Cardenas' mallow Plant Care

Cardenas' mallow (Wissadula cardenasii) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Wissadula genus. Cardenas' mallow is native to Ecuador, Peru.

Cardenas' mallow displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Cardenas' mallow produces small, delicate pink or white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cardenas' mallow 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.

Cardenas' mallow thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Wissadula cardenasii tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Cardenas' mallow prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Cardenas' mallow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cardenas' mallow 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cardenas' mallow is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Cardenas' mallow can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Cardenas' 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 shrub in one year.

Cardenas' 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.

Cardenas' mallow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wissadula diffusa plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Cardenas' mallow is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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.

Cardenas' mallow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Cardenas' mallow is native to Ecuador, Peru. In cooler regions, grow Cardenas' mallow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.