Wax mallow (Malvaviscus arboreus) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Wax mallow is drought tolerant, but still needs consistent watering. Most plants thrive with a weekly watering, especially in winter, but it may need to be watered as much as three times a week during the summer.

Fertilization

Fertilize wax mallow three times a year during the spring and summer using a product with a low concentration of salt, such as manure or mineral fertilizer. Keep the fertilizer almost a foot away from the plant's base to prevent root damage.

Pruning

Trim the dead, diseased, overgrown branches in winter.

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

9 to 12

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Wax mallow

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Hardiness Zones

9 to 12

Planting Time

Spring

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Questions About Wax mallow

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Wax mallow?

Your Wax mallow will not be too picky about how you choose to water it. As such, you can use just about any common watering tool to moisten this plant’s soil. Watering cans, hoses, and even cups will work just fine when it is time to water your Wax mallow. Regardless of which watering tool you use, you should typically apply the water directly to the soil. In doing so, you should ensure that you moisten all soil areas equally to give all parts of the root system the water it needs. It can help to use filtered water, as tap water can contain particles that are harmful to plants. It is also beneficial to use water that is at or slightly above room temperature, as colder or hotter water can be somewhat shocking to the Wax mallow. However, the Wax mallow usually responds well to any kind of water you give it.

What should I do if I water my Wax mallow too much or too little?

For outdoor plants, especially newly planted plants or plant seedlings, they can be prone to lack of watering. Remember that you need to keep watering enough for a few months when the tree is small or just planted. This is because once the roots are established, Wax mallow can rely on rain most of the time.

When your Wax mallow is planted in pots, overwatering is often more likely to.When you accidentally overwater your Wax mallow, you should be prepared to remedy the situation immediately. First, you should stop watering your plant right away to minimize the effect of your overwatering. After, you should consider removing your Wax mallow from its pot to inspect its roots. If you find that none of the roots have developed root rot, it may be permissible to return your plant to its container. If you do discover signs of root rot, then you should trim away any roots that have been affected. You may also want to apply a fungicide to prevent further damage. Lastly, you should repot your Wax mallow in soil that is well-draining. In the case of an underwatered Wax mallow, simply water this plant more frequently.

Underwatering is often an easy fix. If you underwater, the plant's leaves will tend to droop and dry out and fall off, and the leaves will quickly return to fullness after sufficient watering. Please correct your watering frequency as soon as underwatering occurs.

How often should I water my Wax mallow?

Most plants that grow naturally outdoors can be allowed to grow normally with rainfall. If your area lacks rainfall, consider giving your plants adequate watering every 2 weeks during the spring and fall. More frequent watering is needed in summer. In winter, when growth becomes slower and plants need less water, water more sparingly. Throughout the winter, you may not give it additional watering at all. If your Wax mallow is young or newly planted, then you should water more frequently to help it establish, and mature and grow up to have more adaptable and drought tolerant plants.

For potted plants, there are two main ways that you can determine how often to water your Wax mallow. The first way is to set a predetermined watering schedule. If you choose this route, you should plan to water this plant about once every week or once every other week. However, this approach may not always work as it does not consider the unique conditions of the growing environment for your Wax mallow .

Your watering frequency can also change depending on the season. For instance, a predetermined watering schedule will likely not suffice during summer when this plant's water needs are highest. An alternative route is to set your watering frequency based on soil moisture. Typically, it is best to wait until the first two to four inches of soil, usually ⅓ to ½ depth of the pots, have dried out entirely before you give more water.

How much water does my Wax mallow need?

When it comes time to water your Wax mallow, you may be surprised to find that this plant does not always need a high volume of water. Instead, if only a few inches of soil have dried since your last watering, you can support healthy growth in the Wax mallow by giving it about five to ten ounces of water every time you water. You can also decide your water volume based on soil moisture. As mentioned above, you should note how many inches of soil have dried out between waterings. A surefire way to make sure your Wax mallow gets the moisture it needs is to supply enough water to moisten all the soil layers that became dry since the last time you watered. If more than half of the soil has become dry, you should consider giving more water than usual. In those cases, continue adding water until you see excess water draining from your pot’s drainage holes.

If your Wax mallow is planted in an area that gets plenty of rain outdoors, it may not need additional watering. When the Wax mallow is young or just getting established, make sure it gets 1-2 inches of rain per week. As it continues to grow and establish, it can survive entirely on rainwater and only when the weather is hot and there is no rainfall at all for 2-3 weeks, then consider giving your Wax mallow a full watering to prevent them from suffering stress.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Wax mallow enough?

