Chinese Hibiscus

Needs as much sun as you can give it. full sun (6 or more hours of sun hitting the leaves per day. South-facing window, no obstructions. Under grow lights, keep them 4-8 inches away for 12-14 hours) is ideal; more light means more and larger flowers. It will tolerate partial shade but flowering suffers noticeably. A south-facing window is the best indoor spot.

Enjoys higher humidity as a tropical plant, though it adapts to average indoor levels. A pebble tray or occasional misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) helps during dry winter months.

Rich, well-draining potting mix with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Container size matters; too large a pot relative to root mass makes consistent watering difficult.

Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips are common pests; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Susceptible to powdery mildew, downy mildew, and botrytis in humid, poorly ventilated conditions. Yellowing leaves and bud drop usually trace back to water inconsistency, temperature swings, or low light.