Flowering Maple.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Shrub

Light

Bright indirect light with some morning sun.

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

3 to 6 feet tall

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Spring to late autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or a need for more light. Prune back the stems regularly to encourage a fuller and bushier shape.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Trim back long stems in early spring to maintain a compact form.

Repotting

Move to a slightly larger pot once the roots begin to circle the bottom.

Soil

Well draining peat based potting mix.

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

5 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

Low

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years with proper care.

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

The plant is generally considered non toxic to humans.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The plant is safe for children, though the stems can be brittle and break easily.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the fuzzy foliage.

Airborne allergens

The pollen is not considered a significant allergen.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for consumption.

How to identify it

• Maple shaped lobed leaves
• Pendant bell shaped flowers
• Prominent central stamen column
• Soft velvety leaf texture

Height

0.9 to 2.4m

Spread

0.6 to 1.5m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

red, orange, yellow, pink, white, 5 to 8cm

Problems to watch for

• Whitefly · These tiny insects cluster on the undersides of leaves and cause yellowing.
• Aphids · Small sap sucking insects that can cause leaf curling and stunted growth.

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring, early autumn

Overwintering

Bring containers indoors before the first frost. Keep them in a bright, cool room and reduce watering until spring.

In containers

They grow beautifully in containers, provided you use a pot at least 30 centimeters wide with good drainage.

Group these with other shade loving tropicals to create a humid microclimate.

Grows well with

• Fuchsia · They share similar light and moisture requirements for a lush look.
• Coleus · The colorful foliage of coleus complements the bell shaped flowers.

Similar species

• Flowering Maple · It has a similar trailing habit and bell shaped flowers.

Science

Family

Malvaceae

Genus

Abutilon

Order

Malvales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Tropical and subtropical regions of South America.

Conservation

This is a garden hybrid and is not of conservation concern.

In the wild, these plants thrive in the dappled light of forest edges where they can climb or sprawl.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Uses

container plant, patio accent, greenhouse specimen

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaves dropping?

This often happens due to sudden temperature changes or inconsistent watering.

Should I prune it?

Yes, regular pruning keeps the plant bushy and encourages more blooms.

Where the name comes from

The name Abutilon comes from an Arabic word for a mallow like plant, while hybridum refers to its status as a garden hybrid.

Good to know

• The flowers look like miniature lanterns.
• They grow very quickly in warm weather.
• They are members of the mallow family, related to hibiscus.