Chinese lantern (Abutilon austroafricanum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Chinese lantern on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Malvaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Chinese lantern
Abutilon austroafricanum, commonly known as Indian mallow, is a medium-sized perennial shrub noted for its delicate, bell-shaped flowers that hang gracefully. Its petals often come in pastel shades like yellow, orange, or pink, contrasting beautifully with its bright green, often lobed foliage. This plant is ideal for adding a touch of color and grace to temperate gardens, large pots, or as part of a flowering hedge.
Native range
Southern Africa (South Africa)
Care tips
It prefers a location with partial to full sun for optimal flowering, though it appreciates some shade during the hottest hours of summer. It requires regular watering, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. A common mistake is a lack of pruning, which can lead to a leggy plant with fewer flowers; prune it lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
How to save a dying Chinese lantern
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or drooping leaves, soft shoots, no blooms.
- First aid
- Check watering and light. Prune dead or weak branches.
- What kills it
- Overwatering rotting roots or lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't fully rotten and conditions are corrected.