of water or five to ten pounds per acre. If you are using a backpack sprayer, mix two tablespoons of fertilizer with one gallon of water.
- Premium Proprietary Blend fertilizer
- Sufficient Phosphate level for excellent performance
- Full-spectrum of secondary and micro-nutrients
- Good for citrus, hardwoods, fruiting shrubs, vines, bananas, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, peppers, squash, and tomatoes
| Ingredients | Nitrogen – 16% Phosphorus – 8% Potassium – 24% |
| Container | 5 pounds |
| Form | Water-soluble |
| When to Apply | 1 teaspoon per gallon of water every 1 – 2 weeks |
6. BGI Fertilizers HIBISGAIN 10 Pounds Bag
- Longer Time Result. This HIBISGAIN Hibiscus Fertilizer has a 12-6-8 NPK formulation. This is not exactly ideal for Hibiscus because the amount of Potassium has a lower amount than the Nitrogen. A lower amount of Potassium means that the Hibiscus plant will have a longer time with the result.
- For Hibiscus Plant. Because this product is designed specifically for hibiscus plants, it is going to work for your Hibiscus plants as needed. The product comes in a resealable 10-pound bag. You can easily carry the bag anywhere in the location of the Hibiscus plants.
- Micro-nutrients. With a longer time to produce a result, you can also expect to get smaller blooms compared to the production by fertilizer with a higher potassium content. The good thing is, this product does include other micro-nutrients such as Zinc, Sulfur, Magnesium, Copper, and Manganese. With these micro-nutrients, the fertilizer product can do well for your Hibiscus plants. You do not have to mix anything, and you can apply it directly to the mulch or topsoil.
| Ingredients | Nitrogen – 12% Phosphorus – 6% Potassium – 8% |
| Container | 10 pounds |
| Form | Water-soluble |
| When to Apply | Every 1 – 2 weeks |
7. Nelson Hibiscus and Flowering Tropicals In Ground Container Indoor Outdoor Granular Fertilizer NutriStar
- Fertilizer for Hibiscus. This Nelson Plant Food fertilizer product has been designed explicitly for Hibiscus plants as well as other tropical plants. The NPK formulation of this fertilizer is 10-4-12, with added minerals that your Hibiscus plant requires.
- Ingredients. The ingredients are mixed and include Iron, Magnesium, and Sulfur to see a result of more prominent and vigorous blooms. The vines or roots are more sturdy, and the leaves are lush.
- Work Continuously. This fertilizer can help your tropical flowers to withstand the dry air, little rain, and hot sun. The result should be within the first week but can provide the right nutrition at the right time. It does not stop and works continuously.
- Immediate boost upon application
- Improve tolerance to dry weather conditions
- Also good for Rose of Sharon, Tropical Hibiscus, Mallow Hibiscus, Confederate Rose, Ixora, Texas Star Hibiscus, Texas Sage, and Althea
| Ingredients | Nitrogen – 10% Phosphorus – 4% Potassium – 12% |
| Container | 25 pounds |
| Form | Granular |
| When to Apply | Every 4 weeks |
8. Dr. Earth Organic And Natural MINI Exotic Blend Palm, Tropical And Hibiscus Fertilizer
- Organic. If you are the kind of person who prefers to use an organic product, the Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Palm, Tropical & Hibiscus Fertilizer is a natural fertilizer product.
- Safe to Use. You do not have to worry about the ingredients which do not contain chicken manure, toxic or synthetic chemicals. The 5-4-6 bend product is safe to use for humans and pets.
- Multi-minerals. The fertilizer contains carbohydrates, multi-minerals, and proteins that will stimulate healthy soil for growing vigorous tropical plants as well as Hibiscus plants.
- Probiotic. You can expect a more abundant and natural bloom. It comes with a probiotic that is beneficial to soil microbes and mycorrhizae.
| Ingredients | Nitrogen – 5% Phosphorus – 4% Potassium – 6% |
| Container | 1 pounds |
| Form | Water-soluble |
| When to Apply | May through August, every two months |
9. Carl Pool Hibiscus Plant Food 10-4-12
- Well-balanced Diet. Carl Pool manufactures the Hibiscus Plant Food. The fertilizer product has 10-4-12 NPK formulation to give a well-balanced diet for any Hibiscus plants.
- Micro-nutrients. The NPK formulation is not exactly ideal because the Potassium is a little high. Other micronutrients add to the ingredients such as Sulfur, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Calcium, and Magnesium.
- Application. To apply this fertilizer, you can add one tablespoon for potted plants. This fertilizer is a granular product. Many verified growers used the fertilizer with excellent results each season, many blooms, and healthy Hibiscus plants. Re-apply at four to six weeks intervals throughout the Hibiscus plants growing season. For potted Hibiscus plants, apply it twice with six weeks in-between, and it will be doing very well.
| Ingredients | Nitrogen – 10% Phosphorus – 4% Potassium – 12% |
| Container | 4 pounds |
| Form | Granular |
| When to Apply | Every 4 -6 weeks |
How to fertilize Hibiscus plants?
When to fertilize Hibiscus plants?
The best time to fertilize Hibiscus plants is early in the morning, according to many growers. Hibiscus plant is very happy when being fertilized at a cool temperature.
To make the soil cool, water the soil completely, especially if you use dry fertilizer. When you finish the fertilizing, repeat the watering. The cool temperature will help the plant avoid damaging the root or burn the leaves.
Even though Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis plants love being in an area with eight hours of sunlight every day, warm temperatures can cause the water and even the fertilizer to evaporate. So keep the pant cool when you are fertilizing.
You have to place the plant in the shaded area in the morning to get the cool temperature and relocate the plant to the open area with full sun exposure. With this condition met, you can expect to get more flowers.
How often should you fertilize Hibiscus plants?
Do the fertilizing frequently but do not over-fertilize. Add the fertilizer when you are watering the Hibiscus plants. If you fertilize lightly, your plant will grow well and not be over-fertilized.
You can use a slow-release fertilizer with the right NPK formulation four times a year. Do it in early spring, when you see the first blooming, in the middle of summer months, and early winter months.
For the water-soluble fertilizers, you have to read the instruction label carefully on how to dilute the product. You can apply every two weeks when the Hibiscus plants in the blooming season. The best time to fertilize is one time a month.
For dry fertilizer, fertilize the plants each week or one time in two weeks.
Frequently ask question
Why are Hibiscus plants’ leaves falling off?
Hibiscus leaves falling off can be the sign of too little or too much water. Other than that, it could be inadequate drainage. Hibiscus plants like their soil moist, so they would need regular watering, especially during the summer months. Other factors of the leaves falling off is pest or disease.
Why are Hibiscus plants’ leaves turn yellow?
The Hibiscus plants’ leaves turn yellow can be the cause of over-watering or under-watering. Always check the soil if it gets dry with your finger to make sure the Hibiscus plant is getting enough water. One quick fix is to use a self-watering pot.
How to keep the hibiscus plants blooming?
Should you remove yellow leaves of Hibiscus plants?
Yes, you should. Cut off the damaged leaves and relocate the plant where there is sunlight for at least eight hours.
