Indian Mallow

Watering Indian Mallow is easy, and periodic deep watering during the warmer months is recommended. Abutilon should not be left sitting in wet soil, and the plant should be allowed to dry out totally between waterings. When watering, water only the soil, not the leaves, because any water that falls onto the leaves can lead to disease. During the winter months, water sparingly and let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings.

Indian Mallow needs bright, indirect sunlight, so it’s best placed in a south, east, or west facing window that is not too drafty. If direct sunlight is too intense, the leaves can become scorched. The plant is able to tolerate lower levels of light, but may not flower as well. During the winter and fall months, the light requirements for the Abutilon may be reduced, and it can be placed in a less sunlit spot for a few months.

The ideal temperature for Indian Mallow is between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It has no tolerance for freezing temperatures and cannot be exposed to frost. To ensure a healthy plant, it’s important to keep the plant warm during the winter months. Cold winds and drafts can cause leaf drop or die back. Additionally, extreme temperatures below 55°F (13°C) may cause the plant to drop its leaves if exposed to for a long period of time.

Indian Mallow likes high humidity, and should be kept in a spot with humidity of at least 40%. If the humidity in your home is too low, consider purchasing a humidifier or setting up a pebble tray near the plant. Additionally, misting should only be done rarely, as it can lead to diseases in the Abutilon’s foliage.

Indian Mallow should be grown in a soil mix that is well-draining and fertile. A cactus/succulent mix works well, or a soil specifically tailored to flowering plants. A soil pH of 6.5-7.5 is preferred; if your soil has a lower pH, mix in a bit of lime to raise it. The soil should also be amended with organic matter whenever repotting to help ensure optimal drainage and keeping of nutrients.

A balanced fertilizer should be used every two to three weeks during the warmer months to encourage healthy growth and maximum flowering. An organic liquid is preferable, diluted to half-strength. Do not feed during winter, as this will encourage leaf growth, and the new growth may not be hardy enough to survive low temperatures. If leaf yellowing is observed, fertilizer can be used to treat this problem, however it’s best to reduce or stop fertilizing if this occurs.

Indian Mallow is susceptible to several common houseplant pests, including spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, and aphids. Spider mites will cause yellow stippling of the leaves, while whiteflies will leave small white spots. Mealybugs and aphids can be found where leaves join the stems, and are visible to the naked eye. To get rid of these pests, start by washing the plant with a soft cloth and soapy water. If the problem persists, use an insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution. Be sure to follow the instructions for your specific product.

It is recommended to repot annually in the spring when it’s actively growing. Abutilon is quite adaptable to new environments, so when repotting select a pot 2–3 inches larger than the current pot and use a soil mixture that has good drainage. If the pot is too big for the rootball, the plant can dry out too quickly. Also consider adding a light compost or fertilizer when you repot to help encourage good growth.

Pruning should be done to promote growth and keep the plant healthy. When pruning, cut back any dead leaves and stems, and any stems that are growing too long. The ideal time to prune is in the winter when the plant is not actively growing. This helps to ensure the plant has enough energy to regrow healthy leaves and stems in the upcoming spring.

Adding a layer of mulch, such as straw or pine needles, can help to maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil. This is especially important in the summer, when the sun is particularly strong and the soil can dry out quickly. Additionally, mulching will help to suppress weed growth and add a bit of extra nutrition as it breaks down.

Indian Mallow can easily be propagated through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings late spring or early summer from existing plants and remove the lower leaves just below the leaf node. Place the cuttings into a pot full of moist potting mix and place in a bright but indirect spot away from direct sun. The cuttings should take root within 6-8 weeks and once they have established, they can be transplanted to larger pots.

Indian Mallow can be grown as a bush, but some varieties may require extra support, such as a bamboo stake or trellis. Try tying the plant loosely to support it, as over-tying or binding can lead to distorted growth. Additionally, full-size varieties may require pinching back of new shoots to keep its smaller, bushy size.

The Abutilon plant does not have a distinct rest period, but it should be treated differently during the winter months. Cut back on watering to discharge excess nutrients from the soil and place it in a cooler spot with less sunlight to prevent the plant from stressing from too much direct sun. Additionally, do not add any fertilizer during this time period to ensure that the plant goes completely dormant.

Indian Mallow is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. However, there may be minor symptoms of stomach upset if ingested, so it’s best to keep this plant out of reach of pets.