Overwatering is a far more common problem for the Wax mallow, and there are several signs you should look for when this occurs. Generally, an overwatered Wax mallow will have yellowing leaves and may even drop some leaves. Also, overwatering can cause the overall structure of your plant to shrivel and may also promote root rot. On the other hand, an underwatered Wax mallow will also begin to wilt. It may also display leaves that are brown or brittle to the touch. Whether you see signs of overwatering or underwatering, you should be prepared to intervene and restore the health of your Wax mallow.

How can I water my Wax mallow at different growth stages?

When the Wax mallow is very young, such as when it is in a seedling stage, you will need to give it more water than you would if it were at a mature age. During the early stages of this plant’s life, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist to encourage root development. The same is true for any Wax mallow that you have transplanted to a new growing location. Also, the Wax mallow can develop showy flowers and fruits when you give them the correct care. If your Wax mallow is in a flowering or fruiting phase, you will likely need to give a bit more water than you usually would to support these plant structures.

How can I water my Wax mallow through the seasons?

The seasonal changes will affect how often you water your Wax mallow. Mainly, during the hottest summer months, you will likely need to increase how much you water this plant, especially if it grows in an area that receives ample sunlight. Strong summer sunlight can cause soil to dry out much faster than usual, meaning that you’ll need to water more frequently. By contrast, your Wax mallow will need much less water during the winter, as it will not be in an active growing phase. During winter, you can get by with watering once every 2 to 3 weeks or sometimes not at all. For those growing this plant indoors, you should be somewhat wary of appliances such as air conditioners, which can cause your plant to dry out more quickly, which also calls for more frequent watering.

What's the difference between watering my Wax mallow indoors vs outdoors?

In some cases, your Wax mallow may not need any supplemental watering when it grows outside and will survive on rainwater alone. However, if you live in an area of little to no rain, you should water this plant about every two weeks. If you belong to the group of people who live out of this plant's natural hardiness zone, you should grow it indoors. In an indoor setting, you should monitor your plant's soil as it can dry out more quickly when it is in a container or when it is exposed to HVAC units such as air conditioners. Those drying factors will lead you to water this plant a bit more often than if you grew it outdoors.

Is pruning necessary for my Wax mallow?

Before your Wax mallow hedge begins taking over the sidewalk, or your hanging basket Wax mallow start to look scraggly, it is a good idea to think about pruning. Without proper maintenance, Wax mallow may grow rapidly and uncontrollably, crowding out other plants. If you decide to include Wax mallow in your garden or landscaping plan, you should monitor its growth carefully and have a plan for pruning. Pruning is as important for Wax mallow as it is for any other ornamental plant species that you may choose to grow in your garden. If you prune this plant properly, you can enhance its overall health while preserving its most showy ornamental features. With that said, you cannot expect to reap those benefits if you don’t know when and how to prune this species. In fact, improper pruning can cause you to remove the season’s blooms, detracting significantly from the Wax mallow’s beauty. Even if you live in a cooler area or only plan to grow Wax mallow in pots or hanging baskets, regular pruning can encourage blooming and keep your plants healthy and vigorous.

When is the best time to prune my Wax mallow?

To control growth and manage the size and shape of your plants, the time to prune varies according to the climate. In tropical zones, where there is no danger of frost, experts recommend pruning Wax mallow right after the summer growing season. This allows the plant to rest and begin producing new growth. In temperate zones, the recommended time to prune the plant overall is early spring, after the winter and any frost, but prior to the summer blooming season. Avoid pruning in late fall unless you are in a tropical zone as pruning can reduce cold weather hardiness. Additionally, you may want to trim the plants throughout the growing season to encourage blooming. You can also prune at any time if there is any yellowing or diseased foliage.

How can I prune my Wax mallow?

For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. Make each cut at a 45° angle to encourage healthy new growth. Remove any dead or decayed stems first, cutting them off just above the damaged section or cutting them completely to the ground. Next, consider the desired height and shape of your Wax mallow, and then prune accordingly. To control the size of your Wax mallow, you can cut back as much as a third of its height and girth . Late winter or early spring is the best time to do so. Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head. Wax mallow is generally vigorous and will not be harmed by pruning. But take care if you live in an area where freezing is likely. If you cut back the stems down to the woody section shortly before a freeze, this can allow water to travel through the stem to the roots, where it may freeze and kill your Wax mallow.

What should I do after pruning my Wax mallow?

