Abutilon is a genus of flowering plants, including the popular ornamental flowering maple, Abutilon x hybridum, which is a hybrid species. With similar care, these plants prefer lots of sunlight, well-draining soil, and warm conditions, perennial to the hotter regions of the United States. Though their leaves appear maple-like, abutilons arent even closely related to maple trees.
Abutilon, also known as flowering maple, is a gorgeous flowering plant that can be grown successfully indoors. With attractive maple-shaped leaves and colorful bell-shaped blooms, abutilon adds beauty and vibrancy to any indoor space. However, proper care is required to keep your abutilon healthy and encourage lush growth and prolific flowering. This comprehensive guide provides useful tips and tricks for growing a beautiful abutilon houseplant.
Choosing the Right Abutilon Variety
With over 150 species there are many different types of abutilon to choose from. Popular varieties like Abutilon x hybridum ‘Souvenir de Bonn’ and Abutilon megapotamicum are ideal for indoor cultivation. When selecting a variety consider factors like mature size, growth habit, foliage variegation, and flower color. Compact varieties under 3 feet tall are best suited for indoor containers.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Abutilon thrives when provided with appropriate growing conditions indoors, Here are some key requirements
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Light: Bright, indirect light is essential. Near an east or west facing window is ideal. Abutilon needs at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Insufficient light causes leggy growth.
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Temperature: Warm temperatures between 60-75°F are optimal. Keep away from drafty areas.
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Humidity: Average humidity around 40-50% is suitable. Increase humidity by misting often.
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Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. Add perlite to improve drainage.
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Water: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.
Using the Right Planter or Container
Choosing an appropriate planter or container is key for healthy abutilon growth. Select a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. For mature plants, use a 12-14 inch diameter pot. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the root system but not oversized. Clay or ceramic pots help wick away excess moisture.
Caring for Your Abutilon Houseplant
With proper care, your abutilon plant will thrive indoors for years. Implement these care tips:
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Water deeply when the topsoil feels dry. Allow it to drain fully.
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Mist leaves often to increase humidity.
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Keep in a bright, sunny spot indoors. Rotate periodically for even growth.
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Stake tall plants for support and prune as needed.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites, mealybugs and scale. Treat promptly.
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Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
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Propagate new plants from tip cuttings in spring or summer.
Handling Potential Problems
Abutilon plants are prone to certain problems when grown as houseplants. Here’s how to address common issues:
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Leggy growth – Increase light exposure and prune back overgrown stems.
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Leaf drop – Increase humidity and avoid drafts.
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Root rot – Allow soil to dry out between waterings and use well-draining soil.
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Wilting – Water thoroughly when top inch of soil is dry.
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Pests – Treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays. Remove severely infested parts.
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Yellow leaves – Usually indicates overwatering. Allow soil to dry out before watering again.
Tips for Encouraging Flowering
One of the main attractions of abutilon is the profuse flowering. Here are some tips to maximize blooms:
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Site in a sunny location indoors. Abutilon needs at least 4 hours of direct sun for flowering.
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Avoid overwatering. Too much moisture inhibits flowering.
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Prune back overgrown shoots to encourage new growth and blooms.
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Feed monthly with flowering plant fertilizer during spring and summer.
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Remove spent blooms promptly to encourage reblooming.
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Propagate new plants as older plants become woody and produce fewer flowers.
With the right growing conditions and proper care, abutilon makes a wonderful flowering houseplant. Follow these indoor growing tips to enjoy a healthy, lush, and floriferous abutilon plant in your home. Pay close attention to providing adequate sunlight, humidity, soil drainage, and appropriate watering and fertilization. Your efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful and prolific flowering specimen.
Light
Outdoors, grow the shrubs in full sun to partial shade. Northern gardeners may wish to grow these sub-tropical specimens in containers so that it is easier to bring them indoors in the fall, where they can be grown as houseplants during the winter.
In zones 9 and 10, optimal lighting is for the plants to receive full sun in the morning but some shade in the hot afternoon.
Abutilon Care
Though there are many popular ornamental abutilon varieties, multiple of which are referred to as flowering maple, they are generally all tropical and have similar needs. Here are the main care requirements for growing abutilons:
- Choose a sunny spot that gets around six hours of sunlight or more.
- Prepare nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
- Water somewhat frequently and protect abutilons from drought.
- Fertilize consistently with an all-purpose fertilizer or regularly amend soil.
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How to grow Abutilons – ‘Flowering maple’ care tips
FAQ
How do you care for abutilon indoors?
How do you make abutilon bushy?
Where is the best place to plant abutilon?
What is the best position for abutilon?
Can Abutilon be grown indoors?
Abutilon can also be grown indoors as colorful and lush houseplants or grown outdoors in summer and brought indoors as the weather turns cold. A single parent plant can reward the gardener with a generous supply of new plants. See How to Propagate Abutilon below. How to Grow Abutilon: Proper Care
Is Abutilon a perennial?
Abutilon is a genus of flowering plants, including the popular ornamental flowering maple, Abutilon x hybridum, which is a hybrid species. With similar care, these plants prefer lots of sunlight, well-draining soil, and warm conditions, perennial to the hotter regions of the United States.
Can Abutilon grow in shade?
They tend to be much smaller when grown as potted plants and can be pruned to keep them whatever size you like. For the most prolonged flowering, site your flowering maple in full sun to partial shade. All Abutilon plants repeat bloom. They can bloom continually if given warm temperatures and lots of sun.
How do you grow Abutilon?
How to Grow Abutilon: Proper Care Give it good light and proper care, and your Abutilon will reward you with a steady show of lovely flowers. Abutilon performs best with temperatures between 65° and 75°F and with a lot of bright, though somewhat indirect sunlight.