Abutilon pictum, syn. Abutilon striatum,(disputed), is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is native to southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The plant has become naturalised in Central America, and is used in horticulture. Common names include redvein abutilon, red vein Indian mallow, redvein flowering maple, Chinese-lantern and red vein Chinese lanterns.
The redvein abutilon is known for its unique and beautiful flowers. These bell-shaped blooms range in color from yellow to red-orange and are distinguished by their striking dark red veins. As a member of the Abutilon genus, this plant is fittingly named the redvein abutilon.
Painted Indian mallow shows strong disease resistance and is generally not prone to disease. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Painted Indian mallow is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not need a lot of gardening experience.
How to keep Callianthe Picta.
Light
Painted Indian mallow grows best with abundant bright light, similar to open-sky conditions. It can moderately tolerate filtered light, such as that typically found beneath leafy canopies. Both excessive light and too little light can hinder the plant’s healthy development.
Water
Redvein abutilon thrives in conditions similar to its tropical rainforest origin. To keep it healthy, water it once every 1-2 weeks, maintaining a consistent schedule. As an evergreen plant, it retains its leaves year-round and requires consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Temperature
For optimal growth, the painted Indian mallow prefers warm temperatures of 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃). In its native habitat it thrives in areas with moderate to high temperatures. In summer it can benefit from a modest drop in temperature of 4 to 6 ℉ (2 to 3 ℃) to avoid heat stress. In winter it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 ℉ (10 ℃), though keeping it above 60 ℉ (15 ℃) is preferable.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Painted Indian mallow is in early spring, when it comes out of dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower development. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are large, vibrant, and long-lasting. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.
Pruning
Redvein abutilon is an ornamental shrub known for its vibrant foliage and delicate flowers. To promote growth, improve air circulation, and enhance the quality of its blooms, it is beneficial to regularly prune the shrub in late spring. By removing dead branches and managing its size, you can encourage the plant to become fuller, healthier, and more visually appealing.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Painted Indian mallow, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Callianthe
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 4.88 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Yellow, Variegated
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Orange, Red
- Flower Size
- 5.08 cm to 7.62 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Brazil
Other names.
