Callianthe picta
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Callianthe picta

Redvein Chinese lantern · Painted Indian Mallow · Abutilon · Tiger Eyes · Lamparita

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
5–6
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
285
Observations
2,169

Description

Source: leafsnap

Abutilon pictum, syn. Abutilon striatum,(disputed), is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is native to southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The plant has become naturalised in Central America, and is used in horticulture. Common names include redvein abutilon, red vein Indian mallow, redvein flowering maple, Chinese-lantern and red vein Chinese lanterns.

💡 The redvein abutilon has edible flowers that can be enjoyed either raw or cooked. These flowers have a sweet taste and stay open throughout their growth period. As they produce nectar during this time, their sweetness increases the longer they remain open. For the sweetest flavor, they should be grown indoors and protected from pollinators.

🌳 Redvein abutilon is an ornamental shrub or tree cultivated in temperate climates. It makes a beautiful addition to a patio or balcony garden. With proper pruning, it can also be grown as a wall cover. This plant is a wonderful addition to a hummingbird garden and is often paired with hydrangeas or ornamental grasses.

🎭 Contemplation

Care Guide

💧 Water

Redvein abutilon thrives in conditions similar to its tropical rainforest origin. To keep it healthy, water it once every 1-2 weeks, maintaining a consistent schedule. As an evergreen plant, it retains its leaves year-round and requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.

☀️ 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.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ 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.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-6
Soil pH: 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.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

Redvein abutilon is an ornamental shrub known for its vibrant foliage and delicate flowers. To promote growth, improve air circulation, and enhance the quality of its blooms, it is beneficial to regularly prune the shrub in late spring. By removing dead branches and managing its size, you can encourage the plant to become fuller, healthier, and more visually appealing.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Callianthe
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

Tags (7)

Common Names (9)

en Redvein Chinese lantern
en Painted Indian Mallow
en Abutilon
en Tiger Eyes
en Lamparita
en Redvein Flowering Maple
en Red Vein Chinese Lantern
en Chinese Lantern
en Redvein Abutilon