Hibiscus is a tropical plant and the state of Florida is an excellent state for this tropical plant where it will grow perfectly. So that your hibiscus is always shining I will explain what is the best fertilizer for hibiscus in Florida.
If a hibiscus is not fertilized correctly, its flowers will soon fall and its leaves will probably start to turn yellow. Also, this tree can have yellow leaves due to other causes, I recommend you to read our article about yellow leaves on hibiscus. Continue reading to find out what is the best fertilizer for hibiscus in Florida.
Table of Contents
What Fertilizer for Hibiscus in Florida
What Fertilizer for Hibiscus in Florida? Hibiscus needs a lot of potassium, very little phosphorus and medium amounts of nitrogen to develop properly. You will notice on fertilizer packages something like 10-4-12 which stands for NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium).
NPK is an acronym that stands for the three main chemical elements found in fertilizers: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). These three elements are essential for plant growth and development and are usually measured in percentages.
Nitrogen is essential for leaf production and general vegetative growth. Phosphorus is necessary for reproduction and root growth, and potassium is important for disease resistance and nutrient transport in the plant.
NPK fertilizers are used to increase the amount of these essential elements in the soil, to improve plant health and yield. The number in each of the NPK acronyms indicates the proportion of each element found in the fertilizer. For example, a fertilizer with an NPK label of 10-5-5 contains 10% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus, and 5% potassium.
A good fertilizer for hibiscus in Florida can be either a 10-4-12 or a 12-6-8, personally, I prefer the former as it contains more potassium. An excess of nitrogen could favor too much leaf growth.
Fertilizer For Hibiscus in Florida
As mentioned above, the best fertilizer for hibiscus in Florida will be one that contains high potassium, low phosphorus, and medium amounts of nitrogen. If you use a 10-4-12 hibiscus fertilizer, that will mean that 10% is nitrogen, 4% is potassium and 12% is phosphorus. The rests are other minerals and nutrients that the hibiscus will also use for its development.
- Sold on Amazon
- Scientifically Formulated for Optimum Plant Growth
- Great for All Hibiscus Varieties
You can also use a 12-6-8 hibiscus fertilizer which will have more nitrogen than phosphorus. Normally, it is recommended to apply a little more nitrogen to promote leaf growth. If your hibiscus plant is young, you will not need to use a fertilizer with high nitrogen content. In adult hibiscus plants or those that had yellow leaves, this type of fertilizer would be a good option.
- Formulated for the unique growing habits of Hibiscus
- Developed and used by commercial hibiscus growers in Homestead, FL
- Applied directly on top of soil & mulch, no mixing required
You are probably wondering, What is the best fertilizer for hibiscus in Florida? Well, if your hibiscus is young or in good condition, and you only fertilize to give it the proper maintenance, I recommend 10-4-12 fertilizers. But if your hibiscus is adult or had any disease in the past, I recommend using 12-6-8 fertilizer.
I recommend always reading the manufacturer’s instructions because fertilizer application may vary depending on the manufacturer. It is not the same to apply a liquid fertilizer as a granular fertilizer, that is why you should always read the instructions.
When to Fertilize Hibiscus in Florida
When to Fertilize Hibiscus in Florida? To ensure good growth and flowering of hibiscus, it is important to fertilize regularly but moderately. Using specific fertilizer for hibiscus and not overdoing it helps to achieve this. If a slow-release fertilizer is used, it is recommended to apply it 4 times a year at the following times:
- Early spring
- After the tree’s first round of flowering
- Mid-summer
- Early winter
On the other hand, if a water-soluble fertilizer is used, a weak solution can be applied every 2 weeks in spring and summer, and every 4 weeks in autumn and winter.
How to Fertilize Hibiscus
How to Fertilize Hibiscus? The best way to fertilize hibiscus in Florida is by applying a fast-acting soluble fertilizer or by using a slow-release granular fertilizer. Always read the fertilizer manufacturer’s recommendations. The University of Minnesota recommends a lower rate of fertilization for potted hibiscus.
If you use granular fertilizer, I recommend watering the hibiscus after applying it so that the roots begin to absorb it more easily. On the other hand, if you use a liquid fertilizer follow the manufacturer’s instructions because some do not need to be watered after applying it to the hibiscus.
Finally, foliar fertilizers (those applied to the leaves) should never be applied on a rainy day or in the morning, as the sun could cause foliar burns. Foliar fertilizers should be applied in the afternoon when the sun cannot damage the leaves of the hibiscus.
Tips for Fertilizing Hibiscus in Florida
Fertilizing hibiscus plants is relatively straightforward, but there are a few pointers that can simplify the process.
If your hibiscus is planted in the ground or a pot, ensure you apply fertilizer evenly around the edges of the plant’s canopy. It’s common for gardeners to only fertilize at the base of the trunk, which fails to nourish the entire root system that stretches to the edge of the canopy.
On the other hand, if you notice a decline in blooming after over-fertilizing, you can add phosphorus to the soil to help revive the blooms of your hibiscus plant.
Most brands require slow-release fertilizer to be applied every three to six months. However, it is important not to use it during cold winter months. Always read the fertilizer manufacturer’s recommendations.
Final Conclusions
Based on the text provided, we can conclude that fertilizer use is an important aspect of maintaining the health and abundant flowering of hibiscus plants in Florida. It is also important to note that the use of fertilizer should be avoided during the cold months of winter.
I hope this article about the best fertilizer for hibiscus in Florida will be helpful. I recommend our other article about how and when to prune hibiscus in Florida.
