Malvaviscus

Family. Malvaceae.

Origin. Mexico, Central America.

Description. Malvaviscus is a perennial shrub up to 4 m high with thin erect stems. The leaves are simple, green, oval or lanceolate, 5-10 cm long, arranged alternately. The leaf blades are serrated along the edges and slightly pubescent with thin hairs. The flowers of malvaviscus are very similar to hibiscus, drooping, often solitary or in small inflorescences, up to 7 cm long, often scarlet, but there are varieties with pink, salmon and yellow flowers. The buds remain half-open.

Height. In nature up to 4 meters, in indoor culture the height is regulated by pruning.

Malvaviscus - home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature is suitable. In the winter months, the temperature should not fall below 12°C.

Lighting

A well-lit place is necessary for flowering. The shrub should receive several hours of direct sunlight a day - morning and evening. On hot summer days the plant requires shading.

Care

Place the plant outside during warmer months. Prune in early spring or after flowering to achieve a beautiful, compact shape. Remove weak and old stems and fading flowers to keep the bush looking neat. Regularly pinch the tips of young shoots for better branching. 

Substrate

The soil should contain a large amount of organic matter in the form of peat and leaf humus; to improve drainage, add coarse river sand or perlite.

Feeding

During the growth period, feed every 2 weeks with liquid fertilizer.

Purpose

Can be grown as a spectacular flowering bonsai. 

Flowering time

Flowering is most abundant in the warm season, but individual buds appear on the plant all year round.

Air humidity

In spring and summer it can be done without spraying, but in winter the air in heated rooms becomes too dry and it is necessary to increase the humidity using a tray of wet pebbles or a humidifier. Malvaviscus loves ventilated areas with good air circulation. 

Soil moisture

Water so that the soil dries to a depth of about 5 cm between waterings at any time of the year. Malvaviscus loves bottom watering, when the plant pot is immersed in a large container of water for several minutes.

Transfer

In spring, annually in fresh soil.

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown in the spring or semi-ripe stem cuttings using rooting powders in the summer. 

Pests and diseases

Malvaviscus can be grown in partial shade, but the plant will appear elongated and weak and will bloom less profusely. Rots in poorly drained soil and stagnant moisture in the pan.

Of the pests, the main danger is whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.