Wax mallow is generally tolerant of limited water and may become mildewy with too much water. Right after pruning is a good time to water and fertilizer though, to encourage new growth and blooming. However, care needs to be taken to avoid wounded areas when watering to avoid fungal infestation of the plant through fresh wounds. When you are ready to dispose of sections of the plant that you removed during pruning, there are two important things to keep in mind. Wax mallow leaves or branches found to be diseased need to be trimmed off and destroyed away from the plant. Do not use it as compost material. Wherever you dispose of the trimmings, remember that Wax mallow roots and spreads easily. Be careful that your trimmings do not inadvertently produce new, unwanted Wax mallow.

What are some tips for pruning my Wax mallow?

From hedges to containers, in any landscape or garden, annual pruning and regular trims can encourage Wax mallow produce beautiful blooms and remain healthy for many years. For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. Make each cut at a 45° angle to encourage healthy new growth. As you are pruning your Wax mallow, step back occasionally to check the appearance of the plant to make sure it has the shape you want and that you are pruning it symmetrically. Try not to prune heavily at flowering time, just the dried flowers need to be pruned back as this will affect flowering. A useful approach is to remove only the longer branches and sucker shoots, leaving the blooms closer to the primary stems intact. Finally, as you prune, be on the lookout for mold or mildew. Wax mallow is susceptible to fungal or bacterial and you will want to address this problem, removing molded or fungal(bacterial) sections to avoid further damage to your Wax mallow.

How many hours of sunlight does Wax mallow need to grow?

Tropical ornamental plants that prefer full sun need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. These plants are adapted to growing in areas with intense, direct sunlight and require this type of light to thrive. In their natural habitats, they are often found growing in open fields or along the edges of forests, where they receive ample sunlight throughout the day.

What will happen if Wax mallow doesn’t get enough sunlight?

If tropical ornamental plants that prefer full sun do not receive enough sunlight, they may become leggy and weak. They may also develop yellow or pale leaves, and may stop producing flowers. Over time, these plants may die if they are not given the amount of direct sunlight they need.

What will happen if Wax mallow gets too much sunlight?

While tropical ornamental plants that prefer full sun need a lot of direct sunlight, they can be damaged by too much sun. If these plants are exposed to intense sunlight for prolonged periods, they may develop sunburned leaves or brown spots. They may also become dehydrated if the soil dries out too quickly in full sun.

How can you protect Wax mallow from excessive sunlight?

To protect tropical ornamental plants that prefer full sun from excessive sunlight, it is important to choose a location that gets plenty of direct sunlight but also has some protection from the hottest part of the day. If you are growing these plants in containers, you can move them to a more shaded location during the hottest part of the day to protect them from the sun's rays. You can also provide some shade by using a shade cloth or umbrella during the hottest part of the day.

Cautions and tips

It is important to gradually acclimate tropical ornamental plants that prefer full sun gradually to direct sunlight, especially if they have been grown indoors or in a shaded area. Start by placing the plant in direct sunlight for an hour or two each day, gradually increasing the amount of time it spends in direct sunlight over a period of several days or weeks. Be sure to keep an eye on the plant's soil moisture levels when it is exposed to full sun. These plants may require more frequent watering in full sun than they would in a more shaded location. Use a moisture meter or check the soil with your finger to determine when the plant needs to be watered.

What is the optimal temperature for Wax mallow?

For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.

As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

Does Wax mallow require different temperatures for different growing phases?

While Wax mallow doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.

Does Wax mallow need different temperatures for different seasons?

Wax mallow does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.

Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Wax mallow healthy?

Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months

If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.

Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat

You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.

Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs

Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Wax mallow?

The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Wax mallow is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.

If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.

Why do I need to fertilize my Wax mallow?

The primary reason why Wax mallow needs regular fertilization is that they have showy leaves that require a lot of energy to produce and maintain. The challenge is that your Wax mallow must not only allot enough energy to keep its leaves in good shape, but it must also find enough energy to support the growth of its stems, branches, roots, and all its other vital structures.

If you neglect fertilization, there are two outcomes that are likely to take place. The first is that the leaves of your Wax mallow will begin to lose their natural color or texture while looking somewhat unhealthy overall, which detracts greatly from its ornamental appeal. The other outcome is that your Wax mallow will begin to slow its growth overall or produce weak growth that could be prone to breakage.

When is the best time to fertilize my Wax mallow?

Wax mallow will benefit from occasionally feedings , which is why you do not need to set a standard feeding schedule upon planting one of these plants. One of the easiest ways to fertilize your Wax mallow is to simply apply your fertilizer when you water this plant sometimes.

During the growing season, your Wax mallow will also need a decent amount of water. You could feed this plant once every two-three weeks. This feeding rate should continue during the entire time that your plant is producing new growth.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Wax mallow?

Throughout most of the year, it is permissible to maintain a regular fertilization schedule for your Wax mallow. During the active growing season of spring, summer, and early fall. However, during the winter, this plant should not receive fertilizer at all.

