What's wrrong with my Hibiscus?

I bought 4 thriving Hibiscus plants. I transferred three of them to large clay pots and the 4th to a tiny little flower bed. The three plants in my big clay pots have all but expired. The 4th in the little raggedy bed is thriving. What did I do wrong? The plants were all pot bound but I was really careful with the roots. Please help me someone!

What's wrrong with my Hibiscus?
It sounds like the ones in the pots are not getting the right amount of water. Clay pots are notorious for either drying out too fast, or holding too much water; without knowing other symptoms, it's hard to say. If the leaves are getting brown tips, or in general getting "crispy," then the plants aren't getting enough water; if the plant is turning yellow over all and sagging a bit, it's more likely that they're getting too much water.





If you live in an area where it gets very dry, then putting a coating of epoxy on the INSIDE of the pot can allow you to use them; it prevents the water from the soil from being absorbed into the pot itself. Likewise, it can help in wet areas to prevent the water in the walls of the pot from overwhelming the soil. That way, you get all the benefits of the plastic barrier, but with the nicer looks of terra cotta.
Reply:In the past I made the same mistake. You have to give them a drink daily until they make it thru the 1st year. Once they make that they will come back year after year that is if they are hardy. If tropical they will die off after the 1st frost.
Reply:you might have put them in too big a pot if the leaves turned yellow you forgot to water one day Hibiscus like lots of water the roots might be too root bound take them out of the pot and cut the roots with a sharp knife from top to bottom get a product called Superthrive and follow directions
Reply:It might not be your fault at all. It is almost too late to buy plants. The upkeep starts suffering near the end of the season. They might not have been watered properly.





Next year, buy the shrubs the size you want and do not put them in larger pots. You can put their pots down into a prettier pot (no soil needed) if you wish. Make sure it has holes for the water to drain out.





After a month or so, you can start a liquid fertilizer schedule. Fertilize from every 7 to 14 days. Read and follow the directions on the container.





Water is the most important thing. Do not let them dry out. This will do them in fast. Plants must have water, even your garden where you have the other shrub.





Next spring, use time-released fertilizer on your outdoor garden. We use Osmocote. Always read and do what the directions on the container says to do. Water in well. You can plant after you do this OR you can buy bagged compost and spread it about 4 to 6 inches deep in your garden. Water well and then plant.





Remember, water is the most important thing.