16-Year-Old Hibiscus Leggy? Hard Prune Now, Root the Cuttings

Your 16-year-old indoor hibiscus is leggy after one repot. Annual pruning (⅓ off) would have prevented this. Now it needs a major renovation.

Pruning Plan

• Cut every stem back by ⅓ to ½ using sharp bypass pruners.
• Cut just above an outward-facing node.
• Expect a bare look for weeks—new growth emerges at cut points.
• Best done late winter/early spring, but "late" is better than never.

Propagate the Cuttings

1. Take tip cuttings (top 4–6 inches of each pruned stem).
2. Strip lower leaves; dip in rooting hormone.
3. Root in water until 1-inch roots form.
4. Pot multiple cuttings together in soilless mix for a full plant.

Aftercare

• Bright light (south/west window).
• Water when top inch dry.
• Fertilize monthly at half-strength once new leaves appear.
• Pinch new growth tips to encourage branching.

Email photos for specific cut-line guidance. Your hibiscus will be compact and blooming by summer.