Hidden Valley Hibiscus Forum

so i am trying to rescue a hibiscus that a family member left out for an unexpected frost. This plant was kept inside on a normal basis and did very well and was a very big bush with many buds and blooms. Then it went through one frost outside and lost every single leaf! I tried to nurse this plant and actually was able to get some new growth on many of the branches, and i thought it was coming back very well. Then out of nowhere they all dropped off again and i have no idea why!! The temperatures have been right and i have made sure it had adequite sunlight and water! and now ican get new growth on the very bottom of the bush but only a couple little scrawney leaves. It will also act like up the stems it is forming new growth and will get a little green piece but then it just seems to dry up and turn a dark brown color. And then the only leves that form are down at the very bottom of the plant right above the potting soil. I just went outside in the rain and took some pics with my phone to upload to this post, so the soil is wet and the pic is not the best ever but if anyone can help me and let me know what i need to do i would greatly appreciate it, I am new to the world of hibiscus growing, and have not had many plants and this is my first experience with an unhealthy one!! Thank you!!!

Hi Beverly ! Welcome to the forum and the world of Hibiscus !

Well from what you described is normal for hibiscus. One should not leave them out in frost type temps. Generally tropical hibiscus can not with stand weather below 40 degrees. They will drop all leaves and go into shock.

My suggestion is to get it out the rain ( especially since it barely has any leaves.) rule of thumb I go by is less leaves = less water and longer it will take plant to suck up out of the soil. If you over water hibiscus with few leaves they will throw a fit and drop leaves(They turn yellow first then fall off).

If you say the temperature is right where you live, over watering it could be the problem or spider mites but typically they don't like cold weather.  Only water when soil gets dry ( but don't let it get so dry you see leaves wilting )

I hope this helps :)

thank you! It is our rainy season right now, so i should just bring it in until that is done since it doesnt need as much water?? i will do so immediately! untill i get some good new growth again! thank you again!!