People love and enjoy hibiscus flowers a lot. It enhances the beauty of our home and garden. But still, growing hibiscus plants can be tough if you fail to choose suitable fertilizer for them.
Choosing the best and perfect fertilizer for hibiscus is very important. For example, hibiscus does not like phosphorus at all. Rather it requires a lot of potassium.
Well, I have done a lot of research on hibiscus and learned several interesting facts about it.
Throughout the article, I will discuss the 10 best fertilizer for hibiscus, and interesting tricks to grow healthy, strong plants with colorful, big flowers. so let’s dive into deep-
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Best Fertilizers for Hibiscus-Comparisons
| Fertilizers | NPK | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espoma PT18 Plant Tone | 5-3-3 | Organic | |
| Carl Pool Hibiscus Plant Food | 10-4-12 | Inorganic | |
| Dr. Earth Exotic Tropical & Hibiscus Fertilizer | 4-4-6 | Organic | |
| Dr. Earth 707P Bud & Bloom Fertilizer | 3-9-4 | Organic | |
| Nelson Hibiscus Granular Fertilizer | 10-4-12 | Inorganic | |
| HIBISGAIN Hibiscus Fertilizer | 12-6-8 | Inorganic | |
| EarthPods Premium Hibiscus Plant Food | Not specified | Organic | |
| Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food | 30-10-10 | Inorganic | |
| JR Peters 51624 Jack's Classic Palm Food | 16-5-25 | Inorganic | |
| Jobe's Organics 09627 Fertilizer | 3-5-4 | Organic |
Best Fertilizers for Hibiscus-Reviews
1.Espoma PT18 Plant Tone
It features a 5-3-3 of NPK ratio. That means 5% of nitrogen (0.4% of ammonical nitrogen, 1.6% of other water-soluble nitrogen, and 3.0% of water-soluble nitrogen), 3% phosphate, 3% water-soluble potash.
It also contains other micro and macronutrients in a good amount such as 5% calcium, 1% magnesium (0.6% water-soluble magnesium), and 1% sulfur.
You’ll notice that it contains a huge portion of water-insoluble nutrients that makes it the best slow-release fertilizer. That signifies you apply it less frequently, and it will continuously feed the plants for a long time.
All the ingredients are derived from organic sources such as Feather meal, Bone meal, poultry manure, Alfalfa manure, greensand, sulfate of potash, and sulfate of magnesia. As you can see this is an organic fertilizer.
You will be happy to know that this all-rounder fertilizer also contains non-plant food fertilizer ingredients in an adequate amount and 1% humic acid to boost your overall plant growth.
This fertilizer is all-natural and all-purpose. So it will work on vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs. Plus, it carries a unique bio tone formula for bigger growth and blooms.
As it is a slow-release fertilizer, it is perfect to sprinkle it right onto the soil. It’s most beneficial to do this as you’re planting so that the fertilizer gets mixed into it completely.
If you want to apply it to an existing plant, you should spread it lightly and water the plant completely so that the fertilizer gets absorbed into the soil. That will assure that your flowers get the nutrients without the danger of burning them.
2.Carl Pool Hibiscus Plant Food
It contains a 10-4-12 NPK ratio. That means 10% of nitrogen (0.90% ammoniacal nitrogen, 2.80% Nitrate nitrogen, 6.30% urea nitrogen), and 4% phosphate, 12% water-soluble potash. The slow-release fertilizer portion continuously feeds your plant for a longer duration and the other portion instantly feeds your plant that boosts your plant’s overall growth.
Thinking about other essential plant nutrients? well, this fertilizer covers them all. It contains 4.60% calcium, 3.95% magnesium, 10.0% sulfur, 0.02% boron, 0.05% copper, 1.10% iron, 0.05% manganese, 0.0005% molybdenum, and 0.05% zinc.
