Hibiscus tilaceous, or Hibiscus Taiwan is a nice plant to work with and also has some variants that can make your bonsai garden enjoyable to witness. I have seen listings for a red variant, but not actually seen it myself.
I have recently acquired a variegated variant. They are just cuttings for now, but they have started to show signs of growing. I am on the hunt for the Red (Var Rubra) plant I think. Not sure though if this is a plant for bonsai.
They are a nice part of my Bonsai garden.
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Hibiscus tilaceous
- Common Name: Hibiscus Taiwan, Sea hibiscus, Cotton Tree, Mahoe
- Family: Malvaceae
- Varietals: Variegated plants exist, also (var. rubra) has deep red foliage
- Habitat/Range: Coastal pantropical
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Tree;
- Leaves: Heart-shaped, Dark green on top, whitish on bottom
- Flowers: None
- Fruit/Seed: Seeds can be collected from pods for propagation, soak in warm water overnight, plant and wait 2-4 weeks
- Stem/Bark: Grayish brown
- Growth: Fast
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 6-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun. Tolerate partial shade once established.
- Water Use: Drought tolerant once established, moderate water, salt spray.
- Soil Mix: Sandy, Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn)
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning for Ramification: Regular pruning is essential from late winter to early spring, Clip and grow method.
- Defoliation: Partial or full leaf pruning to reduce leaf size, making the tree appear more proportional as a miniature. Can completely defoliate in summer.
- Wiring: Wire using a heavy guage for primary branches. Wire in winter when sap flow is lower, but monitor closely as the wire may scar the plant.
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