Hawaiian red hibiscus (Hibiscus kokio)
Care, watering, light and tips for Hawaiian red hibiscus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Malvaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Hawaiian red hibiscus
Hibiscus kokio, commonly known as St. John's Rosemallow, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Hawaii, prized for its showy, solitary flowers, typically red or orange. These blooms, often lacking an exposed stigma, are a visual delight in tropical and subtropical gardens, or as an indoor plant in temperate climates. Its elegant habit and exotic flowering make it ideal for focal points or informal hedges.
Native range
Hawaii
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering, though it appreciates some partial shade during the hottest parts of the day. Watering should be regular and abundant, keeping the substrate consistently moist but well-drained, avoiding waterlogging which can lead to root rot. It prefers rich, slightly acidic soils with excellent drainage; a good quality potting mix is ideal. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity, which can cause bud drop, so misting the leaves or placing it near a humidifier is recommended.
How to save a dying Hawaiian red hibiscus
- Warning signs
- Yellowing and dropping leaves, buds not opening or falling off, soft and wilted stems. This indicates severe stress.
- First aid
- Check watering (under/overwatering), repot if pot-bound or with rotten roots. Look for pests (spider mites).
- What kills it
- Extreme over or underwatering, frost exposure or cold drafts, lack of direct sunlight.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if its main stems are not completely dry or rotted. Recovery is slow but possible with proper care.