Dwarf Mallow

radiola linoides

Also known as: ["Dwarf Mallow","Threadstem"]

Family: Malvaceae Genus: Radiola Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A delicate annual herb with slender stems and small, pale pink flowers, often found in disturbed habitats.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Radiola
Botanical Name: Radiola linoides

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry environments, rarely needed in humid climates
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very low
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Tolerates partial shade but may stretch in low light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to prevent scorching. Place in a spot with filtered light or dappled shade, especially outdoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering), wilting (underwatering or root issues), or stunted growth (poor soil or light).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for direct sun; avoid south-facing windows in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of cactus soil and regular potting mix; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid prolonged exposure below 50°F (10°C).

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 3–4 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.

Tools

Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/leggy stems; cut above nodes; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.

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.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly post-repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; avoid foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even saturation without pooling. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a narrow-spout watering can to target the soil directly, avoiding leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky materials.

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 root damage, and increases susceptibility to fungal diseases.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, growth may halt, and water loss accelerates.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully; use reflective pots.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Radiola linoides can indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen or iron, or may be a response to environmental stress such as excessive sunlight or waterlogging.

Wilting in Radiola linoides is typically a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage that impairs water uptake.

Leaf spots on Radiola linoides may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, often exacerbated by high humidity or poor air circulation, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Radiola linoides is often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections that degrade root tissues.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Radiola linoides is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Radiola linoides is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Radiola linoides is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Radiola linoides toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: How does Radiola linoides grow?

A: It is an annual plant that thrives in disturbed soils and open areas.

Q: What are the uses of Radiola linoides?

A: It is primarily considered a weed but may attract pollinators.

Quick Reference
Family: Malvaceae
Care: very easy
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Roselle
View
Floss Silk Tree
View
American Linden
View
Common Mallow
View