[Alleged] Hibiscus

Ostrodamus

Ostrodamus

Member
Location
Southern Colorado
First name
Fox
Hardiness zone
6a
Haaaalp! I went to a local thrift store where they apparently have seasonal seed trading events (I guess...?) and was given a small envelope with the single word "Hibicus" written on it. Nobody could tell me anything about it, as these were the leftovers from the even that had happened the weekend prior. Anyhow, I assumed it was supposed to say "Hibiscus" and I loooooove those, so I took it and planted it. Now I'm unsure, as my personal Google lens never comes back as hibiscus.

Thoughts?20241209_145536.webp20241209_145547.webp20241209_145622.webp20241209_145632.webp20241209_145642.webp
 
IDK, but I agree that it doesn't look like a hibiscus as the leaves on hibiscus are pointed, slightly serrated and not as shiny as those. It's most likely something that grows and produces prolific seed in your area, since it was a seed exchange.

On second thought, Peperomia plants, which there are all kinds, are prone to leaf deformity and curling and that does resemble some forms of peperomia. *shrugs* I think you'll have to wait until it blooms (or not ) but, @Tetters will probably ID it immediately.😄
 
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I think Annie is right on this one. It could be Peperomia polybotrya - not Hibiscus.
1734475095344.webp This is a Hibiscus leaf, and ....1734475131602.webp this one is H.syriacus which is the shrubby, hardy one.

If your plant is in fact a Peperomia, those white splodges could be mold (botrytis or powdery mildew)
Overwatering the plant can cause all sorts of 'orrible bugs, like mealy bugs or sciarid flies as well.
I have learned a thing or two about these indoor plants and what they are, but am totally useless at managing to keep the sods alive ☹️ Syriacus is my favourite Hibiscus. I grew lots of those at the nursery, and they are nice and tough, though not as showy - but they will do for me.
PS Congratulations on germinating it at this time of year. I guess your greenhouse might be heated, or do you have a heat wave where you are?
 
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Tetters said:
I think Annie is right on this one. It could be Pepperomia polybotrya - not Hibiscus.
View attachment 2194 This is a Hibiscus leaf, and ....View attachment 2195 this one is H.syriacus which is the shrubby, hardy one.

If your plant is in fact a Pepperomia, those white splodges could be mold (botrytis or powdery mildew)
Overwatering the plant can cause all sorts of 'orrible bugs, like mealy bugs or sciarid flies as well.
I have learned a thing or two about these indoor plants and what they are, but am totally useless at managing to keep the sods alive ☹️ Syriacus is my favourite Hibiscus. I grew lots of those at the nursery, and they are nice and tough, though not as showy - but they will do for me.
PS Congratulations on germinating it at this time of year. I guess your greenhouse might be heated, or do you have a heat wave where you are?
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Well then... I don't really know what to make of that. I guess there is no harm in continuing to grow it.

And yes, my greenhouse is heated. I have it set up inside my house on the upper floor in a spare room.

Thanks for the help, everyone.
 
Ostrodamus said:
Well then... I don't really know what to make of that. I guess there is no harm in continuing to grow it.

And yes, my greenhouse is heated. I have it set up inside my house on the upper floor in a spare room.

Thanks for the help, everyone.
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That's a bit different. I have never met anyone who actually brought a greenhouse indoors. I suppose you have to be rather careful when you do the watering....(don't forget I'm English) 😉
I'd be very interested to watch how the seedling grows, and maybe re-assess it as it gets bigger.
Do you have sufficient light to give your indoor plants? Do you have to use lamps? I'm so surprised that indoor veggie growing seems much more popular in the states, than I've heard of here. The only stuff I have are two slightly beaten up sweet peppers on a window ledge, I'm trying to hang on to until next summer.
Is the white colouring on the seedling leaves actually a part of the leaf, or could it possibly be a mould?
Have you seen signs of any insect on the plant?

1734619431550.webp This is ''obtusifolia'' a mature plant with white variegation, and there are a whole lot more in the species.
 
Tetters said:
That's a bit different. I have never met anyone who actually brought a greenhouse indoors. I suppose you have to be rather careful when you do the watering....(don't forget I'm English) 😉
I'd be very interested to watch how the seedling grows, and maybe re-assess it as it gets bigger.
Do you have sufficient light to give your indoor plants? Do you have to use lamps? I'm so surprised that indoor veggie growing seems much more popular in the states, than I've heard of here. The only stuff I have are two slightly beaten up sweet peppers on a window ledge, I'm trying to hang on to until next summer.
Is the white colouring on the seedling leaves actually a part of the leaf, or could it possibly be a mould?
Have you seen signs of any insect on the plant?

View attachment 2216 This is ''obtusifolia'' a mature plant with white variegation, and there are a whole lot more in the species.
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I will snap some more photos of it. It has almost doubled in size. As for the leaves, I'll just have to go reinvestigate. I do have grow lamps, 2 varieties; basic all white high lumen and red/white/blue lights with toggles for each or all 3. Absolutely no signs of insects other than the fungus gnats in the greenhouse that I've been battling. Heh, I just mentioned my watering issues in the "indoor gardening" thread.

Pics pending...
 
Just snapped these...


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This last photo was to show how it segmented twice. Once towards the base and once again just after the ID tag on the left.

I did a few Google lens searches, and I got results ranging from Scotch Bonnet Pepper to Passion Fruit Tree. Basically, no closer to an answer from my efforts.
 
 
 
My thoughts are that I'd suspect an insect attack there. It might be a good idea to mix up a spray with neem oil mixed with a drop of water and dish soap. You may be able to find out which insect by looking underneath the leaves. There are some insects in America that I am not at all knowledgeable about, but the neem oil mix is probably the most organic way to go. So annoying, when otherwise the plants look so healthy.

I can't identify the plant any better than you, if that's what you're asking ??
 
Tetters said:
My thoughts are that I'd suspect an insect attack there. It might be a good idea to mix up a spray with neem oil mixed with a drop of water and dish soap. You may be able to find out which insect by looking underneath the leaves. There are some insects in America that I am not at all knowledgeable about, but the neem oil mix is probably the most organic way to go. So annoying, when otherwise the plants look so healthy.

I can't identify the plant any better than you, if that's what you're asking ??
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Yeah, I was really just wondering if anyone thought Capsicum Pubescens was a good fit or not. The leaf damage was from when it was a seedling. I never discovered any insects, and no additional leaves have become deformed since the original couple from weeks ago.

Oh well, I guess I'll just officially have to wait until it blooms... or whatever it does. Whatever it is.
 
Oh yes, it certainly looks like it's in that family, and pubescens is a good candidate indeed, but I noticed the start of little speckles on the leaves (in case it's the camera?) all of the pepper/capsicum family are prone to insect attack, especially under glass, and attack is usually the best defence.
Those leaves are looking now very much like my sweet peppers indoors on a window ledge, and on those our first insect attack was sciarid fly - which we expected and sorted out.
 
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