Velvet Tree-Mallow

Velvet Tree-Mallow Care

Malva arborea

What is the plant

Velvet Tree-Mallow (Malva arborea) is a species of mallow belonging to the family Malvaceae. It produces pink or lilac flowers with distinctive shapes and velvety-textured leaves. The plant can grow in various habitats and is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world.

Velvet Tree-Mallow is shrub that can grow to a height of 1.64 to 9.8 feet (0.5-3 meters). It is native to the Mediterranean region but has been widely distributed throughout Europe and North Africa. It is known by several names, including "Lavatera arborea" in Latin, "Malva eriocalyx", or simply "Tree Mallow". The flowers of Velvet Tree-Mallow are pink or lilac and have a unique shape, with five crinkled and finely veined petals. They are typically arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches and have a diameter of about 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm). You can easily identify Velvet Tree-Mallow's leaves by their texture, which is velvety to the touch. They are palmately lobed with five to nine lobes and typically range from 3.7-7 inches (8-18 cm) in diameter.

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Humidity

Normal

Temperature

15°C - 24°C

Hardiness zone

6a - 8b

Hibernation

Normal

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water approximately once a week. Check the soil moisture level every few days by touching the soil with your hand. Frequent watering may be required during hot seasons.
Pruning
Pinch back the tips of the stems in spring to encourage new healthy growth. Also, remove any dead leaves or flowers.
Fertilizer
Every 4-6 weeks, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the growth season (spring/summer). It is not advised to fertilize during the dormant season (winter). Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for dosage and application.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Velvet Tree-Mallow prefers full sun to partial shade and should be exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Soil
Velvet Tree-Mallow prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, with a pH around 6.0-7.5.
Propagation
Propagate Velvet Tree-Mallow through stem cuttings. During spring or summer, cut a 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long stem just below a leaf node and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Optionally, dip the cut end of the stem cutting into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Place the cuttings in a container with well-drained soil and move it to a warm location until roots have formed (usually 4-6 weeks).

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Temperature
Velvet Tree-Mallow prefers an ideal temperature range between 60-75°F (15-24°C), but it can tolerate some extreme temperatures as well.
Container
Velvet Tree-Mallow can be planted in a variety of container types, as long as they have good drainage. Choose a container that is appropriate for the plant, approximately 16 inches (40 cm) wide and 16 inches (40 cm) deep.
Fun fact
The leaves of Velvet Tree-Mallow are believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.