Q&A for How to Propagate Hibiscus

A hibiscus can live well in direct sunlight, but they only need about 2 hours per day of sunlight to bloom.

Typically, rooting can take between 3 and 4 weeks. Once the roots reach 1 or 2 inches in length, the cutting is ready to be potted.

You dip the hibiscus cutting in some rooting hormone and place it into a well-drained pot of potting soil.

The reason that hibiscus don't have seeds is because they are grown from bulbs, not seeds.

Yes you can. Many types of hibiscus, such as mallow, will generally take root without the help of rooting powder.

I have a very old hibiscus in my yard, fully exposed in Lobelville, TN, so yours should be okay.

Take a stock and scion from the top or side part of the plant (avoid the middle part) during summer days, when hibiscus grow vigorously, and make a sharp cut. Remove the leaves from the lower part and keep 2-3 leaves on the upper part for photosynthesis. Make sure you choose a good branch for cutting -- avoid branches that are too young or too old.

The cuttings won't flower until they're more mature. It can take 1-2 years before the new plant is established enough to flower.

Yes.

The seeds of the hibiscus are located in the center of the a previously-flowered stem. Look in the middle of the stem for a hard, green bump which holds the seeds. Break it open and place the seeds in a bag!

Cut holes in potatoes the size of the cutting. Put rose cutting into potatoes and bury about 8 inches. In my experience, I had beautiful roses the following year by doing this.

Hibiscus is a vascular plant because of the hairs on its roots; therefore, it's a dicot.

Propagation can start as early as late spring. Take your cuttings in the early summer when the hibiscus is growing the most. The propagation process takes a few months, so be patient!

For cold, hardy hibiscus, transplant in the late summer or early fall to encourage growth during the winter months.

Get the plant and cut off the leaves and extra twigs. Then lightly shave the bottom of the stick until you see a dark green shade. Wet the green area, and dip the green end in the rooting hormones. Then make a hole in the soil with your finger, put the stick in and cover the bottom in soil.

If it gets too cold it will start shedding, and also if the leaves get sunburned.

You can buy them at Walmart or in the Lowe's garden center. The cheap stuff has worked just as well as the expensive stuff for me. Some people use honey! I know a little willow bark in water works well also.

Hibiscus is semi hardwood. It is best if the nodes are at the bottom of the stem and more nodes close to the cut.

Plant in early spring after the last frost when new growth begins to show and gets to about 2/3 inches.

It might be too late, but snip off most of the leaves except for 2 - 3 of the healthiest remaining near the top. Water/mist thoroughly if the cutting is in a pot, and gently cover with clear plastic wrap or a baggie to create a mini greenhouse. If the cutting is in a cup of water, do the same but change the water. Place in warm spot that gets a little sunlight and hope for the best. This might help more for potted cuttings than for those placed in water.