Shoeblackplant, plant care and growing guide

Shoeblackplant (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), also known as the Chinese Rose, is a plant native to Asia and the only species in the genus Hibiscus that is grown as a houseplant. It’s a shrub whose height can reach up to 2 m. The leaves are bright green, oval, with a serrated edge. The flowers are large, simple, or double, the stamens are very protruding, and the petals are coloured differently: red, purple, pink, orange, or white.  

Environmental conditions

Light. The Shoeblackplant has high demands regarding light, a factor on which it depends for the formation of buds and flowering. If it does not receive enough light, the plant grows but it does not bloom.  

Temperature. The optimum temperature for the Shoeblackplant to grow and the bloom is 18-20° C, and in winter it should not drop below 10° C. The plant must be protected from very high temperatures during the summer. It needs moderate humidity, both atmospheric and in the substrate.  

Substrate. It must be rich in humus, should be loose, and have a good water drainage capacity.  

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Watering

Should be done frequently during the period of active growth (spring-summer) so that the soil is maintained damp. In winter, when the plant enters a slight dormancy period, watering should be done less.  

Fertilization

It should be done with specific fertilizers for decorative flowering plants, in the spring-summer period.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Pruning

For harmonious development and for stimulating flowering, the Shoeblackplant requires pruning. This should be done in early spring. It is also recommended to remove the dried flowers to encourage the appearance of new ones.  

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Repotting

It is necessary once every 3-5 years. The plant is moved to a larger pot and some of the roots have to be removed if they are affected by disease or pests. This should be done in the spring.  

Propagation

The most used method of propagation is through cuttings. This should be done in autumn or early spring, from the branches’ tops. The cuttings have to be rooted in a mixture of peat and sand.  

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Diseases and pests

The most common diseases are rust and grey mold, and among the pests, aphids, mites, and thrips can infest the plant.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
×

We help you
to take care of your plants

If you haven't yet found solutions in our articles or previous discussions, start a new discussion and our experts will help you.

New discussion about

Shoeblackplant, plant care and growing guide
Shoeblackplant, plant care and growing guide

Your information:

Your name must contain a maximum of 30 characters. If you would like to pass on the details of the problem you are facing, please complete the other fields.

The maximum document size is 59 MB.

Add
It helps if you attach some Images or Clips maximumm 15 sec


Want to know more?

Our specialists participate in the discussions of the armuro community with useful information and solutions.
If you want, you can start a discussion about the problem you are facing.
Read the discussions