Melochia spicata — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Melochia spicata

Melochia Spicata

Updated · 14 observations
ON THIS PLANT
A note from PlantMom

Indian valley false mallow is fairly disease-resistant and typically does not suffer from many illnesses. Still, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its immediate environment. These issues are generally minor. For care, this plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be pruned on a regular basis to preserve a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage better flowering. Indian valley false mallow is suitable for anyone with outdoor space like a garden or patio and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more attention when kept indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Melochia Spicata.

Light

Indian valley false mallow comes from bright, open habitats and does best in full sun. It can tolerate partial shade but prefers direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which may be annual or biennial, is known for its sun-loving habit.

Temperature

Indian valley false mallow comes from tropical areas where the climate is usually warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It dislikes sudden temperature changes and prefers a consistent temperature, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It typically cannot tolerate cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

Once most of the Indian valley false mallow’s blooms have opened to full size, resume fertilizing. At the time when blooms are at their peak, apply fertilizer every three to four weeks, weather permitting. Then, when the Indian valley false mallow begins producing fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there’s no need to feed the plant once it can’t produce more blooms.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb, Shrub
Life Cycle
Annual, Perennial
Genus
Melochia
Family
Sterculiaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
49 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
1.02 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Panama, Jamaica, Colombia, Bahamas, Cuba, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Bretonica peluda
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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