Malvaviscus arboreus aka Fire Dart Bush

Taxonomy

Malvaviscus arboreus, also known as wax mallow or Turk's cap, is a beautiful flowering shrub belonging to the hibiscus family. It is native to the American South, Mexico, Central America, and South America and is characterized by its tree-like appearance. The plant has many evocative common names, including sleeping hibiscus, manzanilla, and ladies teardrop. Its scarlet flowers resemble unopened hibiscus blossoms and do not open fully, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The wax mallow shrub typically grows up to 4 feet tall, but can reach up to 10 feet with an equal spread. Its stems are woody towards the base and greener towards the branch tips. The leaves can grow up to 5 inches across, but the plant is generally grown for its beautiful flowers. Wax mallow does best in long-lasting, direct light, less than 1 foot from a window, and requires regular watering. Wax mallow likes well-draining soil and belongs to the Malvaviscus genus. It is native to Texas to Northeastern Mexico and is now popular in cultivation. Although it has several common names, it should not be confused with other unrelated plants that share those names.

Common names

Fire Dart Bush, Sleeping Hibiscus, Turkscap

How to care for Fire Dart Bush

Difficulty

Fire Dart Bush is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Fire Dart Bush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Fire Dart Bush 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.

Lighting

Fire Dart Bush requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Fire Dart Bush will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia