Cuban Mallow Plant Care

Cuban Mallow (Thespesia cubensis) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Thespesia genus.

Cuban Mallow displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Cuban Mallow produces large showy yellow hibiscus-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cuban Mallow every 7–14 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.

Cuban Mallow thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Thespesia cubensis tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Cuban Mallow prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Cuban Mallow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cuban Mallow 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cuban Mallow is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Cuban Mallow can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 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 Cuban Mallow 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.

Cuban Mallow 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.

Cuban Mallow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild okra plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Cuban Mallow is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

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