Grow More Beautiful Hibiscus Plants With One Simple Propagation Technique

Who isn't a fan of the bold and beautiful flowers of the hibiscus plant? During blooming season, hummingbirds and butterflies will flock to your yard, attracted to the shapes and colors of its exotic blooms as well as to its nectar. Gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts can't get enough of this plant, as evident in its use as hedges and in pots, amongst other designs. The magic of hibiscus is due, in part, to the short bloom cycle of individual flowers. Each bloom lasts only a day or two, opening in the morning and wilting by late afternoon. You might be wondering if there are ways to increase the number of blooms without investing in another plant. Before you start trying to grow a gorgeous hibiscus garden using seeds, consider propagating your plant from stem cuttings.  

With over 200 species of this plant, each boasting different care needs and features, it's important to know which variety can be propagated by cutting. For instance, scarlet rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) are two of the best options to grow from seed. It's more efficient to propagate tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) from cuttings, since some of these varieties can take between two to three years to grow into a mature flowering plant.

Another perk of cutting is that your new plant will be identical to the parent. Using pruning shears, cut a stem that's between 4 to 6 inches from the plant. Make sure to choose a stem with new leaf growth. Once you've made your selection, remove the bottom leaves from the stem. Apply root hormone to the end of your cutting before placing it in well-draining soil. This easy propagation method works for most hibiscus species. 

While you may be tempted to propagate throughout the bloom season, you should take your cuttings in the spring or early summer while the main plant is growing fresh foliage and flowers. That way, you'll have healthy new growth to choose from. To begin propagating plants like a pro, select stems that are light green and that have at least two to three sets of leaves. Your cutting should be between 4 to 6 inches long. Grab your sterile pruning shears and remove the selected stem, aiming below a leaf node. If you are cutting multiple stems, keep a bag or container handy in order to store them while you work. Taking around 4 or so stems at a time is ideal. Be sure to wipe your shears after each cut to avoid spreading bacteria or disease. 

From there, use your shears to snip away all the leaves from your cuttings, leaving one to two leaves at the top. Then cut the bottom of the stem at a 45-degree angle. Dip the end of the stem in a root hormone before placing it in a prepared pot. This will help support growth. Use a rich potting soil, preferably mixed with peat moss and perlite or vermiculite to enable good drainage. Make a hole for your cuttings with a pencil, and be sure to gently place your stem in the soil to avoid rubbing off the root hormone. To create the best humid conditions, cover your cuttings with a clear plastic bag, and keep your pot in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Mist daily and try to avoid overwatering. Roots usually sprout within three to five weeks.  After three months, the roots should be strong enough to transfer the plant.