Abutilon pictum
Chinese-lantern · Painted indian mallow
Description
Source: leafsnapAbutilon pictum, also known as the painted abutilon or Indian mallow, is a flowering plant in the Malvaceae family. Native to South America, it has gained popularity worldwide due to its attractive flowers and foliage. This plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and has a bushy habit with multiple stems. Its large, heart-shaped leaves have serrated edges and are dark green with prominent veins. The bell-shaped flowers of Abutilon pictum come in various colors, including pink, red, orange, and yellow, often with darker veins. They bloom from spring through fall, attracting bees and butterflies. Abutilon pictum thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter but can tolerate sandy or clay soils as long as they are not waterlogged. It prefers full sun for optimal growth but can also handle partial shade, especially during hot summer months. Commonly used for ornamental purposes, Abutilon pictum adds charm to gardens and makes an excellent indoor plant. Its minimal maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for novice gardeners seeking a year-round splash of color.
🎭 Contemplation
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 7 days
You should water your Redvein Indian Mallow about once each week. During the winter months, you can cut back the watering frequency, but don’t let your plant dry out completely.
☀️ Light Full sun
Painted Indian mallow grows best with abundant bright light, similar to open-sky conditions. It can moderately tolerate filtered light, such as that typically found beneath leafy canopies. Both excessive light and too little light can hinder the plant’s healthy development.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
For optimal growth, the painted Indian mallow prefers warm temperatures of 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃). In its native habitat it thrives in areas with moderate to high temperatures. In summer it can benefit from a modest drop in temperature of 4 to 6 ℉ (2 to 3 ℃) to avoid heat stress. In winter it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 ℉ (10 ℃), though keeping it above 60 ℉ (15 ℃) is preferable.
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
🪴 Soil 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Painted Indian mallow is in early spring, when it comes out of dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower development. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting Painted Indian mallow, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
They can be pruned in the early spring to re-energize and encourage growth. Remove dead or damaged foliage and stems. Pruning spent or faded blooms will stimulate more flowering in the next round.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
The Redvein Indian Mallow is considered a toxic plant. Contact may result in skin irritation which can easily spread. Always wear protective gloves and long sleeves when handling the plant, and always wash up afterward.
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Abutilon
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 4.88 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Yellow, Variegated
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Orange, Red
- Flower Size
- 5.08 cm to 7.62 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Brazil