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Tropical hibiscus don't survive freezing temperatures--but you can bring them indoors as a houseplant in cold-winter climates.
Winter Hibiscus Care — What You Need to Know
Move It Indoors Before It Gets Cold
If your area gets below 50°F (10°C) for more than a short time, bring your tropical hibiscus indoors. They don’t survive freeze. Hardy hibiscus can stay outside — they die back and come back in spring (What is Hardy Hibiscus).
Trim Before Moving Inside
Cut back up to a quarter of the new growth. This reduces the number of leaves that will drop and limits mess and stress.
Potting & Soil
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If your hibiscus is in a pot, just bring it indoors after trimming.
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If it’s in the ground, dig it up and pot it (How to repot ).
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Use a high quality potting mix intended for houseplants— garden soil holds too much moisture and can carry pests.
Pest Prevention
Before moving inside, it’s smart to treat for bugs. Insecticidal soap or neem oil works well to eliminate problems.
Light is Critical Inside
These plants love light — bright, indirect or even direct light is best. If you don’t get a lot of natural daylight, use a shop light or basic grow light. More light means happier hibiscus indoors.
Water Less in Winter
When indoors, water only when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. They don’t need as much water in winter.
Avoid Drafts & Blasts
Keep your hibiscus away from heat vents, fireplaces, or cold windows. Sudden hot or cold air causes leaf yellowing or browning.
Skip Fertilizer Until Spring
No need to feed over winter. Flowers are unlikely anyway, and the plant is resting. Resume fertilizing when days get longer — usually around March or when new growth appears.
Don’t Worry About Blooms Right Now
Flowering during winter is not typical unless the light is excellent. If you see buds drop, that’s normal stress. The plant should recover once conditions improve.