Water
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during active growth. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Also known as Abutilon-Hemp · American-Jute · Butterprint
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) is a fast-growing annual with soft, velvety leaves and yellow-orange flowers, often considered a weed but historically used for fiber.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
High
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, between 18-27°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during active growth. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth.
Remove spent flowers to promote further blooming, though this is less critical for this species.
Easily propagated from seeds sown directly outdoors after the last frost, or started indoors a few weeks prior. Cuttings can also be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood in spring or summer and rooted in moist, well-draining soil.
Repot young plants annually in spring to provide fresh soil and more space. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix and choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Abutilon |
| Species | Abutilon theophrasti |
Similar in genus Abutilon
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
