Malva nut Plant Care

Malva nut (Scaphium macropodum) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Scaphium genus. Malva nut is also known as Chinese Okra, Malva nut tree, Buddha's Hand.

Malva nut displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Malva nut produces large, showy pink or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

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

Malva nut thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Scaphium macropodum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Malva nut prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Malva nut to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Malva nut every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Malva nut is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

Malva nut can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Malva nut 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 tree in one year.

Malva nut 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.

Malva nut can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to malva nut plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Malva nut is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

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