Hibiscus trees are light-loving plants. They generally need at least six full sun hours daily to produce the most and best blooms. Even so, the plant can do well in partial shade, but you won’t get as many flowers, and they won’t be as vibrant.
The bottom line is that the more light you can give a Hibiscus, the better results you will get.
Heat And Light Are Key To Hibiscus Success
Hibiscus are gorgeous flowering tropical plants that can bring a touch of lush elegance to any consistently warm setting. It’s best to keep these perennials in a tropical environment.
Still, most varieties of Hibiscus can thrive in northern climates as houseplants by providing ample warmth and light.
If you are growing Hibiscus indoors, it’s a good idea to keep your plants near a southwest or south-facing window. This positioning will provide the most bright light for the most hours possible each day.
If a window facing south or southwest is not available, place your plant near any other window. Supplement with artificial lights.
No matter what direction your window faces, be careful not to place your plant too close. Being very close to a window can result in overheating, burning, and drafts, depending on the weather outdoors.
Consistent warmth and bright, indirect light are best.
Water According to Heat And Light
Besides balancing temperature and sunlight, you must also balance watering. During hot, sunny times, your plant will need more water than during cooler or overcast weather.
Generally speaking, during its downtime, a Hibiscus will need a thorough weekly watering. During its growing season, when the weather is warm, and the sun is bright, you may need to water three times a week or more to keep the roots from drying out.
Let the condition of your plants and soil be your guide. If the top couple inches of soil feel dry, your plant needs water. If the plant is wilting, it needs water.
Move your Hibiscus away from the window a bit or otherwise protect it from the very harsh, hot rays of the sun.
Related: Why Are The Leaves On My Hibiscus Turning Yellow?
Protect Your Hibiscus From Excessive Heat And Light
Hibiscus does not need excessive amounts of harsh, full sunlight. This is especially true in settings that tend to be hot and dry.
If you are growing Hibiscus outdoors in a setting more desert-like than tropical, position your plants under a tree with high shade. In this sort of setting, lots of bright, indirect sunlight is best.
Hibiscus planted in containers rather than in the landscape often prefer to have afternoon shade. Their soil tends to dry out quicker than bedding soil.
Related: What Is The Best Fertilizer For Hibiscus?
Transition New Hibiscus To Sunlight Gradually
If you buy Hibiscus for the outdoors, transition them slowly to the most significant amount of desired sunlight.
Your new Hibiscus may have been grown in a greenhouse or in a setting that has different light exposure than yours. It will need time to adjust.
Hibiscus that receive too much sunlight too fast may experience sunburn. Excessive sunlight will destroy the leaves’ chlorophyll and cause them to bleach out and become crispy around the edges.
Sunburned leaves will die and fall off, but new leaves will replace them in a couple of weeks.
Instead of putting your plant through this trauma, use those two weeks to transition the plant to its ultimate setting. Give the leaves and the plant a chance to adjust to the light conditions in its new home.
Your Geographical Location Affects Plant Positioning
- In tropical settings or in mild, temperate areas, such as the United States’ west coast, Hibiscus will do very well in full sun.
- In hot, dry conditions, such as those found in Texas and Arizona, light afternoon shade is helpful.
- In very hot, tropical settings like Florida, light afternoon shade is best.
Hibiscus may do fine in a full sun location in very hot geographical areas for most of the growing season. Still, they may tend to drop their buds during sweltering weather.
If you live in a desert-like setting, placing your Hibiscus in an area that provides afternoon shade can help ensure it will bloom all summer long.
The bottom line is that the more light you can give a Hibiscus, the better results you will get.