Planta Discover

How to water a Hibiscus

Publicado el November 20, 2025

How to water a Hibiscus

How to water

Feel the soil; it should be a bit moist but not wet when watering it again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers, if water seeps out it’s still wet.

If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

public/content/UEiJjPVkRJimPBu_zvuvYg.webp

Water over the soil

  1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap

  2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes

  3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water

  4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Hibiscus loves water but that doesn't mean that it'll convert into a mermaid, so make sure that the pot and soil drains properly.
— Planta tip

public/content/l_X7q9KIQCW2wGfVkipx1g.webp

Bottom watering

  1. Fill the plant tray with water

  2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray

  3. Wait for about 10 minutes

  4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray

  5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray

  6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

  1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water

  2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water

  3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped

  4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off

  5. Put the plant back in the cachepot or on the tray

  6. After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

Preguntas frecuentes

When should I water my Hibiscus?

Water your Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) when the soil feels a bit moist but not wet. You can check by squeezing a bit of soil between your fingers; if water seeps out, it is still too wet.

How do I water my Hibiscus from the top?

Pour water over the soil until it starts to run out from the drainage holes. If you have a tray underneath, make sure to remove all collected water afterwards.

What is bottom watering for a Hibiscus?

For bottom watering, fill the plant tray with water, ensuring the soil is in contact with the water. Wait for about 10 minutes, then feel the soil to see if it has absorbed enough water.

How do I give my Hibiscus a water bath?

Fill a bucket or vessel with lukewarm water and lower the entire pot into it until the soil is submerged. Wait until the water stops bubbling, then lift the pot and let the excess water drain off.

Is bottom watering enough for a Hibiscus?

While effective, bottom watering does not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil. Make sure to also water your Hibiscus over the soil every now and then.

Why is proper drainage important for a Hibiscus?

Proper drainage is crucial because while Hibiscus loves water, it should not sit in standing water. Excellent drainage prevents overwatering and potential root rot.

How to water a Hibiscus from the top

  1. Pour water over the soil, using a watering can or by placing the plant directly under a tap.

  2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes.

  3. If you have a tray under the pot, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards to prevent the plant from sitting in water.

  4. If you watered under a tap, ensure water has stopped running out from the bottom before moving the plant.