Hollyhock Mallow
abutilon grandifolium
Also known as: ["Indian Mallow","Flowering Maple"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub with large, maple-like leaves and showy, hollyhock-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Abutilon |
| Botanical Name: | Abutilon grandifolium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered outdoor garden spot with protection from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required unless in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching; place in filtered light outdoors or near a south-facing window indoors; shield from harsh midday sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing to every 14–21 days in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, fertile potting mix with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, stable conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid drafts; maintain stable temperatures; increase humidity in dry heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to remove salt buildup; adjust frequency based on growth rate.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with at least two nodes; softwood cuttings root most readily.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots, pot when established.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone powder or gel for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of crowded branches and heading back of long stems to promote branching.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or overgrown stems to maintain vigor.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears, bypass cutters, and gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, avoid wetting foliage
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, and allow excess water to drain completely to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use a cactus or succulent mix as a base.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth; buds may fail to open in extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots with mulch, and reduce watering to prevent cold-induced rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to compensate for evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute properly, apply to moist soil, avoid foliage contact, flush periodically
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Abutilon grandifolium. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Abutilon grandifolium can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAbutilon grandifolium contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic if ingested in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Abutilon grandifolium?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Abutilon grandifolium attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers.
Q: Is Abutilon grandifolium toxic to pets?
A: The toxicity to pets is currently unknown; it is advisable to keep pets away from the plant until further research is conducted.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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