During winter, Wax mallow will enter a dormant growth phase. In that phase, the plant will either put forth no new growth or very little new growth. That lack of active growth means that your Wax mallow will be using less energy overall, which is why fertilization is not needed at that time.

What type of fertilizer does my Wax mallow need?

The fertilizer for a Wax mallow has a specific blend of nutrients, each of which is present in relatively low amounts. An ideal fertilizer will have an N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2. However, a general-purpose fertilizer that has an even blend of nutrients can work well in some cases. Still, even when using a balanced fertilizer, the ratio number representing the volume of each nutrient should be at 3 or lower.

The fertilizer you use can be either granular or liquid based. If you choose to use a liquid-based fertilizer, it is often best to dilute the strength by half. While there is not much downside to granular fertilizer, it is often most sensible to use liquid fertilizer, especially if you feed your Wax mallow while you supply water.

How do I fertilize my Wax mallow?

One of the easiest ways to fertilize a Wax mallow is to feed it anytime that you water it. To perform this method, gather your fertilizer and a water container, such as a watering can. Then mix the fertilizer with water to dilute its strength. Then, simply pour the water with the fertilizer onto the soil and allow it to soak down to the roots.

Alternatively, you could use a granular fertilizer. If you use a granular fertilizer, all you need to do is sprinkle some of the fertilizer on the soil in which your Wax mallow lives. Granular fertilizers are usually slow-release fertilizers which means you won't need to fertilize as often as you would with a liquid fertilizer. In either case, it is beneficial to water while you feed your Wax mallow.

What happens if I fertilize my Wax mallow too much?

The signs of improper fertilization for a Wax mallow should become obvious relatively quickly. Overfertilization is specifically harmful to this plant, and it can cause several visible signs. The most common signs are browning leaf margins, yellowing leaves, wilting leaves, excess fertilizer build-up in the soil, and loss of foliage.

Wax mallow are also vulnerable to a complication known as fertilizer burn, in which a plant receives too many nutrients, which causes the roots to dry out and cease their main function. However, if you give your Wax mallow water while you feed it, it is far less likely that fertilizer burn will occur.

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More About How-Tos

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Feng shui direction

North

The wax mallow plant illuminates a subtle ambiance of harmony and prosperity, enhancing the Feng Shui energy flow in one's living space. It fits ideally facing North, as water element resides there and this plant thrives well in areas with higher humidity, simulating a harmonious water influence. However, the interpretation of Feng Shui principles can vary, so it's essential to integrate them according to personal comfort.

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Lighting

Full sun

Wax mallow thrives best under an unhindered access to solar illumination, although it can withstand diffracted light too. However, its growth could be hindered if there's an extreme scarcity or oversupply of light. Hailing from environments that enjoy plentiful sun exposure, every growth stage demands a considerable amount of light.

Temperature

0 43 ℃

Wax mallow prefers growing in a tropical and subtropical climate with a temperature range between 68 ℉ (20 ℃) to 100.4 ℉ (38 ℃). In order to adjust to different seasons such as winter or summer, the plant will require adjustments to its temperature environment depending on the desired outcome. It is important to maintain consistent temperature levels to promote healthy growth and a lush appearance.

Transplant

18-24 inches

The perfect time to transplant wax mallow is during mid to late spring, as the mild temperatures support root development. Choose a location with partial shade and well-draining soil. Gently tease the roots when transplanting to promote growth.

Overwinter

20 ℃

Native to warm climates, wax mallow is a winter-hardy species, tolerating temperatures to 10°F. With extreme drops, it can lose leaves but bounces back in spring. Gardeners should provide good drainage, mulch at base to retain heat, and situate in a protected area. If temperatures drop below 10°F, considering overwintering wax mallow indoors may be beneficial.

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Wax mallow based on 10 million real cases

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

Solutions: Even though caterpillars are diverse, they all chew on plant parts and can cause significant damage if present in large numbers. For severe cases: Apply insecticide. For an organic solution, spray plants with a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which specifically affects the larval stage of moths and butterflies. Be sure to coat plants, since caterpillars need to ingest Bt for it to be effective. This will not harm other insects. Spray a chili extract. Chili seeds can be cooked in water to make a spicy spray that caterpillars don't like. Spray this mixture on the plants, but be aware it will also be spicy to humans. Introduce beneficial insects. Release beneficial insects to the garden that eat caterpillars, such as parasitic wasps. For less severe cases: Hand pick. Using gloves, pick off caterpillars on plants and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water. Dust plants with diatomaceous earth. This powder is harmless to humans but irritates caterpillars. Therefore, it will make it difficult for caterpillars to move and eat.

