Althaea officinalis
TAXONOMY
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusAlthaea
Zone3
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Althaea officinalis, commonly known as marshmallow, is a perennial herb native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is known for its medicinal properties. The plant has been used historically to treat various ailments, and its roots were the original source of the marshmallow confection. It thrives in temperate climates and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Malva Maritima
Marshmallow
Althaea kragujevacensis
Althaea multiflora
Althaea officinalis subsp. micrantha
Althaea officinalis var. pseudoarmeniaca
Althaea sublobata
Althaea taurinensis
Malva althaea
Malva officinalis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Marshmallow plants prefer full sun and moderate temperatures. They should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. The plant thrives in moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme cold. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.Soil
Marshmallow plants prefer loamy soil that is well-draining yet retains moisture. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for this plant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant in early spring and again in mid-summer to support its growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
Repot marshmallow plants every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in early spring before the growing season begins.Propagation
Marshmallow plants can be propagated by seeds or root cuttings. Sow seeds in early spring or take root cuttings in late autumn. Ensure the cuttings have at least one node and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears.Pruning
Prune marshmallow plants in early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Cut back the stems to just above a leaf node to promote new growth.Toxicity
Marshmallow plants are not toxic to pets or humans. All parts of the plant are considered safe, and the roots have been used historically for medicinal purposes.Additional
Marshmallow plants can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of disease. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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