With their delicate, papery flowers and trailing habit, these exotic plants from subtropical climes can add a touch of colour to the dramatic foliage of tropical-looking plants such as gingers, cannas and bananas. Words John Hoyland, photographs Torie Chugg
Abutilon are a large group of tropical shrubs grown for their colourful, bell-shaped or lantern-like flowers. Commonly known as Indian mallow, flowering maple and Chinese lanterns, abutilon come from the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, North and South America and most flower during July to September.
The genus’s heyday was during the Victorian and Edwardian eras when they were widely grown both in large private gardens and in public parks, used as accent plants or as the centrepieces of elaborate bedding schemes. Of the estimated 200 species, very few have the decorative qualities that would appeal to gardeners. Several of the showiest hybrids come from a handful of South American species (some of which are now recognised in the related genus Corynabutilon). In the wild, they tend to be found growing in rich, moist soil under the dappled shade of tall trees.
Abutilon, also known as flowering maple or Indian mallow, is a beautiful blooming plant that can make a lovely addition to any garden. However, like all plants, it has specific care needs when it comes to watering. Understanding how much water your Abutilon requires and how to properly irrigate it is key to helping it thrive. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about watering your Abutilon plant successfully.
How Often to Water Abutilon Plants
When it comes to watering frequency, there are a few factors to consider
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Plant size – Larger Abutilon plants will need more frequent watering than smaller or younger specimens.
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Container vs. in-ground – Potted Abutilons will require more frequent irrigation than in-ground plantings since containers drain faster and the roots have less soil to draw moisture from.
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Climate – Abutilons grown in hot, dry climates need more frequent watering than those in cool, humid environments
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Time of year – During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, Abutilons need more frequent watering than in fall and winter when growth slows.
As a general guideline, established Abutilon plants typically need watering about 1-2 times per week in average conditions. However, checking the soil moisture regularly by finger is the best way to determine exactly when your plant needs water.
How to Check Soil Moisture
The ideal way to determine when your Abutilon needs water is to check the soil moisture level. Here’s how:
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Use your finger or a moisture meter to check the soil about 1 inch below the surface near the base of the plant.
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If the soil feels dry and crumbly, it’s time to water.
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If it feels moist and cool, hold off on watering for now.
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The soil should never be allowed to become bone dry before watering. This can cause stress, wilting, and flower bud drop.
Check moisture levels regularly to determine the optimal watering frequency for your specific growing conditions.
How Much Water to Give Abutilon
When you do irrigate your Abutilon, water thoroughly until it starts to drain freely from the bottom of the container or planting hole. This ensures water penetrates deep into the root zone.
For container plants, take the plant to a sink and water until it drains from the bottom. Allow all excess water to drain completely before returning the plant to its saucer. Never allow containers to sit in standing water.
For in-ground plantings, set a sprinkler or soaker hose over the root zone and water until the top 6-12 inches of soil are moist. Probe with your finger to check moisture depth.
Infrequent deep watering is better than frequent shallow sprinkles. Deep watering promotes stronger root growth.
Watering Tips
Follow these tips for successful Abutilon irrigation:
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Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry out before nightfall, preventing disease.
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Avoid overhead watering – use soaker hoses or drip irrigation instead to keep foliage dry.
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Use room temperature water – cold water can shock roots.
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Always water the soil, not the foliage directly.
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Add organic mulch like bark or compost around plants to help retain soil moisture.
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Group plants with similar watering needs together.
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Check soil moisture frequently to determine optimal watering schedule.
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Adjust watering amounts and frequency based on climate, plant size, and season.
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Don’t rely on a set watering schedule – let the plant’s needs guide you.
Signs of Underwatering
If your Abutilon plant is not getting enough water, you may notice these signs:
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Wilting or drooping leaves that don’t recover in the evening.
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Leaves appearing dull, grayish, or scorched around the edges.
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Stunted growth.
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Flower buds falling off before opening.
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Soil pulling away from the edges of the container.
These symptoms indicate it’s time to water your plant immediately. Increase watering frequency to prevent repeat underwatering.
Signs of Overwatering
With too much moisture, Abutilon plants may show:
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Leaves turning yellow and dropping.
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Soft, mushy stems.
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Slow growth.
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Mold or fungus on the soil surface or lower leaves.
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Rotten roots that appear brown or black.
If you notice these issues, allow the soil to dry further between waterings and ensure containers have adequate drainage. Overwatered plants should be removed from wet soil immediately.
Abutilon Watering FAQs
Can I use tap water on my Abutilon?
Yes, tap water is fine for Abutilons provided it doesn’t contain extremely high mineral content. If using tap water, allow it to sit out overnight before using so chlorine can evaporate.
Should I mist my Abutilon plant?
Occasional misting can increase humidity around the plant but is not a substitute for thorough soil watering. Ensure any moisture on the leaves dries quickly to prevent diseases.
What kind of pot is best for Abutilons?
Choose a container with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix. Plastic, glazed ceramic, or terra cotta pots work well. Ensure containers are large enough to support root growth but not oversized.
Can Abutilons tolerate drought periods?
Abutilons do not tolerate extended droughts well. Allowing the soil to completely dry out causes stress, flower loss, and decline. While they don’t like constantly soggy soil, some consistent moisture is vital.
What are the best ways to water container Abutilons?
For containers, water thoroughly from the top until it drains from the bottom drain holes, then discard excess water. Using a watering can allows you to control water amounts. Automatic drip irrigation systems also work well for maintaining consistent soil moisture.
How can I tell if my plant is overwatered?
Signs like yellowing or mushy leaves, mold on soil, slow growth, rotten roots, or constant wet soil indicate overwatering. Allow soil to dry further between waterings and ensure containers have drainage holes. Remove affected plants from wet soil immediately.
What time of day is best for watering Abutilons?
Aim to water first thing in the morning so the foliage has time to dry out in the sun’s warmth before night approaches. Avoid watering in the evening or at night, as wet foliage overnight encourages disease development.
No matter how you grow them, understanding your Abutilon plant’s thirst will help you care for them successfully. Pay close attention to soil moisture, adjust watering amounts and frequency based on environmental factors, and watch for signs of too much or too little water. With a little vigilance and care, you can keep your flowering maple hydrated just right for lush growth and spectacular blooms.
Abutilon pests and diseases
Abutilons that are grown outdoors are trouble free and not susceptible to any pests. Those that are grown in the conservatory are prone to the usual range of conservatory pests, particularly scale insects and red spider mite. You can identify red spider mite from mottling on the leaves and, in heavy infestations, a fine, silky web that covers the foliage. Control it from early spring by introducing predatory mites. Scale insects, which look like small blisters on the underside of leaves, are less of a problem but they should be removed by hand as soon as you spot them. Ladybirds will eat them and at the same time deal with mealybugs, which are a tiny white insect that sucks on the sap of the plants.
Feeding and watering abutilon
To produce so many flowers, a plant needs a lot of energy so incorporate plenty of manure or compost into the soil before planting and mulch every autumn with compost. Water regularly when the plant is growing and flowering but reduce this during the winter so that the soil is barely moist.