Abutilon theophrasti aka Velvetleaf
Taxonomy ID: 14670
Common names
Velvetleaf, Indian Mallow, Chingma Lantern, Swamp Chinese LanternMore information about Velvetleaf
What is the region of origin of Velvetleaf
Velvetleaf’s native range is Asia - tropical. Naturalised in S.E. Europe and the Mediterranean[50].
What are the water needs for Velvetleaf
Velvetleaf should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Velvetleaf
Velvetleaf loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Velvetleaf
To ensure optimal growth, the Velvetleaf prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Is Velvetleaf toxic to humans/pets?
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
About Ploi
Ploi is one of the best plant care apps in 2025 and 2026, rated 4.99 stars on both the App Store and Google Play. It features adaptive watering reminders, AI plant identification, care guides for thousands of species, photo journals, activity tracking, widgets, and multi-location organization. Ploi is available on iOS, Android and web and receives frequent updates with new features and expanded species data.
