Uh Oh Dogs...

[Kristy]

I had my newly purchased cultivars being introduced to sunlight after receiving them in a spot that I thought was out of reach from my beagle.  Unfortunately I was wrong and she knocked one over and it broke near the base.  I've never had this happen so I don't know if there is any way to save it.  Does anyone have any recommendations.  The plant was Burnt Saffron if that matters.

[Charlie]

Ahh, that's too bad but all may not be lost. The plant might send out a new shoot from below the break - that's an advantage of a rooted plant as opposed to a grafted plant. To give it the best chance keep the pot in a warm place withs some direct sun and water it often enough to keep the soil moist but not sopping wet. It will send out a new shoot within 2-4 weeks if it is able to do so. If it does it will grow back normally and could become as good as new by next year.

You can also try to root the top part that broke off. There are many techniques to do this but the easiest is to trim to top into 1 or more 4-6 inch long cuttings, and then place the bottom inch of each cutting in water. Use a water glass that is small enough so the cutting is held upright and change the water every day or two so that it does not grow bacteria or molds that can kill the cutting. You can add a drop of rooting hormone to the water if you have any. If the cutting does not rot and die it might send out roots within a month or two. Once the roots are strong and a few inches long you can plant it in a pot and it will grow into a mature plant.

Best of luck!

Charlie

[Kristy]

One follow up question.  I put the broken top in a glass and used root hormone and changed the water.  The leaves on the stem are green and it has even made a new leaf but no roots.  How long should it be before it grows roots?

[Charlie]

Patience is required to root hibiscus. The time averages 6 weeks to get decent roots and during that time the water must be changed regularly and the conditions must remain mild - not too hot or too cold, not to bright or too dark.

Good luck!

Charlie