Dropping Green Healhy Looking Leaves?

[Paul]

Hello everyone. I am hoping to get some help/insight on my problem.

My Summer Fun cv has been dropping its leaves. They are always green, crisp, and healthy looking. They are never yellowing or wilty. I am wondering why his is happening. This is not just a current problem. It has been happening occasionally all summer. However, it seems to be happening more frequently now that it ( and all of my plants) have been moved indoors. As mentioned before, the leaves are never wilted, so I dont think it is wilt disease. And it is losing the leaves from the bottom to the middle of the plant. It still has all of its leaves at the growing tips, so I don't think it is dieback disease. I have been treating with Super Nova and fertilizing appropriately for summer, and now indoor growing.

So is this just a trait of this CV (Summer Fun's idea of "summer fun" is getting naked?)? Or is there a problem here that I am missing? Any help will be greatly appreciated!!

[helixturnhelix]

It sounds like it is a consequence of changing over from outdoors to indoors.  Soon you will start seeing new leaves form that are more adapted for indoor growing.  I would be really careful about over-watering while your plant is making the transition.  Summer fun is one that seems to really like more light and warmth, so that might help prevent additional leaf loss.  I would also apply epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) as I have found that helps alot with growing hibiscus indoors.  The extra magnesium and sulfur helps protect the roots and produce additional chlorophyll.  I noticed that you have your grow area pretty densely planted, it would be a good idea to also get a fan to increase air movement.  This will prevent fungal problems and allow for better exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. 

BTW where are you located?

[Paul]

Thanks for the advice! I will try the epsom salts. Can I mist the hibiscus with the Epsom salts, or just water with it? And if I can mist, can I add it to my Super Nova solution?

 I have set up a second growing area since the last time I posted pictures, so they are less crowded. And I do have a fan in both areas to help with circulation.

I am located in Morgantown, WV

[helixturnhelix]

Hi Paul,

You can just sprinkle the Epsom salts on the surface of the soil.  Each time you water it will get absorbed by the plant.

I bet your growing season is a bit longer than up here, being in West Virgina.

[Paul]

Thanks! I'll try that.

Well I guess we have a little bit of a longer growing season, but it seems the cold came a little early this year. We had a few nights in the 30's already. So I got tired of trekking 40+ plants in and out, and just decided to keep them in til spring.

Thanks again for the help!