| Hi- I have the most beautiful hibiscus bush in the front yard and want to know how to take a cutting to make addtional bushes to give to my Mom and friends. They all love it so much and have never seen one like it. How do i do this? Thank you! Debra |
| Both hardy and tropical hibiscus are propagated from cuttings. The cutting should be taken from new growth, called softwood. Softwood will be pliable and often has a greenish cast. Spring or early summer is the best time to take cuttings. Each hibiscus cutting should be 4-6 inches long. Strip the lower part of leaves but leave the top set of leaves alone. Trim the bottom of the hibiscus cutting to be cut just below the bottom leaf node (bump where the leaf was growing). Dip the bottom of the hibiscus cutting in rooting hormone. The next step is to place the hibiscus cuttings in moistened potting soil or a 50-50 mix of potting soil and perlite to encourage good drainage. You can place several cuttings into a container. Once you've set your cuttings in the container, place 3-4 sticks or bamboo skewers into the pot, evenly spaced around the rim. Place a plastic bag over the cuttings, making sure that the plastic does not touch the leaves. Place the hibiscus cuttings outdoors in a bright but shaded spot. Make sure the soil stays damp (not wet) until the cuttings are rooted. The cuttings should be rooted in about 8 weeks. Once they are rooted, you can repot them into individual pots. |
