Hibiscus Tiliaceus 

Thumbnail courtesy of Bonsai Tree New Zealand

Common Names: Sea Hibiscus
Botanical & Ecological Characteristics:

Synonyms: Pariti tiliaceumHibiscus azanzaeParititiliaceum var. heterophyllumAbelmoschus boninenseHibiscus tiliiaefoliaHibiscus boninensisAbelmoschustiliaceumHibiscus tiliaceus

Amapola, Sea Hibiscus, Rope Mangrove by Eat The Weeds

Hibiscus tiliaceus by Wikipedia

Hau, sea hibiscus by Common Forest Trees of Hawaii

Hibiscus tiliaceus by Traditional Tree . Org

Hibiscus tiliaceus – Hau by Hawaiian Plants and Tropical Flowers

Plant Profile by United States Department of Agriculture

Sea Hibiscus by Flowers of India

Sea Hibiscus by Naturalists

Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) by American Forests

Talipariti tiliaceum (L.) Fryxell by Nparks Flora & Fauna Web

Talipariti tiliaceum – (L.) Fryxell by Plants for a Future

Bonsai Information:

Hibiscus Tiliaceus – Sea Hibiscus is an interesting tree that is used for Bonsai. I have a small one I obtained from Wigerts Bonsai Nursery in Florida. The size of the basically round heart shaped leaves varies depending on where the tree is growing during the year. Out side in full sun the leaves are between a half dollar and a silver dollar size. Bring the tree in side under lights for the winter and the leaves get really big. The tree did not bloom this year and if I remember correctly it has yellow flowers. I think a green house is the best to grow one unless you live down in Florida or somewhere else that is relatively warm during the winter.

Future plans for my tree is transplant it into a grow box and let it grow bigger. I have yet to try chopping the tree but I suspect it should bud back rather well.

Mealy bugs do seem to like the tree, but they can be controlled with a spray bottle with half water and rubbing alcohol. Be sure to spray everything including the leaves, branches, trunk, soil and all sides of the pot including the bottom! Keep spraying daily until you don’t seem them anymore. I learned this trick down at the Denver Botanical Gardens where you will see volunteers running around with bottles. This technique is also very effective for spider mites. The key for spider mites is to keep spraying daily until there gone.

Sea Hibiscus come in all green, variegated and maroon leaves. Listed below is a video of one tree with all 3 colored leaves on it!

bonsai-clubs-international-convention-taiwan-2017  by Bonsai Tree New Zealand Note: Scroll way down to tree.

Daring Combinations by Bonsai Bark  Note: Scroll down to tree.

Hibiscus tiliaceus bonsai(Air layering) by IBC Forum

Wild and Wonderful Bonsai by Bonsai Bark  Note: Scroll down to tree.

Videos:

Flowering Sea Hibiscus(hibiscus tiliaceus) Smart Pictvids

Sea Hibiscus Tiliaceus Bonsai Makeover by We Are Bonsai Supply