All these ingredients are derived from non-toxic inorganic sources such as Ammoniacal sulfate, poly sulfur coated urea, potassium nitrate, triple superphosphate, potassium magnesium sulfate, sulfur, dolomite, sodium borate, iron sulfate, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, and ammonium molybdenum.
For landscape hibiscus, uniformly apply around the drip line at the rate of 2 cups per 6 feet of height, not more than 3 cups per tree.
3.Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Palm, Tropical & Hibiscus Fertilizer
You will find a 4-4-6 NPK ratio in this fertilizer. It includes 4% of water-soluble nitrogen, 4% phosphate, 6% soluble potash, 2% magnesium and 4.25% of sulfur.
Researchers have derived all these ingredients from several organic sources such as fishbone meal, fish meal, sulfate of potash magnesia, alfalfa meal, potassium sulfate, and kelp flower. As all the sources are natural and organic, this fertilizer also carries other essential micro and macronutrients in an adequate amount.
The best part is, it includes some beneficial microorganisms such as bacillus, endomycorrhizal, and ectomycorrhiza. It also carries 3.75% humic acid. All these things work with your garden soil and boost overall plant growth and flower growing capabilities.
For established hibiscus: Use 1/2 cup for every foot of plant height. Work into the soil gently inside of the drip line and water thoroughly.
4.Dr. Earth 707P Organic Bud & Bloom Fertilizer
It includes an NPK ratio of 3-9-4. It means 3% water-insoluble nitrogen, 9% phosphate, and 4% water-soluble potash. As you know, the water-soluble portion feeds your plants instantly and gives a quick boost. On the other hand, the water-insoluble portion releases nutrients slowly and feeds your plant for a long period.
All the ingredients are safely derived from several organic sources such as Kelp flour, fishbone meal, alfalfa meal, potassium sulfate, and kelp meal. As this fertilizer is derived from organic sources, it also contains other micro and macro elements to support your overall plant growth.
Like the other Dr. Earth fertilizer consists of beneficial soil microbes and mycorrhizal fungi designed to live in all soil types. Additionally, it carries 4.5% of humic acid to protect the hibiscus from stress.
For established hibiscus plants, apply 2 cups for every inch of trunk diameter (measured at 4″-6″ above the soil line). Work into the soil gently inside of the drip line.
5.Nelson Hibiscus and Flowering Tropicals Granular Fertilizer
It features with an NPK ratio of 10-4-12 that indicates 10% nitrogen (2.93% ammoniacal nitrogen, 1.30% nitrate nitrogen, 0.45% urea nitrogen, 0.69% slowly available water-soluble nitrogen, 4.66% water-insoluble nitrogen), 4% available phosphate and 12% water-soluble potash. The huge 12% potash has made it the best potassium fertilizer for hibiscus.
This all-in-one fertilizer also carries other micro and macronutrients including 3.00% magnesium, 5.50% combined sulfur, 0.05% copper, 4.30% Iron, 0.13% manganese, and 0.05% zinc.
Scientists have synthesized all the nutrients from several non-toxic compounds. They are Ureaform, ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, activated sewage sludge, cottonseed meal, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, iron(ii) sulfate, zinc (ii) sulfate, cupric sulfate, manganese sulfate, calcium sulfate, and magnesium oxide.
Mix 1/4 cups of this fertilizer thoroughly into one cubic foot of planting media. Spread the media at a minimum of 3-4 inches thick over the section to be planted. Place the plant and water thoroughly. Also, this is the best fertilizer for a recently planted luna hibiscus.
6.HIBISGAIN Hibiscus Fertilizer
It has an NPK ratio of 12-6-8 that means 12% nitrogen (3.40% ammoniacal nitrogen, 1.83% water-soluble nitrogen, 4.71% urea nitrogen, 2.06% water-insoluble nitrogen), 6% phosphate and 8% water-soluble potash.
