Abutilon, Flowering Maple 'Dwarf Red'

Grew wonderfully in a pot in my yard, kept moist but not overly so. High light and hot - it doubled in size between July and Nov. Still...Read More blooming in Nov. at 38 degrees F. , though I bring it in when it freezes.

Light: Full sun exposure (a southern window) is best. East or west windows would be the next choice. They are high light plants that need direct sunlight for flowering and compact growth.

Temperature: Keep temperatures above 40 degrees as an indoor container plant. Under warmer temperatures, grow in high light, as they are rapid growers and will stretch if light is low and temperatures warm.

Humidity: Preferably 50% or higher; however, they will tolerate low levels with no harm.

Watering: Bring the soil to a state of visual dryness between watering.

Fertilizer: Fertilize with ½ tsp./gallon once a week. If leaves become pale or older leaves turn yellow and fall excessively, increase fertilizer to twice a week until they green up.

Pruning: Repot once plant has completely filled the pot. Abutilons love to be pruned and respond well to hard pruning. To culture specimens over the long term, it is necessary to prune up to 50-70% of growth. Any time the growth gets straggly cut them back hard.

Insects and Disease: Abutilons are susceptible to white fly and spider mites. Keep the plants away from other infected plants. If they are kept outdoors in summer, check them carefully before bringing them back in, and give them a preventive spray.

I got two on clearance from Lowe's at the end of the season. I planted them and they thrived, flowering continuously for nearly 3 years. ...Read MoreThen, sadly, we got several consecutive days well below our normal lows (we got a good hard freeze) and they kicked the bucket. They had survived several frosts however. I'll replace them and be better prepared for freak weather next time!