African lantern Plant Care

African lantern (Abutilon austroafricanum) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Abutilon genus. African lantern is also known as South African Abutilon.

African lantern displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. African lantern produces bell-shaped flowers in various colors like red, orange, yellow, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African lantern every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African lantern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African lantern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Abutilon austroafricanum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. African lantern prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African lantern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African lantern every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African lantern is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African lantern can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune African lantern while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

African lantern is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African lantern can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to berlandier's indian mallow plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

African lantern is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

African lantern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow African lantern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.