This fertilizer also carries other essential micro and macronutrients to supply your hibiscus plant. Some of them are 3.75% water-soluble magnesium, 10.12% combined sulfur, 0.07% water-soluble copper, 1.41% iron (1.00% water-soluble iron and 0.12% chelated iron), 0.45% water-soluble manganese, and 0.08% water-soluble zinc.
These ingredients are derived from several hazardless and non-toxic sources such as ammonium sulfate, Iron oxide, sulfate of potash, polymer-coated urea, Ferric sodium DTPA, magnesium sulfate, manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, and others.
Apply 1 tablespoon of fertilizer for 6 inches pot or 2 tablespoons of fertilizer for 2-3 feet tall plants.
7.EarthPods Premium Hibiscus & Tropical Flower Plant Food
It includes easy to use 100 capsules, applied as spikes to feed hibiscus and other tropical flowering plants. This is the best fertilizer for hibiscus blooms, root, and foliar growth.
These fertilizer capsules can replicate forest earth balance, full of natural plant minerals, nutrients, beneficial soil root groups, amino/humic/fulvic acids. Overall, it can boost your plant’s face amazingly within minimum time.
This is specially designed as a top-quality intensive plant food with bonus patent design to fit plant feeding applications by elderly / physically challenged & involved kids in the best organic gardening projects.
As per the manufacturer’s suggestion, you should use a capsule every 2-3 weeks interval to get the best outcome.
8.Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food
This fertilizer has a 30-10-10 NPK ratio that says 30% of nitrogen(3% ammoniacal nitrogen, 27.0% urea nitrogen), 10% phosphate and 10% water-soluble potash. As you can see, this can be called the best nitrogen fertilizer for the hibiscus tree.
It also carries additional trace elements like 0.07% chelated copper, 0.02% boron, 0.032% chelated iron, 0.05% chelated manganese, 0.0005% molybdenum, and 0.07% chelated zinc.
All the nutrients are sourced from non-toxic and hazardless inorganic compounds such as ammonium phosphate, urea, Potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, boric acid, copper EDTA, iron EDTA, sodium molybdate, and zinc EDTA.
Besides hibiscus, you can feed this other plants such as azaleas, plumeria(Check for more recommended fertilizer for plumeria), berries, and other acid-loving plants. You can combine it with water to make a quick-acting liquid fertilizer. Mix 1/2 tablespoon of fertilizer with 1 gallon of water and spray gently. Apply every 1/2 weeks interval.
9.JR Peters 51624 Jack’s Classic Palm Food
This fertilizer includes an NPK ratio of 16-5-25 that means 16% of nitrogen, 5% of phosphate, and 25% of potassium. This fertilizer combination is very excellent for the hibiscus tree. It will speed up the leaves and stem growth as well.
Besides that, it includes magnesium, sulfur, and other essential macro and micronutrients to boost overall plant growth and flower blooms. Plus, it will enhance the beauty of the flower dramatically. All this has made it one of the best fertilizers for hardy hibiscus.
Mix 2 tablespoon of fertilizer with 4 gallons of water and spray thoroughly once a week.
10.Jobe’s Organics 09627 Organic Fertilizer
The fertilizer comes with an NPK ratio of 3-5-4 specifically 3% of nitrogen (1.2% water-soluble nitrogen and 1.8% water-insoluble nitrogen), 5% phosphate and 4% water-soluble potash. Besides that, it also carries 8% calcium, 0.5% magnesium (0.15% water-soluble magnesium) and 1.6% sulfur.
Phosphorus supports growing healthy root systems while nitrogen and potassium produce larger and more vibrant blooms.
As it is organic, there are no toxic chemicals included. All the ingredients are derived from natural and organic sources such as feather meal, bone meal, processed poultry manure, and sulfate of potash. That is why it is OMRI certified.
Of course, Jobe’s is well-known for having a proprietary blend of microbes with all fertilizers. This means you get a Biozome with archaea. You’ll find it breaks down the nutrients quickly to provide faster results.
