It lives in a SOUTH facing CORNER window, and has a “grow light as well.
Bought it last Fall from Davenport Garden Centre.
A bloom a day until recently.
Translated once to a 13″ pot. Used Magic Tropical soil.
Lined tray with large stones so evaporation could happen.
APHIDS appeared. Spray both sides of leaves with soap.
YELLOW leaves appeared. They fall off.
This tree has become my friend. Please help save it !
Thank you,
Thank you for asking us, The Toronto Master Gardeners, your hibiscus question.
It does seem your hibiscus has been harmed by aphids or possibly some other stresses, which have caused your leaves to yellow.
Stress can come from a few sources:
Repotting – Hibiscus do like to be crowded
Changes in the sunlight or grow lights- As the days are now longer the grow lights may not be required, plants do need a dark rest period and light for about 10 to 12 hours a day. Is your grow light too hot or too close to the leaves?
Moisture – Over watering often leads to yellow leaves
Pests – You have identified aphids
Have you added any new plants to your home which the aphids may have come in on?
I have added a link from a past Toronto Master Gardeners inquiry with helpful hints for your hibiscus.
A repeated insecticidal soap approach is good, but do also take the plant outside to the garden hose, or place in the shower, or under a kitchen sink faucet with a spray attachment and wash down the plant with a strong spray, before and after the treatment. If you see any insects after spraying, squash and remove them manually. It can take several rounds of hosing down and applying insecticidal soap to get them under control.
If you have brought new plants into your home, be sure to check and treat for pests also.
If you continue to have a problem, please submit a new question to ASK a Master Gardener including a picture of the aphids if possible.