Abutilon is a large genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Malvaceae. It is widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is known for its showy yellow flowers and attractive foliage. It is often used in gardens and landscapes.
The name “flowering maple” may conjure images in certain minds of majestic maple trees with cascading, bottle-brush flowers. Although this is not the common name for Abutilon striatum, many people choose to grow this flowering tropical houseplant due to its resemblance to snowdrop or double daffodil.
Abutilon’s flowers
The Abutilon genus is a huge family of flowering plants found in the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Its flower colors are often bright, ranging from yellow to red, orange, and pink. Abutilon is also a member of the Malvaceae family.
The flower of Abutilon is a pendant bell-shaped bloom and has been popular since the Victorian era. It is also known as the Flowering Maple, Parlor Maple, Chinese Bellflower, or Chinese Lantern. Abutilon is commonly grown as an herbaceous perennial or annual plant. Its flowers can grow up to eight inches in length when grown outdoors. When grown in pots, it will grow to a lower height.
Care of Abutilon
Abutilon flowering maple is a perennial in the maple family, but not actually from the maple tree family. Instead, it belongs to the family of Malvaceae, which also includes mallows, cotton, hibiscus, and okra. Abutilon is native to South America, and is often grown as a houseplant. Unlike most other trees, Abutilon is a shrub or small tree. Its flower color varies, from yellow to orange to red, and its bloom is usually quite colorful. During the summer, you can enjoy the flowers of Abutilon ‘Victor Reiter’, which are quite large and colorful. To encourage flowering, abutilons require six to eight hours of direct sun each day. For the best results, plant your Abutilon in a south-facing window or other sunny spot. They also need to be kept out of the way of cold drafts and should be fertilized every two weeks.
Growing Abutilon from seed
Growing Abutilon from seed is a simple process, but requires special environmental conditions. It grows faster in a spot with good drainage and indirect sunlight. You can plant abutilona in a window or in the garden. The best way to start is by preparing the soil for planting with a layer of compost or vermiculate. After the seeds are planted, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions. Abutilona prefers a bright, indirect light, so be sure to give them sun baths every few days.
Plant abutilon seeds in late winter or early spring. Plant them one eighth to a quarter of an inch deep. You can use a diluted fertilizer to feed them once or twice a week. Water them less during the winter months. Be sure to stake the plants if you want them to grow upright.
The Abutilon flowering maple is surpassingly beautiful with its bright flowers and striking foliage that resembles maple trees. Keep its needs in mind, and give it a spot in a warm room on your windowsill where its natural beauty can complement your house’s decor. It is a wonderful indoor plant, offering the beauty of an outdoor specimen’s landscaping to the interior of your home.
