New to this.

[Brenden]

Hello. My name is Brenden. 24 First and foremost  I want to sinnnnnnnnnnnn ce rely  thank Charlie and Cindy for taking the time to create such masterful plants. Who would of thought I would be looking at PLANTS in the middle of the nite rather than other things! Ha, so hats off to you Charlie. I ordered my plants a few months ago now and I could not be  more anxious. I am located in the right side of Michigan .  Right by Flint. I have read every piece of literature  on this website, and I was curious......I don't want to be THAT guy. But do we know around what time in may or June they will be here. I read  what the prerequisites  are, and I just wanted to know the specifics  of the temperatures Ned to be. I purchased 3 in 4 inch pots. I grabbed valentine's  day, Golden Gate, and Out of the ashes. If Anyone also has experience with those varieties, could you give me some pointers. This is the first time I have purchased anything "LIVING" over the Internet. I appreciate  any info you can give this novice gardener. Thank you.
 

[Kathleen]

Welcome Brenden -  I am fairly new to this as well, but I have Out of the Ashes and Valentines Day.  The good news is that both of these seem to be little more forgiving than many of the other varieties I have.  You will love them once they start growing and blooming.  They are more beautiful than the pictures can capture. All I can say is water, sun and fertilizer.  They want to be moist, but not wet.  Like some other plants, don't let them dry out before you water.  Even before the leaves start to wilt, the buds will droop and die.   Sun is one thing I am still working on.  I live in Florida and the direct sun here is intense in the spring and summer.  I am told they like direct morning sun and dappled or filtered sun in the afternoon, but I don't have an area on my property like that.  So far, I found a spot that gives them full sun from about noon to 3:00 pm.  The rest of the day they are in complete shade.  I've had them there for about 6 weeks now and so far, no buds.  Don't skimp on the fertilizer either....at least once a week.  I use the HVH fertilizer.  Oh, one I didn't mention is potting mix.  There is already lots of info on this forum regarding that.

I can't tell you how many plants I have already killed trying to figure this all out.  I am hoping this will be my year.  Read everything you can on this forum....it is full of great information.

Best of luck,
Kathleen

[Charlie]

Brenden, welcome to the world of hibiscus. It's great fun, somewhat challenging which just adds to the sense of accomplishment, and a great way to take a mini vacation anytime you want.

As for shipping, we are and have been shipping the maximum number of orders we can each week. Of course the most northern states are the last to be shipped to due to weather concerns but I am pretty sure you will have your plants by the end of May.

Charlie

[Brenden]

I just  received  information  that  they  are on their  way. Woooohooooooo   haha

[Brenden]

Brenden, welcome to the world of hibiscus. It's great fun, somewhat challenging which just adds to the sense of accomplishment, and a great way to take a mini vacation anytime you want.

As for shipping, we are and have been shipping the maximum number of orders we can each week. Of course the most northern states are the last to be shipped to due to weather concerns but I am pretty sure you will have your plants by the end of May.

Charlie

AWESOME! Charlie I just recieved my triplets (hhahahahaa). Ok, this is good news.
Now I have read all literature on this site, trust me my friend. I wasn't financially able to purchase all the "perks" fertilizer and soils at the time, technicaly, I can do it now, but will it be in time for them?

As you may remember, I am a MICHIGAN man, hahaha so this will be a challenge, but I will come through this, and I am ready to give it all my efforts.

Currently,  I have 2 jobs, housekeeping at a hospital, and part time (whenever I can help her) at a greenhouse.

Now from a completely humane perspective, I need you to be 100% honest, if I SHOULD order the soils, and whatever else I "need" let me know. OR if it is too much of a time crunch by now, PLEASE educate me on alternatives***.

Like I said, if I still have time, let me know to order then necessities.
She does have ozmocote, but I am guessing that won't suffice.

I am sorry to pester you like this Charlie, I just ordered these months ago and I want everything to be  perfect, well, at least learn I suppose.  Thank you ahead of time,

[Brenden]

[farmer d]

Hi Brenden,

Congrats on your new venture into the world of exotic hibiscus.  I have been growing these amazing plants for 5 years now and I can tell you from experience do not skimp on getting the basic necessities for your plants.  Without a doubt get the HVH soil, HVH Houseplant Fert and the Booster.  Also the Supernova is a must when used as a spray as it is a great stress reliever and helps to offset dry conditions in one's home during the cold months.

I also highly recommend purchasing some sort of grow lights to encourage bud production.  I use T5 two foot long grow lights (4 bulb fixture).  They now sell LED grow lights too - expensive but very low cost on your electric bill.
 
The number one way to kill these plants is over watering which takes all the air out of the soil and leads to root rot (water mold).  Be patient and observe the subtle signs your plant tell you.  These are momentum plants so it takes time for them to switch gears and effects of what you do take 2-3 weeks to show.  It might even be a good idea to keep a journal so you can see what works and how well.

Finally ask many questions - you might lose a few plants along the way but there is nothing like them!  Get ready for some ups and downs but hopefully with lots of TLC and patience you will have some great results before you know it.

Farmer D

[Brenden]

Haha  awesome. You replied. Over the months  of waiting, I have shown  MANY of coworkers  pictures of YOUR flowers..... it's like having superman  write back. This is neat.

[Brenden]

Ok, just picked up all the items suggested Farmer D.

[Kyle]

Brenden,
Welcome and those 4" plants should be fun.   I also use all the things Farmer D mentioned from hvh.    Those 4" plants you have will grow fast and be blooming.  Depending on what you want to do with your new plants, you can leave them in those small pots for a few weeks while they acclimate in their new home.  At first, they might not need as much water but when they get bigger they need lots of water and frequently if you keep them in  4"  or 6" pots.   Water can run out the pots quick and not allow the roots a chance to absorb enough water so you may need to add a tray under the pot to help hold the water.    Trays can hold to much water for to long so don't let the pots sit in puddle of water if it rains or is overwatered cause you can drown them.     It will take a little time to figure out the watering because conditions are always changing and the bush gets bigger demanding lots of water.   Living in Ohio  I must bring my hibiscus indoors late Sept. or Oct but by then my plants are shutting down not receiving the direct sun they had over the summer.   
Kyle