The best part is it includes soil microbes that bring your soil to life boosting your plant’s health and nutrients supply, enhancing the condition of the soil over time. Hence, the next growing season will be even better. All these beneficial things have made it one of the best hibiscus fertilizers available on the market.
What is Required by Hibiscus Plants in Fertilizer?
High Amount of Potassium
Hibiscus requires a high amount of potassium. Because:
- It helps in almost every section of plant growth and metabolism.
- It is needed in photosynthesis to create plant food glucose and sugar. Glucose and sugars are used to provide the energy that a plant needs and thus build every cell of a plant. More potassium helps in photosynthesis.
- Potassium is involved in every kind of transport of a plant. More potassium helps moving foods, chemicals, nutrients, and other elements.
- Potassium helps in transpiration and it further helps to prevent several types of disease, stress, and drought.
- At the time of blooming, a high amount of potassium supply is a must to continue the process perfectly.
- Potassium ions help to reduce plant stress, water losses, and wilts.
Very Little amount of Phosphorus
Hibiscus does not allow much phosphorus. because:
- Phosphorus usually ties up with other nutrients (such as iron) but the hibiscus plant cannot absolve that compound bound with phosphorus.
- As it cannot absolve phosphorus, it also cannot absolve other nutrients. As a result, plant health goes downhill.
Medium amount of Nitrogen
Hibiscus requires a medium amount of nitrogen. Because:
- It is used for the plant’s metabolism and leaves growth.
- But a high amount of nitrogen can burn plant leaves.
- It can also turn the leaves into brown.
What is the Best Fertilizer For Hibiscus?
The main output of the hibiscus plant is its flower. To get a big, vibrant, and colorful flower, we have to grow our plant healthier. To grow healthier plants we should use fertilizers with suitable NPK ratio because each plant requirement is different.
The best fertilizer for the Hibiscus tree is a Medium amount of Nitrogen (N) with a very little amount of Phosphorus (P) and High amount of Potassium (K). Further, it can be water-soluble or water-insoluble that doesn’t have that much effect as the NPK ratio. So pick a fertilizer with this type of NPK ratio to ensure better plant growth and ultimately better flower blooming.
When to Fertilize Hibiscus Plants?
Hibiscus do best when fertilizers are applied lightly but frequently. It ensures that the hibiscus tree will grow healthy and bloom regularly without over-fertilizing.
If you are applying a slow-release fertilizer, you will need to fertilize 4-5 times a year including,
- Early spring,
- After completing the first round of blooming,
- Midsummer and
- Early winter.
If you are applying water-soluble fertilizer, you can fertilize with a light solution once every 10-15 days in spring and summer and once every month in fall and winter.
How Often to Fertilize Hibiscus?
Do the fertilizing constantly but do not over-fertilize (that means apply lightly). Combine the fertilizer at the time of watering. If you use fertilizer lightly, your plant will grow healthier, stronger, and will produce more blooms.
How to Fertilize Hibiscus Plants?
Fertilizing hibiscus is pretty easy. But several suggestions can help you to do it easier. Make sure that you put fertilizer out to the sides of the hibiscus tree’s canopy whether they grow outdoors or potted.
If you fertilize just at the base of the main stem or trunk, the nutrients do not have an opportunity to spread to the full root system, which continues to the end of the canopy.
How to keep the Hibiscus Plants Blooming?
- Fertilizer them every two-week interval.
- Water the plant regularly and ensure a good drainage system.
- Try not to water on the leaves. It can promote fungus attacks.
- Ensure a balanced temperature during winter.
- Re-pot them in January or February of every year.
- Use a bigger pot than previous as the tree is growing bigger.
- Always trim off bad, sick leaves and stems.
- If you are growing indoors, place them in full sun during April as more sun helps to produce more flowers.
- During the spring and summer, pinch the tip of the stems off to stimulate growing more blooms.
