Propagating Hibiscus In Water
The hibiscus plant is an ornamental beauty that will fill your garden with lots of flower bloom, this shrub thrives best in tropical to sub-tropical regions. There are said to be more than “200 species of hibiscus worldwide, each variety different in shape, color and size”.
What I love about the hibiscus plant is that it can be grown as a shrub, hedge, or standard plant. These garden beauties can also be container grown. Hibiscus attracts wildlife such as hummingbirds and many types of butterflies so if you are planting a wildlife garden or just want to give nature a helping hand by providing a food source (nectar) then consider installing some hibiscus.
Do you want to populate your garden with hibiscus without having to take a trip down to your plant nursery to make a purchase for more of these garden beauties or would you prefer to save a few extra bucks by propagating the one you already have or maybe getting a few cuttings from a family member, neighbor or friend? then continue reading as we discuss how to successfully propagate hibiscus in water.
Steps to Propagate Hibiscus in Water
- Remove several semi-hardwood cuttings from the parent plant, each cutting that’s taken should be 4-5 inches long
- Remove all of the leaves from the cuttings
- Locate the area below the node, the node looks like a bump or a lump, make a 45 degree cut at an angle. Don’t cut into the node because this is where the buds, leaves, branch emerges
- At the end of the stem where you made the cut remove the outer layer (bark) to reveal or expose the cambium. Only 1-2 inches of the cambium should be exposed. To remove the outer layer rub the end of each cutting against a hard somewhat ruff surface.
- In a glass jar filled with room temperature water place each cutting, remember the part of the stem where the cambium is exposed should be immersed in the water
- Keep cuttings in a partially shaded area
- In about four days to a week’s time, new roots should emerge
- To avoid root rot the water should be changed after 5 days
- Within about 10 days your cuttings can now be removed from the water and potted in soil.
- The containers that chose can be 6-inch plastic plant pots, each pot should have drain holes for water drainage.
- The soil that’s used can be good garden soil that drains well or a potting medium, fill each pot with potting soil or potting medium
- Each cutting should be planted about 2 inches into the soil or to put it another way, all of the roots that emerge from the stem or cutting should be completely covered with the soil. Now press gently around the cutting to ensure each one is firm
- Now water the cuttings thoroughly, don’t allow the soil to dry out completely nor be saturated which can lead to cuttings deterioration and eventually death.
- The soil should be kept moist at all times and in a semi-shaded area
- In about 2 months’ time, there should be flower blooms.
- Allow the cuttings to remain in the 6 in each pot for another month or two before transplanting them in larger pots or their parament spot
The final word on hibiscus propagation
And that’s how easy it is to propagate a hibiscus in water, this simple technique is so effective in helping to populate your garden with these tropical beauties. I believe that a move like this is worth the investment so go for it, and enjoy their presence as you watch this tropical beauty go to work for you. Get a taste of the tropics by propagating and growing the hibiscus plant.
Newsletter
Signup Today for Our Newsletter to Receive Up to Date Information on Herbs and Other Gardening News in the Industry.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
I have always loved the hibiscus plant and just go buy a new plant hen I like to have more in my garden. now with the help of your guide, I can propagate them in water and save Lil it of money. i have shared your guide with my social media following.
Hello, Jannette these plants are amazing and can bring that much-needed flavor, so happy that I could help. Thanks for stopping by, commenting, and sharing my post with your social media group, wishing you all the best of success, and do let me know if that is all right with you how your hibiscus propagation goes. Have a good day and thanks again!!
H Norman,
Thank you for this amazing post. I love this plant and have plenty of them back home in India. We cut plants and grow the next one. It’s much easier in India because of the tropical climate.
We never cared that much for how to cut the stem, where to cut to transplant for another. We see people fencing part of their property with hibiscus of different colors.
We offer them daily to God throughout the year
I do have a small garden in the back yard here. We grow vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, Cucumbers and herbs. This year we try to put more effort. Hopefully they help our family budget of buying expensive vegetables. They offer you a stress free living.
These tropical plants can do so much in enhancing any outdoor or indoor living space