Growing Abutilon (Flowering Maple): Complete Care Guide

Growing Abutilon (Flowering Maple)

Pronunciation: uh-bew'tih-lon

Light

Abutilons bloom freely with 6–8 hours of direct sun. A south-facing window is ideal.

Temperature

Maintain day and night temperatures above 65°F year-round. Avoid cold drafts.

Watering

Water when the top ½ inch of potting mix feels dry to the touch.

Fertilizer

Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength, or use a blossom-boosting formula (10-30-20).

Continuing Care

Abutilons are vigorous growers. Prune long stems just beyond a leaf joint to keep plants compact and bushy. Avoid over-pruning, which may reduce flower buds. Repot into a slightly larger pot in spring.

Pests

If pests appear, rinse plant with water; if they persist, spray with insecticidal soap.

Growing Standards

A standard is a woody plant trained to a single stem with a rounded head. This beautiful form requires ongoing maintenance to prevent the plant from reverting to its natural habit.

Staking a Standard

Place out of strong winds. Use a stake at least as thick as the stem, long enough to reach inside the head. Fasten with garden twine or green plastic tie tape in a figure-eight loop. Check ties periodically and loosen if they constrict stem growth.

Pruning, Fertilizing, and Repotting Standards

Maintain shape by pinching new shoots selectively; overzealous pinching prevents flower buds. Do not shear like a hedge. Fertilize as for other pot-grown plants. If the plant dries out quickly, repot: make four deep vertical cuts in the root ball, move to a pot 2 inches wider and taller, fill with fresh potting mix, and water thoroughly.

Overwintering a Standard

In cold climates, bring standards indoors before frost. Place in an east- or west-facing window in a cool room. Water sparingly to prevent complete drying, and do not fertilize during this semi-dormant period. Move outdoors in spring when nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F.