Photo: Mitch Van DykeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Alcea digitata Plant Care
Alcea digitata Alef.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique palmate leaves with deep lobes, originating from Mexico. Plant collectors are drawn to Alcea digitata for its striking foliage that adds a tropical touch to any garden, making it a sought-after addition for those looking to add an exotic flair to their collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Alcea digitata?
Water Alcea digitata every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Alcea digitata Native To?
What Is the Alcea digitata?
Alcea digitata (Alcea digitata) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Alcea genus. Alcea digitata is native to the Middle East.
Alcea digitata displays a tall, upright biennial or perennial growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Alcea digitata produces large, showy blooms in various colors like pink, purple, yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alcea digitata?
Alcea digitata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Alcea digitata Need?
Alcea digitata thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alcea digitata Prefer?
Alcea digitata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Alcea digitata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alcea digitata?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Alcea digitata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alcea digitata?
Feed Alcea digitata every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Alcea digitata?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Alcea digitata?
Alcea digitata can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wingless hollyhock plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alcea digitata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Alcea digitata, 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 Alcea digitata?
Alcea digitata is susceptible to aphids, japanese beetles, caterpillars. 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 Alcea digitata Need?
Alcea digitata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Alcea digitata is native to the Middle East.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Alcea digitata 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 Alcea genus (family Malvaceae) — search all Alcea species in the plant lookup.
Alcea digitata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Alcea Species
Other Alcea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Alcea digitata Alef., family Malvaceae (first published in Oesterr. Bot. Z. 12: 252 (1862)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Alcea digitata, 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: Mitch Van Dyke, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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