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Brazilian Candles
By webmaster | October 14, 2009
Brazilian Candles
Malvacea Pavonia x gledhilli
October 2009 Plant Study Subject
Description: The Brazilian Candle is a small shrub that grows to 4-5 ft high. It tends to be narrow rather than multi-stemmed.
Culture: Sun to Light Shade
Hardiness: USDA Zones 10a-11 That means it needs special care here unless you are a daring gardener. The high 30’s are about all it can take after being established. Protect from cold or use as a house plant.
Features: Beautiful blooms of red and purple, blooming intermittently year round. Brazilian Candle is one of our most interesting shrubs. A vertical grower with green leaves and unusual dark pink and purple upright flowers that looks like they are not fully opened.
Light: Full to partial sun. The more direct sun the better.
Temperature: Maintain temperatures above 55 degrees..
Humidity: Preferably 50% or higher; however, they will tolerate low levels with no harm.
Watering: Bring soil to visual dryness between watering, then water thoroughly.
Fertilizer:
Fertilize with ½ tsp./gallon once a week. If leaves become pale or older leaves turn yellow and fall excessively, increase fertilizer to twice a week until they green up.
Pruning: Anytime growth is excessive; responds well to severe pruning down to leafless stems, which easily re-sprout; will take two months to come back into bloom.
Insects and Disease: Some susceptibility to white fly and spider mite; minor susceptibility to aphids.
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