Hemp Mallow
althaea cannabina
Also known as: ["Marsh Mallow","Hemp Mallow"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial plant in the mallow family, known for its soft, velvety leaves and attractive flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Althaea |
| Botanical Name: | Althaea cannabina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in a sunny area with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid direct midday sun indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; enrich with organic matter annually; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoids frost.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering; stop feeding in late autumn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity, and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch; thin out crowded areas.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or weak stems to improve air circulation and shape; encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; cut at a 45-degree angle; remove dead/damaged growth; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease out roots; place in a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for mature plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; water before repotting; minimize root disturbance.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom; avoid overhead watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; mulch surface to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop; prolonged exposure can lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; reduce watering in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAlthaea cannabina is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks any known toxic compounds that would be harmful to felines. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities, but it is not inherently dangerous.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicAlthaea cannabina is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to canines. However, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fiber content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicAlthaea cannabina, commonly known as hemp mallow, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fiber content. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would pose a significant health risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Althaea cannabina toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Hemp Mallow attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Hemp Mallow?
A: It is easy to care for, requiring moderate maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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