Kiss-me-quick

grewia flavescens

Also known as: ["Wild Cotton","Yellow Star"]

Family: Malvaceae Genus: Grewia Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous shrub or small tree native to tropical and subtropical regions, known for its yellow flowers and woody fruits.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Grewia
Botanical Name: Grewia flavescens

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sunny spot, adaptable to container growth
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • 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: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for sunburn signs.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content

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

Use a mix of garden soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in heat.

Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering for temperature changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options for gentle feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed propagation.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem.
  2. Cut below a node.
  3. Apply rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

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

Environment

Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and indirect light.

Medium

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

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp knife, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in 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

Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or wilting.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection; reduce watering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

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

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Grewia flavescens may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Grewia flavescens can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Grewia flavescens are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Grewia flavescens when the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Grewia flavescens is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for cats around Grewia flavescens.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Grewia flavescens is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for dogs around Grewia flavescens.
Humans
Non-toxic

Grewia flavescens is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no documented toxic effects associated with its consumption or handling.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption of Grewia flavescens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Grewia flavescens toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Q: How often should Grewia flavescens be watered?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Grewia flavescens attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruits.

Quick Reference
Family: Malvaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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