Flowering Maple Plant Care

Botanical Name: Abutilon hybridum

Flowering maple flourishes when given the same conditions as its native tropical habitat. Bright light and warmth will make it thrive in your home -- and flower most of the year.

 

Maple leaf-shaped foliage lends one of its common names. Sometimes called Chinese lantern plants because of the shape of the drooping papery flowers.

You can expect the big, bell-shaped flowers of red, pink, orange, yellow or peach to cover flowering maples from spring through fall.

The Abutilon genus includes more than 100 beautiful flowering shrubs. In its native habitat, it can grow up to 10 ft (3 m) tall. Indoors, it's a good idea to keep it around 2-3 ft (60-90 cm).

Pruning Tip

Prune back in the spring, before the most vigorous growth begins. Pruning Abutilon regularly will keep the plant small and prevent it from becoming leggy.

Flowering maple responds well to pruning, so don't be afraid to cut it back harshly in spring -- removing up to a third of the plant. Also, pinch off growing tips to promote branching.

Water thoroughly. Uneven watering can result in dry pockets in the soil. Dry roots will quickly cause the plant to wilt, and it may drop its leaves and flowers. Always use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.

Shed some light. These plants need plenty of light to bloom. Put it in front of a sunny window. You can move it outdoors for the warm months, if you want. Just be sure to shade it from hot, midday sun.

Repot in spring, when you see new growth. This plant blooms best when slightly pot-bound, so move it to a pot 1 size larger only when necessary.

Flowering Maple Plant Care Tips

Origin: Brazil

Height: Up to 10 ft (3 m) if not pruned back. Prune regularly to keep the plant at a maximum of 3 ft (90 cm). Tall plants will need staking.

Light: Bright light to full sun. Shade from direct midday sun.

Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Empty drainage tray to prevent soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.

Humidity: Moderate humidity. Mist foliage with room-temperature water every few days when needed, especially in winter when indoor humidity is low.

Temperature: Average to warm temperatures 60-80°F/16-27°C. These tropical natives don't like the cold at all. If you move your plant outdoors for the summer, bring it back inside if the temperature dips below 55°F/13°C at night. Colder temperatures may cause this plant to drop its leaves and go dormant for the winter.

Soil: Use a peat moss-based potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring through fall with a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Take 4 in (10 cm) stem tip cuttings in spring. Dip the cut ends in rooting powder and plant the cuttings in moist soil.