Help! Hibiscus care in the UK

[Xelkaia]

Hi all

I'm new to the forums, chameleon keeping and am in need of some general advice on hibiscus care..

I've searched and read as much as I could but nothing has really seemed helpful.
I have three Hibiscus plants I bought for my viv, and of the three, two have failed.. most of their leaves turning yellow and falling off, so I've removed them from his enclosure.
The final of the three hibiscus stands in the viv and is my Cham's fav hiding spot.
Much to my dismay it's leaves too, have started to yellow here and there, but mainly near the bottom.
I've watered them and replanted them, but nothing seems to help.
Almost all sources have said to put them outside for some real sunlight and that often saves the day.
However.. I live in Scotland, and sunlight isn't a common occurrence.. :L
Especially at this time of year.. It's just rainy, cloudy.. and cold.
So putting them outside would surely just kill them.

Is there any way that I can turn this situation around?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks guys

 

[carol5208]

unfortunately plants that flower require sun, so the hibiscus(as pretty as it is) are hard to keep indoors.UVB lights don't give off rays like the good ole sun. I was going to suggest getting it outside, having two plants and rotating them, but I see you said you are in your rainy season right now. I think some members have had success with grow lights, in addition to the UVB lights. A 6500K is what I have seen people use on here. We have home depots over here, I don't know if you guys have them in the Scotland. Some kind of do it yourself store should sell them.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Your plant likely needs more light than you are providing. Given you dont have a lot of sunny days year round, you'll have to add a lightbulb/ light tube specifically designed for plant growth.

Also dont let your plant sit in water.

Generally, "cooler" coloured lights are better for green growth as they mimic the light of spring sunshine and warm lights are better to encourage blossoming and fruiting like late summer/ fall light. You could change bulbs with the seasons, if you want your plant to flower.

The standard tungsten incandescent bulbs many of us use for heat are a yellowish light, more towards red than blue. Hallogens too. Our UVB tubes are often more towards blue, but not very bright (low lumens /low watt/ low intesity). Providing a 6500k (towards blue) fluorescent tube or CFL along with your UVB tube and heat lamp will provide the right colour light to help green growth. Flowering and fruiting plants want a more red colour temp.

I use compact florescent and florescent tubes for green growth on my finicky plants. In my case, these grow lights are on a separate timer from the heat and UVB lighting, because I only need the extra plant light for about three hours daily.

 

[Xelkaia]

Thank you so much for your advice guys
I'll see if the added lighting helps and shall report back

Could any of you suggest other plants which might work well in the viv if my hibiscus recovery programme fails?

I was considering a Pothos as I've heard nothing but good reviews on them, but have been apprehensive as I'm afraid I'll buy the wrong type.

Do you know the full name for the safe one?
and any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[chameleoman]

what i do actually i just did this 5 min ago literally keep the plant outside like a normal plant when it blooms just pick the flower off wash it and attach it to a branch or something and my big boy REX is eating it as i type

 

[sandrachameleon]

I use pothos (Epipremnum aureum) extensively. VERY forgiving plant.
Another popular one is Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola /dwarf schefflera /hawaiian umbrella).

what i do actually i just did this 5 min ago literally keep the plant outside like a normal plant when it blooms just pick the flower off wash it and attach it to a branch or something and my big boy REX is eating it as i type

You are lucky that the LA climate allows you to keep them outside. Tropical plants dont do nearly so well in Canada or Scotland
Both leaves and flowers of hybiscus are good for the chameleon to eat.

 

[chameleoman]

REX tackled the flower and it was over his entire face i was laughing

 

[Xelkaia]

Cute!!
Well I'm hoping my baby Cham will eventually take to chomping on the leaves of his hibiscus (if I can save it!) as I've heard its a great way to help with hydration.
Although, he does seem very fussy at the moment, won't hand feed or drink anything, will only drink droplets from leaves and locusts I set loose in his viv.
I have been told it could be due to him shedding which he is doing at the moment, plus the fact he's only moved in about week ago.
But I guess he'll show his personality (and hopefully his appetite!!) once he gets properly settled.

I use pothos (Epipremnum aureum) extensively. VERY forgiving plant.
Another popular one is Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola /dwarf schefflera /hawaiian umbrella).

Brilliant!! Both of these are available at my local garden centre, so I might buy one of each whilst I tend to these hibiscus plants!

Thanks for all your help