I received an hibiscus tree as a gift and was wondering what special care it may need, I find that the leaves are turning yellow and the blooms don't last long, I've had this tree one week, when it arrived it had a few yellow leaves. Any help you can give me would be wonderful. Also is the tree indoors or can you plant it outside.
Thank you
Kathleen

It can live very well outside in Zone 9b or higher (say Orlando south in Florida, and the Los Angeles area or South Texas). Otherwise it will be very happy outside for the summer but must come in for the cooler times.
The yellow leaves are because the plant came from greenhouse to your house OR because it has got dry OR because it has got too wet and on and on ... Let it settle in, get the watering right, hold off on fertilizer, get a very light spot inside or one with at least morning sun outside, and you should be set. Next time ask for a puppy as a gift - they are easier to care for. derek

Judy, replanting it is probably what caused the problem. When it came to you it would have recently left a nursery where they would have had it in top shape - including pot size and the right soil. You need to let it settle down now and get used to its new pot, and instead of watering every other day, give it a thorough soak and then wait until the roots have used enough of the water for the top inch or so of the soil to dry. Hold off absolutely on fertilizer - feeding it now would be the final straw. Keep it in partial shade for a while, then when the leaves start to stand up, it will probbaly enjoy being out in the morning sun. Derek