| We have a hibiscus in a pot outside. We really like it and want to know if it can be brought inside the house and how do we take care of it. Also how do we keep bugs away from it. |
| When the weather begins to cool you can take your hibiscus indoors, but do it gradually over a period of several days by bringing in at night and taking it out during the day so it can adjust to the temperature differences). Put it in a bright spot without direct sunshine, keep the soil moist but not soggy wet, and mist the leaves occasionally. Flowering will stop in the winter and you can cut back the stems by 1/3 to help keep the plant bushy. Supplemental lighting may be necessary if the area is dark. Gro lights or even a bank of shop lights can help. Keep the lights on 12-14 hours a day. In the spring, when the nighttime temperatures remain above 55F you can take your plant outside again. You'll want to thoroughly hose your plant off once it is indoors (I set mine in the shower and use cold water). This will rinse away any hitchhiking insects and their eggs. Enjoy your plant! |
