Malvaviscus - Care Sheet

Malvaviscus  - “Sleeping HIbiscus”

Light: Malvaviscus love direct sunlight and would do best with at least a few hours of direct sunshine every day. A southern or western window would be ideal. 

Water: This hibiscus relative will appreciate a thorough watering and then some time to allow the top 20% or so of the soil to dry. Always avoid any standing water at the roots. 

Environment: Malvaviscus are charming tropical plants that need warm, humid conditions and some direct sunlight to thrive. Avoid cold drafts, AC units, and active radiators that reduce humidity levels. To encourage flowering, give weekly fertilizer feedings March–October. Never fertilize when the plant is dry to avoid damaging the roots. While this plant can endure cool temperatures, it shows the best growth and flowering potential with stable warm conditions.

Toxicity: This plant is reported to be non-toxic but is not edible.

Of Note:

• Pruning during the summer is great for the plant, encouraging new budding and shoots as well as establishing a few dominant branches for aesthetic impact.

*When planting in a pot without a drainage hole, avoid over watering by estimating 25% of the container’s overall volume, with appropriate drainage materials incorporated when planting.