Question
I have an indoor hibiscus tree that was doing really well up until a couple weeks ago, then one half of the tree started to die. I thought it might be unhappy in the pot it's in so I re-potted it, fertilized it and changed all the soil in the process. Now the rest of the tree has started to die and I can't figure out why! I read somewhere that hibiscus trees can get stressed in the winter, and it has been really cold here, but it's an indoor plant.

I really love this tree and certainly don't want to see it die. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated,

Answer
Hi Katherine,

Hibiscus trees often struggle indoors in warm, dry air during winter when the sunlight is reduced. They tend to go semi-dormant in winter and don't look so great.

Unfortunately, all of the corrections you attempted made matters worse. Repotting and fertilizing should be limited to healthy plants that are growing vigorously. Replacing soil should not be done in any circumstances because it damages the tiny root hairs that do most of the work.

I wish I had better news for you, but I would be very surprised if your Hibiscus survives. I am sorry I have to deliver this bad news to you. At least you will know better next time.

I have written an article on repotting that I will e-mail to you or anyone else who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com