- Try to avoid phosphorus as it hinders the absorption of other nutrients particularly for hibiscus.
Homemade Hibiscus Fertilizer Recipes
Used Coffee Grounds
It adds nitrogen to your hibiscus plant. The process to use coffee grounds is-
- Dry coffee grinds at low heat or leave out for a few hours on a paper towel.
- Then sprinkle them around the base of the hibiscus plant.
Banana Peels
Both the Banana and banana peels are full of nitrogen. It also adds other nutrients. Here is the way to use Banana peel in plants–
- Dry it out first
- Blend or chop peels into tiny pieces.
- Sprinkle around the base of the plant and mix with soil away from base soil.
Eggshells
Eggshells can supply a lot of calcium to plants. The process to use it-
- Let the shell dry first.
- Blend or grind them into tiny pieces.
- Then sprinkle on top of the soil, or mix into the soil.
Blackstrap Molasses
These sugar-beets are rich in nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. To use blackstrap molasses-
- Mix molasses with water
- Spray onto the soil around the base of the hibiscus plant.
Aquarium Water
It is a great source of phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, and iron for plants. To use aquarium water-
- Simply spray fish tank water at the base of your plant using a sprayer.
Head over to Aquarialy.com to know more benefits about how fish waste works great as plant fertilizer.
How to Care for a Hibiscus Plant?
The plant expects regular watering because hibiscus tends to turn yellow and drop out flower buds without sufficient water.
If you’re overwintering your hibiscus inside the home, always wait for the soil to dry out for the next watering.
Hibiscus plants like lots of sunlight. So try to provide a lot of sunlight. Fertilize them regularly. Always keep an eye if any disease attacks. Take the proper step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miracle Grow good for hibiscus?
Miracle-Grow is good for hibiscus plants. It contains several water-soluble and water-insoluble nutrients that can boost your overall plant growth.
Is Epsom salt good for hibiscus?
Epsom salt carries sulfur and magnesium that assist plants to absorb nitrogen and create chlorophyll. It also helps in producing better foliage on hibiscus.
Are used coffee grounds good for hibiscus plants?
Coffee grounds carry calcium, phosphorus, nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are beneficial to hibiscus growth. So used coffee grounds are good for hibiscus plants.
Is vinegar good for hibiscus plants?
Hibiscus plants require slightly acidic soil to thrive. In this sense, vinegar can be good for hibiscus plants. But don’t use too much of it. That can bring disaster to your plants.
Are banana peels good for hibiscus?
Both the banana and the banana peels are good for hibiscus because it supplies one of the most important nutrients, potassium.
Is cow manure good for hibiscus?
Cow manure is always good for all kinds of plants. Because it works as organic fertilizer and is able to supply all the necessary micro and macronutrients to your plant. But never use new manure. Let it dry for several weeks and then use it.
Does Hibiscus grow well in pots?
If you can supply adequate nutrients, sunlight, and a good drainage system with regular watering, then hibiscus will grow well in pots or containers.
What type of soil does hibiscus-like?
Hibiscus like a little bit acidic soil with a high amount of potassium, a medium amount of nitrogen, and less likely to be phosphorus.
Why are Hibiscus plants’ leaves falling off?
Too little or too much water and inadequate drainage can be the cause of your hibiscus plants to fall off leaves. So water your plants regularly and ensure a good drainage system. Besides that, Keep an eye for diseases to attack. Take proper steps in case of a disease.
Should you remove the yellow leaves of Hibiscus plants?
You should Cut off the corrupted leaves and relocate the plant where there is adequate sunlight for at least seven-eight hours.
Last Words
There’s a lot to speculate about when picking a great fertilizer for flower trees. One of the most helpful stuff you can do before you conclude is to do research on the kind of trees you’re growing and study as much as you can.
Don’t worry, I have done all this for you. If you have already been through this article, you might have already gotten the best hibiscus fertilizer. Hope this article will help you with your gardening.
