As gardeners, we want our plants to thrive. One of the keys to a happy, healthy garden is understanding each plant’s specific needs, especially when it comes to water. The African mallow shrub (Abutilon species) is a gorgeous flowering plant that adds visual interest and color to gardens, but it can be tricky to get the watering just right. Learning to properly assess when your African mallow needs water will ensure it gets just the right amount to help it look its best.
About the African Mallow Shrub
The African mallow, also called flowering maple, is a fast-growing, vining shrub native to—you guessed it—Africa This heat-loving plant is also quite drought tolerant There are around 150 Abutilon species, with a wide variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colorful blooms. Some species of African mallow can grow up to 10 feet tall!
No matter the variety most African mallows have Maple-shaped leaves and beautiful bell-shaped blooms. Flower colors include white, yellow orange, pink, and red. These pretty pendulous flowers bloom continuously if the plant gets enough warmth and sunlight.
Signs Your African Mallow Needs Water
Because African mallows naturally grow in hot, dry regions, they don’t need as much water as other garden plants. Too much moisture can actually harm them! That said, they still need a certain amount of water to look their best. Here are signs that your African mallow is thirsty and needs a good drink:
Drooping or Wilting Leaves
If the leaves on your African mallow start to wilt, droop, or turn yellow it likely needs water. Healthy mallow leaves stand upright. They may start to wilt if the soil gets too dry.
Dry Soil
Check the soil moisture around your African mallow. These plants prefer fast-draining soil that completely dries out between waterings. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep—if the soil is dry and crumbly and doesn’t stick together, it’s time to water.
Slowed Growth
African mallows are fast growers when their needs are all met. If you notice less new growth than usual, slower leaf formation, or lack of new blooms, dry soil could be the culprit.
Leaf Drop
If the lower leaves on your African mallow start turning brown and dropping off, it’s often a sign of underwatering. The plant will sacrifice its lower leaves to keep the top ones alive when moisture runs low.
Loss of Luster
Healthy African mallow leaves have a nice glossy sheen. When they need water, the leaves lose their luster and turn dull.
Light or Dark Green Foliage
Properly hydrated African mallows will have leaves in a beautiful medium green color. If leaves turn pale or light green, it indicates a lack of water. On the flip side, leaves that are very dark green or bluish green is often a sign of overwatering.
When to Water Your African Mallow
Ideally you should check the soil moisture every few days and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Here are some general guidelines for when your Abutilon likely needs water:
- If it’s been 1 week since you last watered thoroughly.
- Anytime the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
- When lower leaves start turning yellow or brown.
- When you notice leaves wilting, drooping, or losing their healthy sheen.
- If you poke your finger in the soil and it’s dry an inch down.
- If new growth seems to stall out.
The exact watering schedule will vary depending on factors like climate, season, and container vs. in-ground planting. In very hot climates, African mallows may need watering every 4-5 days. In cooler weather, they may go 1-2 weeks between drinks.
How Much to Water Your African Mallow
When you do water, it’s important to water deeply. Light, frequent sprinklings won’t get moisture down to the root zone. Here are some tips for adequate watering:
- Water until the soil is thoroughly soaked about 6 inches deep.
- Allow excess moisture to drain from holes in the container’s bottom to prevent root rot.
- Add enough so that a little water trickles out the bottom when you’re done.
- For in-ground plants, create a watering basin around the roots to contain water.
- Water in early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Consider setting up a drip irrigation system on a timer for convenience.
Your specific African mallow variety will impact needs. Larger varieties or those in hot, dry climates need more hydration. Smaller types or container-grown plants often require less. Get to know your plant’s moisture preferences.
Adjusting Your Watering Schedule
Pay attention to how your African mallow responds after watering. If it perks up and looks vibrant, you’re watering correctly. If lower leaves still appear faded or drop off quickly, increase frequency.
On the other hand, if the shrub drops leaves or seems to develop root rot, back off on watering. Be prepared to modify the schedule based on weather, seasons, and even repotting into a different size container.
Providing Other Care for African Mallow
Along with appropriate watering, there are a few other factors that will keep your African mallow healthy:
- Plant it in well-draining soil with added perlite or sand.
- Make sure the planting site gets 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer.
- Prune back overgrown or damaged branches to shape the plant.
- Bring it inside before temps dip below 30°F.
- Watch for pests like spider mites, aphids, or whiteflies.
Getting to know your own Abutilon’s needs takes some trial and error. Pay close attention and tweak your care as needed. With the right amount of hydration and general care, an African mallow will thrive and delight you with its fab flowers.
How to fertilize Sparmannia africana
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Sparmannia africana after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Sparmannia africana is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Sparmannia africana prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Sparmannia africana doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Sparmannia africana does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Sparmannia africana should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Finding light for None in your home
Sparmannia africana may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves , without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Sparmannia africana in your home .
How to Know if Your Shrub Needs Water
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