Red Veined Abutilon (Abutilon grantii)

Photo: Sunčana BradleyCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Red Veined Abutilon Plant Care

Abutilon grantii A.Meeuse

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Abutilon grantii is a striking plant known for its vibrant red veined leaves that contrast beautifully against its green foliage. This variegated Indian mallow is native to Madagascar and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in tropical climates.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Red Veined Abutilon?

Plant Red Veined Abutilon in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Red Veined Abutilon?

Red Veined Abutilon (Abutilon grantii) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Abutilon genus. Red Veined Abutilon is also known as Variegated Indian Mallow.

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

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Red Veined Abutilon?

Water a young or newly planted Red Veined Abutilon 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.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Red Veined Abutilon Need?

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

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Veined Abutilon Prefer?

Abutilon grantii tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Red Veined Abutilon prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Veined Abutilon?

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

How Often Should You Fertilize a Red Veined Abutilon?

Feed Red Veined Abutilon 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.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

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

Where Should You Plant a Red Veined Abutilon?

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.

Red Veined Abutilon 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.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Red Veined Abutilon?

Red Veined Abutilon 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.

How Do You Prune a Red Veined Abutilon?

Prune Red Veined Abutilon 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.

How Do You Care for a Red Veined Abutilon in Winter?

Red Veined Abutilon 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.

How Do You Propagate a Red Veined Abutilon?

Red Veined Abutilon can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african lantern plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Red Veined Abutilon Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Red Veined Abutilon, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

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

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red Veined Abutilon?

Red Veined Abutilon 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.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Red Veined Abutilon Need?

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

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Red Veined Abutilon is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Abutilon genus — compare its care with other Abutilon species on PlantoScan.

Abutilon is part of the Malvaceae plant family — browse all Malvaceae genera and species.

Red Veined Abutilon thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Abutilon Species

Other Abutilon species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Abutilon grantii A.Meeuse, family Malvaceae (first published in Fl. Zambes. 1: 493 (1961)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red Veined Abutilon, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Sunčana Bradley, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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