Indoor hibiscus shows off its magnificent flowers on this year's shoots. This behavior requires annual pruning so that the flowering does not diminish. In this guide you will read when and how to skillfully cut your Chinese rose marshmallow.
When and how should the indoor hibiscus be cut?
An indoor hibiscus should be cut after the winter flowering period, usually in February. Remove dead shoots at the base, cut out wilted inflorescences and shorten long branches to just above a leaf or leaf node.
Cut indoor hibiscus in February
The best time to cut rose marshmallow is after the winter flowering period. Under normal conditions, the exotic evergreen ornamental tree has finished its blooming appearance on the windowsill and in the winter garden in February. Before the growth of new shoots with numerous flower buds begins, old flower wood should be cleared from the field.
Slow growth dictates cutting style
Indoor hibiscus grows 5 to 15 centimeters a year more slowly than its winter-hardy counterparts in the garden bed. The leisurely pace requires a planned cut so that there are no gaps or you have to wait a long time to reach the desired final height. How to properly cut a rose marshmallow:
- Cut off dead and disturbing shoots at the base
- Clean out wilted inflorescences for a better overview
- Cut back branches that are too long until just above a leaf or a leaf node
Ideally, you should shorten excessively long shoots using a derivation. This cutting technique aims to soften or completely prevent annoying gaps in the appearance. Examine the branch in question for a lower, outward-facing side shoot. Place the scissor blades at the fork. The previously subordinate side branch now takes over the leadership position.
Education to become a standard child – this is how it works
As a standard tree, indoor hibiscus is a feast for the eyes. When finished, the piece of jewelry has its price in specialist retailers. As an indoor gardener, you enjoy the privilege of training a young rose marshmallow to become a standard plant yourself. How to proceed step by step:
- Nominate the most promising shoot as the future trunk
- Fix to a bamboo stick with soft binding material
- Cut off all side branches at the base
- When you reach the final height, cut the main shoot to encourage buds to sprout
By cutting off the tip bud, you trigger a sap build-up below the cut site. Several shoots then sprout. Tie the top shoot to the support rod as a trunk extension and guide it up to the desired crown height. From the remaining shoots, choose three to four promising branches as the crown framework. In the following years, shorten the leading branches of the crown by half every spring so that they branch lushly.
The biggest challenge when raising a standard child is a long line of patience. Given the slow rate of growth, it will take several years until you cross the desired finish line.
Tip
Don't carelessly throw away indoor hibiscus cuttings. With a little luck, you will discover 15 centimeter long shoot tips that are suitable for propagation from cuttings. The cut should be made just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and plant each cutting in its own pot with lean potting soil. A transparent hood creates the warm, humid microclimate that is important for rapid rooting.
