Hairy Mallow
althaea hirsuta
Also known as: ["Hairy Marshmallow","Wild Mallow"]
Overview
A small, herbaceous plant in the mallow family, characterized by hairy stems and leaves, and pale pink or white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Althaea |
| Botanical Name: | Althaea hirsuta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in a sunny spot, or container with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done as needed; major pruning in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for health or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoid extreme heat or cold.
Avoid drafts; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from sudden temperature drops.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged parts, shape as desired, dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, avoiding wetting the foliage. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and increases susceptibility to root rot due to reduced evaporation.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; reduce watering during cold spells.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, growth may slow, and water demand increases, risking dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAlthaea hirsuta is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases or studies indicating that ingestion of this plant causes harm to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAlthaea hirsuta is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or studies indicating that ingestion of this plant causes harm to canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAlthaea hirsuta is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse physiological effects upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Althaea hirsuta related to the marshmallow plant?
A: Yes, it belongs to the same genus (Althaea) as the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis), though it is not typically used for confectionery.
Q: Does Althaea hirsuta attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How should Althaea hirsuta be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; overwatering can lead to root rot.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
