Overwintering Tropical Hibiscus Indoors in Central NJ: Light, Water & Transition

Successful Indoor Protocol

Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) overwinters well as a houseplant:

1. Before frost: Bring in. East/south patio door ideal; or grow lights 12″ above.
2. Water weekly; no fertilizer.
3. Expect: Leaf drop, bud drop, bloom stop – semi-dormancy is normal.
4. Spring (nights >50°F): 10 days shade outdoors, then full sun. Resume water/feed.

Pruning

Light shaping only now. Hard prune in late winter if needed.

Your grow lights + patio door setup is perfect. Don't panic at leaf loss—it's temporary.