Countless plants have withered under my care.
But I don't look back. If I did, I wouldn't be able to stay sane...

I'm Suzuki, and this is my 14th year as a hobby gardener.
This section introduces only plants I have actually grown.

This time, I'm introducing the "Variegated Mahoe," a plant with mystical red new leaves.

What kind of plant is the Mahoe (Variegated)?

In Okinawa, it's planted as a street tree.
It's also affectionately known as "Yuuna."
Its leaf shape is distinctive, but it's a relative of hibiscus.

It produces yellow flowers, but it seems difficult to get them to bloom in mainland Japan.
It's not cold-hardy, so it's generally grown indoors during winter.

Sunlight is crucial

Except in summer, direct sunlight helps the trunk and branches thicken and improves their color.
Even when grown indoors in winter, if there isn't enough light, it will drop its leaves and become thin and weak.
Insufficient sunlight also reduces the redness of new shoots.
For optimal growth, plant-growing LEDs should be 45w or more.

As a tree, its unique coloring is its charm.
If your room is bright and gets sunlight, it would be among the top three recommended houseplants.

It loves water too

When its roots are well-developed, it absorbs a lot of water.
In summer, once a day might not be enough.
Even after bringing it indoors for winter, if the room is warm or dry, the pot will dry out faster.
Hibiscus in general seems to be thirsty.
It often drops leaves, but its branches and leaves grow quickly, so there's no need to worry too much.

Plant Enthusiast Meter

Finally, I'll give the "Mahoe (Variegated)" a score based on my highly personal opinion.

・Ease of care: 18 points
Good if you're mindful of light and cold.

・Ease of shaping: 20 points
Its form is unlikely to get messy.

・Growth rate: 18 points
Accelerates rapidly during its growth period.

・Suitability for Osaka: 18 points
Only need to be careful in winter.

・Likability: 20 points
A truly unique tricolor tree!

 Total Score: 94 points

That's all, Editor-in-Chief.

Author: Suzuki