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

Solutions: If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible. For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface. In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well. If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Understory shrub, coastal Petenes mangroves

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Shrub

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Wax mallow

The genus name, Malvaviscus is derived from the latin word malva, meaning "mallow" while viscus meaning "sticky" which is referring to the mucilaginous sap produced by the plants from this genus. Since the flowers exhibit a waxy texture, it is then called wax mallow.

Symbolism

Divine solicitude

Usages

Garden Use

Wax mallow is a popular shrub in perennial gardens, sometimes planted close together to form a natural privacy fence. It is prized for its showy blooms and is an essential part of butterfly and hummingbird gardens when planted with coneflowers, lantana, or the Esperanza plant.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Family

Mallow

Genus

Malvaviscus

Species

Wax mallow

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Spring

Garden Usage

Jumpseed

Jumpseed (Persicaria virginiana) is a native North American plant related to buckwheat. Its common name jumpseed comes from the fact that the seeds appear to jump when a fully ripe seedpod is disrupted. It can be found throughout most of the central and eastern parts of the United States and Canada.

The blue spruce (Picea pungens) is an evergreen conifer with a beautiful, thick crown. It gets the "blue" name because its needles have a bluish tint, unlike other pine trees whose needles are a simpler green. This unique appearance has helped to make the blue spruce one of the world's favorite ornamental conifers, and it's especially popular in Christmas tree production. Historically, these trees have also served other ornamental purposes.

Summer, autumn

Blue spruce

Blue spruce is a popular choice for both planting in gardens and potting indoors, adding a lovely and green decorative effect wherever it grows. Upright and evergreen, the tree grows slowly but has a long life span and very good adaptability. During the winter holiday season, it serves well as a Christmas tree. It's not difficult to grow in a sunlight-ample, moist environment, only requiring a little simple care during daily maintenance.

Spring

Garden Usage

Jade Vine

Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) is a perennial woody vine that will grow to 16 m long. It has pale green foliage and produces 30 cm long chains of claw-shaped flowers in turquoise or jade. Flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. Each bloom resembles a butterfly. Commonly found growing along streams and ravines. In nature, the flowers are pollinated by bats.

Plant Collection Most Common Tree White mulberry See More A unique and easy-to-grow edible landscaping plant, the White mulberry is prized for its tasty fruits as well as its exquisite ornamental appeal. Originally native to China, this plant was valued for its role in silk production: silkworms will only eat the leaves of White mulberryContinue reading “Most Common Tree”

Useful Tips

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow Orange daylily See More The Orange daylily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plantContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Trim the dead, diseased, overgrown branches in winter.

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it isContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Most Common Tree

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Wax mallow

Malvaviscus arboreus

Also known as: Turk's turban, Scotchman's purse, Mexican Apple

Hardiness Zones

9 to 12

Care Guide for Wax mallow

Water

Fertilization

Pruning

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

9 to 12

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Questions About Wax mallow

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Wax mallow?

What should I do if I water my Wax mallow too much or too little?

How often should I water my Wax mallow?

How much water does my Wax mallow need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Wax mallow enough?

How can I water my Wax mallow at different growth stages?

How can I water my Wax mallow through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering my Wax mallow indoors vs outdoors?

Is pruning necessary for my Wax mallow?

When is the best time to prune my Wax mallow?

How can I prune my Wax mallow?

What should I do after pruning my Wax mallow?

What are some tips for pruning my Wax mallow?

How many hours of sunlight does Wax mallow need to grow?

What will happen if Wax mallow doesn’t get enough sunlight?

What will happen if Wax mallow gets too much sunlight?

How can you protect Wax mallow from excessive sunlight?

Cautions and tips

What is the optimal temperature for Wax mallow?

Does Wax mallow require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Does Wax mallow need different temperatures for different seasons?

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Wax mallow healthy?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Wax mallow?

Why do I need to fertilize my Wax mallow?

When is the best time to fertilize my Wax mallow?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Wax mallow?

What type of fertilizer does my Wax mallow need?

How do I fertilize my Wax mallow?

What happens if I fertilize my Wax mallow too much?

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More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Wax mallow based on 10 million real cases

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

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Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

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Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

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Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Understory shrub, coastal Petenes mangroves

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Shrub

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Wax mallow

Symbolism

Divine solicitude

Usages

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

Family

Mallow

Genus

Malvaviscus

Species

Wax mallow

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Related Plants

Persicaria virginiana

Blue spruce

Picea pungens

Jade Vine

Strongylodon macrobotrys

Most Common Tree

Most Common Tree