Hibiscus are deciduous shrubs with dark green leaves; the plants can grow to 15 feet tall in frost-free areas. Flowers may be up to 6 inches in diameter, with colors ranging from yellow to peach to red.
Don't panic, yellow leaves on hibiscus are normal. They look like something is wrong, but they are usually just a warning, a call for help, and not a sign of impending death.
Hibiscus leaves turn yellow and drop from the plant due to stress. The stress can be of any type and be figuring out what kind of stress is the challenge for the gardener. We cannot tell you exactly what is wrong with the plant without knowing a lot more than you are likely to be able to tell us. YOU have to think about it, and when you are pretty sure you have determined the cause, then you can take action to relieve the stress on your hibiscus. This article is intended to help you figure it out what is wrong.
Stresses that can cause yellow leaves on hibiscus include:
Not Enough Water or Too Much Water
In warm conditions, hibiscus needs a lot of water, even every day or more than once a day if it's really hot or windy. Self-watering pots can be an excellent way to avoid this type of stress. bA watering system controlled by a timer is another way for gardens with large numbers of plants.
Yes, hibiscus can also be given too much water when the weather is cool or overcast. Hibiscus like to be moist but not sopping wet and if they don't need the water due to cold or dark conditions then too much will stress the root system.
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Too Hot or Too Cold
This is related to water but please take note on super hot summer days that hibiscus will need lots of water to keep all the big lush leaves well supplied. If they don't get enough they react by dropping leaves (turning yellow first) so that they don't need as much water.
Hibiscus are tropical plants that thrive in the same temperatures that people like, 65-85°F (18-29°C). They will survive, but they will not like temperatures down to freezing and up to 110°F (38°C). If they get too cold or are placed in a cold drafty window, they can react with yellow leaves.
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Too Much Direct Sunlight or Too Little Sunlight
Hibiscus like sunlight but just as most people like moderate amounts of it so do hibiscus. Too much sun places stress on hibiscus that is not used to it and they can react with yellow leaves or big white spots on leaves. The white spots are similar to sunburn on us. They won't kill the plant but will cause it to shed leaves.
Light is the source of life for plants such as hibiscus. If they do not get enough to support all the big lush leaves they will drop some of their leaves (which turn yellow first) so that they don't need to support so many. However, that means that there is less green chlorophyll left to support the needs of the rest of the plant so it may continue to decline until there are only a few leaves left on the plant.
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Insects, Particularly Spider Mites
Spider mites on houseplants and outdoor plants is a common problem. It is important to use a spider mite treatment as soon as possible to keep the plant looking its best. Spider mites produce the worst effects on stressed plants. Keeping your hibiscus plant well-watered will help it withstand mite-induced damage. Because mites prefer dry conditions, use an overhead spray when watering your hibiscus, wetting the leaves to raise humidity. Read more how to treat spider mite damage:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm
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Hibiscus can be planted singly or grown as a hedge plant; they can also be pruned into a single-stemmed small tree. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
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