Every cutting I do this way takes. I use a small plastic container. I put glass rocks on the bottom. You could use sand instead. Fill half the way with water. Sit the bucket under a birdbath or some other structure that blocks some of the afternoon sun. Take your cuttings and remove any leaves that will be under the water. If a cutting wilts, I simply lay it on its side in the birdbath for a few hours. I left one there a week with no problems. Change the water once every other day. When you fill up the bird bath, mist your cuttings' leaves with the water.

This cutting is starting its roots very well after a few days. Others may take one or two weeks.

These white bumps mean roots are coming soon.


I'll update this soon with more info and photos.

Clint I am going to try that with one that I have that doesn't produce viable seed. Also going to take cutting from my neighbor's Chocolate tree and see what happens.

I haven't tried that method, but have found hibiscus roots pretty easily!!

Some updates on this method.





I potted this one up this week, and already buds are forming.

great job Clint

Here is one blooming in the water. I'll plant this one today. This branch was broken by a storm. It's now a new plant!

Lots of roots today!

A lady down the road has a very dark foliage/bloom hibiscus. She said someone had given it to her years ago. I would love to get a start of hers. I may try this!

Clint I took four cuttings from the chocolate tree. They are now in water. Will keep you posted.
Teresa go for it !

@Clint, are these cuttings mature/hardy enough to go in the ground protected with mulch in zone 8a? Or should I over winter them inside?

You can probably plant in the ground there. I've overwintered in the garage here before. I'd try it though!

Thanks! I think I will opt for overwintering in the garage. I would rather be safe than sorry. Can seeds can be planted outdoors in the fall or do I have to wait until spring to do that?

You could winter sow your seeds. That would work good.

I'd rather do that.

@clintbrown if you have any updates or follow-ups, I'd be very interested! In any case, thank you for the info and pics here.

I hope I have the same fun and success with a Hibiscus that I got a few days ago. I was going to ground it but in case it doesn't make it through winter, wanted to have a backup or 2 to bring inside over winter as insurance.

I have successfully rooted Rose of Sharon in water with an aeration stone (think fish aquariums) and lots of water changes.

Thank you, Lucy! Do you use an aquarium, jug, a big bowl?

I used a bucket.

OK, thank you.

I have rooted Ficus and Oleander the same way. It's a 3 gallon bucket, small aquarium pump and an air stone. Pretty low tech.