Question From:
John in Noranda, Perth WA
Nature of problem:
I’ve just planted three 2 meter native hibiscus (cottonwood) the yellow flowering type. I need advice on correct feed & how to get rid of the vivid green grasshopper type beasty that has just arrived & is devouring the leaves.
Type of Plant (if known):
Native Hibiscus (Cottonwood) yellow flower
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Chewed leaves. Otherwise the plant is healthy & flowering. (Two weeks from planting)
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Grey water resistant sand. I added a premium soil conditioner.
How often do you water the plant:
twice a day in this current heat.
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Full sun
What type of plant is it:
Photo supplied
How long since you planted it:
Two weeks
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Slow release fertiliser supplied by the person we bought it from. Looks like Osmacote
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoor
What other treatments have you given the plant:
None
Upload photo if available:
P1010138.JPG
Other Comments:
Answer: This hibiscus is one of my favourite plants. it is a coastal species right around the Pacific Ocean. It is not the usual Hibiscus that you usually see in gardens.You’ll see it in Hawaii, along east coast Australia etc etc. It loves coastal sands, heavy rainfall and humid air. Thus it doesn’t love the low rainfall and dry air of Perth as this leaves it open to pest attack. Poor environmental confitions damage its insect-repelling ability. Use a soil wetting agent like Seasol Super Soil Wetter and water it deeply once a week during dry weather. As a last resort try Yates Success spray – this is a safe Organic spray.. Don
