Both hardy & tropical hibiscus are propagated from cuttings. Hibiscus cuttings are generally the preferred way of propagating hibiscus because cutting will grow to be an exact copy of the parent plant. When using hibiscus cuttings to propagate hibiscus, begin by taking the cutting. The cutting must be taken from new growth or softwood. Softwood is branched on the hibiscus that has not yet developed. Softwood will be pliable & often having a greenish cast. You will generally find softwood on hibiscus in spring or early summer.
The hibiscus cutting must be four to six inches long. Remove everything but the top position of leaves. Trim the bottom of the hibiscus cutting to be cut below the bottom leaf node. Dip the bottom of the hibiscus tree cutting in rooting hormone. The next step for propagating hibiscus from cuttings is to position the hibiscus cutting in well-draining soil. Make sure the rooting soil is thoroughly wet, and then stick a finger into the rooting soil. Place the hibiscus cutting into the hole & backfill it around the hibiscus cutting. Place a plastic bag over the cutting, production sure that the plastic does not touch the leaves. Position the hibiscus cutting in partial shade. Make sure the rooting soil stays damp until the hibiscus cuttings are rooted. The cuttings must be rooted in about 8 weeks.
