The Hibiscus flower is an emblem of many tropical countries such as Haiti and Hawaii. And this is because this beautiful plant thrives in warm, tropical conditions.
In some ways, this decorative plant needs a little more care and attention than other houseplants.
Due to its tropical heritage, the temperature of its living environment has to be just right.
So to enjoy the best blooms from your plant, you can find out the best temperature (range) for your Hibiscus below.
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What is the Best Temperature (range) for Hibiscus?
For Hibiscus plants to grow and bloom then they need an ideal temperature that ranges between 60 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 29 degrees Celsius). Tropical Hibiscus needs this temperature all year round. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above or below this can damage and even kill your Hibiscus.
What Happens to Hibiscus if Doesn’t get the Right Temperature
Hibiscus are very sensitive to their environment. This means that they will suffer when they’re not kept in their ideal temperature range.
If your hibiscus stays in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) then this will impair its growth and blooming.
It will start to drop its leaves and the chance of it producing flowers is very unlikely.
In the winter when it’s not blooming, Tropical Hibiscus can tolerate a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) without incurring severe damage.
But be aware that freezing temperatures will severely damage a Hibiscus. And if it’s exposed to frost for a long time then this will likely kill it.
And it’s not just the cold that can affect Hibiscus. When they’re exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), this can be damaging too.
If your plant is exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, this will cause the leaves and buds to turn yellow and drop off.
Your Hibiscus can survive in temperatures of up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit ( 46 degrees Celsius) But when temperatures get over 85 Fahrenheit ( 29 degrees Celsius) you will need to provide extra water and humidity.
How to Keep Hibiscus Warm
If you live in a warm, sunny climate then it will take less effort to keep your hibiscus within its ideal temperature range.
But don’t worry, if you live in a cooler climate, you can still enjoy Hibiscus in your home by keeping it indoors.
When you’re keeping Hibiscus indoors, once the summer arrives and temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) you can take your Hibiscus outdoors.
Your Hibiscus will benefit a lot from being outdoors in the summer.
They like lots of sun, so make sure that you give your Hibiscus a bright spot. They enjoy the sun on their leaves and this will encourage blooming.
But when autumn is approaching, it’s time to make plans for your hibiscus’s winter habitat.
This could be as simple as bringing it indoors for the winter. Alternatively, you can winter your Hibiscus in a garage or heated greenhouse.
Ideally, it should be put in a bright spot that’s exposed to lots of sunlight. If you have a window that’s facing south, then this is perfect.
Hibiscus plants can grow quite big in the summer. So before you move them inside, it’s a good idea to prune hibiscus them back first.
Trimming them back by 20 percent is ideal. However, you can healthily prune them back up to 50 percent before the winter.
Not only will this save you some space, but this will stop the dropped leaves from littering your floor.
The most important thing is that wherever your plant is spending the winter, the temperature mustn’t drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius).
Even in warmer climates, you might have to protect your outdoor tropical Hibiscus from unexpected cold snaps.
You can do this by using a frost cloth to cover it over until the temperature rises again.
It’s worth noting that mature Hibiscus are at less risk of frost damage than younger ones. So if you have young, small Hibiscus in pots then bring them indoors if there is frost.
To have a precise idea about the temperature of your Hibiscuses environment then it’s worth investing in a thermometer and humidity meter.
Hardy Hibiscus and Temperature
Hardy Hibiscus is also known as hybrid or perennial Hibiscus. And they include strains such as Rose of Sharon and Rose Mallow.
These types have been cross-bred with native flowers to produce a Hibiscus shrub that can winter outside.
Hardy Hibiscus can be planted in the garden, no matter what their climate. They don’t need the same warm, humid conditions as tropical Hibiscus.
Hardy Hibiscus still offer the same stunning booms as their tropical counterparts and are ideal for people living in colder climates
Unlike tropical Hibiscus which stays green all year round, hardy Hibiscus will usually die back to the roots in the winter.
Depending on the spices, hardy Hibiscus can survive temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 34 degrees Celsius).
However, it’s always a good idea to give Hardy Hibiscus some frost protection if you live in a particularly cold climate. You can do this with extra mulch or a frost cover.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Temperature (range) for Hibiscus
Can Hibiscus live outside?
This depends on your climate and the spices. Tropical Hibiscus can live outside all year round in warm climates. But for colder environments, it must be brought indoors for the winter. Perennial or hardy Hibiscus on the other hand can live outside for the entire year, even during the cold seasons.
Will frost kill my Hibiscus?
Frost can potentially kill a tropical Hibiscus if it’s exposed for too long. However, hardy Hibiscus can tolerate freezing temperatures but they may need some kind of frost protection.
Will my Hibiscus die in the winter?
Perennial Hibiscus will usually die back to the root during the winter. But it will grow back again in the spring. Whereas Tropical Hibiscus, with the right conditions, will usually stay green all year round.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.