Thanks for your question. Is the affected side of the plant close to where you sprayed the Off?  Also, were any other nearby plants also affected?

Looking forward to your response. Thanks for using our forum  

Thanks for your question and response.

I strongly think that you are seeing the effects of OFF on your hibiscus. The active ingredient in OFF is something called DEET. In and by itself, DEET should not affect hibiscus. The problem is that DEET is dissolved in various solvents (e.g., hydrocarbons) that are extremely volatile and can form microscopic droplets upon their release from the can. I believe that these solvents have damaged your hibiscus. It is much like herbicide drift with one important difference. In herbicide drift, the herbicide affects plant tissue. In your case, the carrier hydrocarbons affected your plant. These hydrocarbons can lead to the rupture and breakdown of plant cell membranes. This was the cause of the blackening of the leaf in your picture.

I’m reasonably sure that the hibiscus will survive and not suffer from any permanent damage. Remove all damaged leaves but try to leave the branches intact. I believe that only leaves have been affected and not the hibiscus branches. Pick up any hibiscus leaves that may have fallen to the ground. Discard these leaves in the trash.

With a gentle spray using a hose, rinse the entire plant two to three times daily for the next week or so. It is impossible to know if new foliage will grow to replace what you have removed. Given the lateness of the season now (late-July), I rather doubt that this will occur. However, I have reasonable confidence that such replacement foliage will be seen in 2025.

Good luck. Please get back to us with any additional, related questions. Thanks for using our forum.

Glad to be of assistance. Don’t dwell too much about things. As I said, I believe your plant will get through this. Thanks again for consulting us.