Abutilon plant called "indoor maple". Abutilon - home care, photo Abutilon organza care

Abutilon(Abutilon) – perennial evergreen plant from the Malvaceae family. In its natural environment, it is found in the tropics of South America, Asia, Africa. China is considered the homeland. It grows very quickly, sometimes reaching 2 m. Some species in nature grow up to 4 m. With proper care, abutilon pleases with long - from April to late autumn - flowering.

Flowers can be of different colors: red, peach, salmon, purple, pink. They look like magic lanterns and are formed on long stalks at the end of the shoot, while the growth of the shoot does not stop. The plant is often referred to as potted maple because its wedge-shaped green leaves with scalloped edges resemble the tree's foliage.

	In one season, the plant doubles or triples in growth.
	Blooms in autumn, summer and spring.
	Abutilon is easy to grow.
	Perennial.

Useful properties of abutilone

Abutilon is a plant that gives joy. A sad mood transforms into a powerful charge of vivacity; helps to reveal talents, creates an atmosphere of love and harmony. Contemplation of a flowering tree relieves stress. The view of Abutilon Theophrastus is useful. Furunculosis is treated with its juice, wounds heal. Strong ropes are produced from the branches of abutilon. That's why they call him a cannon.

Abutilone care at home (briefly)

Abutilon at home can bloom for almost a year. Despite the spectacular appearance, indoor maple does not require special care, but it must be taken care of competently.

There are features of growing abutilon . In the spring, its growth is activated. Some shoots grow randomly, thickening and worsening their appearance, taking strength from the plant. So at the end of winter abutilon pruned, leaving half the height, removing weak shoots. When it begins to grow powerfully, it is tied to a support.

Abutilone care at home. in detail

Home Abutilon- A shrub of tropical origin. The beauty and duration of flowering, the longevity of the plant depend on care. At home, it is difficult to create conditions that coincide with those to which indoor maple genetically predisposed, but it is necessary to get as close as possible to them.

Planting Abutilon

Planting abutilon plays an important role in the formation of a beautiful strong tree. When deciding to grow abutilon at home, they choose a place for it in advance. The best option is a draft-protected and well-lit part of the room: the plant needs light at any time of the year. In summer, you can put it on the balcony or take it outside. Fresh air and the rays of the sun will help the tree to quickly grow stronger and grow.

Bloom

Abutilon flowering- a colorful and long-lasting phenomenon. It starts in late April and ends in late autumn. During flowering, bright original flowers-lanterns form on the branches. They consist of 5 petals collected at the base, they can be of different colors. The flower is up to 7 cm in diameter.

Temperature

In order for Abutilon to grow up healthy and strong, good home care is needed. Required to maintain the right temperature: Hypothermia is as dangerous as overheating. In the warm season, in the room where abutilon grows, it should be + 22 - 27 ° C, in winter and autumn - not less than + 15 ° C. If he feels uncomfortable, he will show dissatisfaction: at a high temperature he will begin to dry out, at a low temperature he will shed his leaves.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature.

spraying

Abutilon is not very picky about air humidity. But during the heating season and on hot days, when the air becomes dry, periodic spraying leaves. To avoid their burn, it is not done in the light.

Lighting

For the formation of juicy green foliage, abutilon needs good lighting. He loves bright places, but bright sunlight causes leaf burn. Therefore, it is recommended to choose diffused lighting. The tree is placed next to the windows facing south. In autumn and winter, when the duration of daylight hours is reduced, additional lighting is installed.

Watering

Abutilon loves moisture, but both a lack of moisture and waterlogging of the soil are dangerous for him. Lack of moisture leads to shedding of leaves, growth retardation, and excess - to falling buds, drying of foliage, root rot. In summer, abutilon is watered frequently (up to 3 times a week).

To keep the soil moist for a long time, it is loosened and mulched with coconut substrate, crushed bark. After flowering, moderate watering is needed - once every 10 days.

Watered with settled water at room temperature.

pot size

If the tree is grown from seeds, a small container is taken for sowing. Abutilon develops rapidly. As it grows, increase the size of the pot. The need to change the container will be indicated by the appearance of roots from the drainage holes, the crushing of flowers and the slowdown in growth.

In order not to bring the shrub to a critical state, the diameter of the pot is gradually increased until it becomes optimal for abutilon - 13 - 15 cm. The diameter of each new container should be 2 cm larger than the previous one. Some types of abutilon live for more than 8 years; long-lived plants are grown in tubs.

Primer for Abutilon

Loose, rich in humus soil for abutilon - the key to growing a strong beautiful tree. The soil is quickly depleted because indoor maple consumes nutrients instantly. To help the plant replenish their supply, the soil is updated twice a year, given the acidity of the soil.

The development of the tree is faster in neutral or slightly acidic soil (pH about 6), which can be prepared at home by adding biohumus, vermiculite, and sand to the peat mixture.

Top dressing and fertilizer

Abutilon slows down development from November to March, when there is a period of its dormancy. At this time, top dressing is prohibited: excessive stimulation will deplete the plant. In the flowering and growth phase, on the contrary, organic top dressing and fertilizer with minerals are important. They are carried out every 2 weeks after watering.

When abutilon forms buds, phosphorus and potassium are needed. With an excess of nitrogen, the tree grows rapidly, but does not bloom. Use liquid fertilizers for flowering plants. They contain useful substances in the right proportions and are easily digested.

Transfer

A potted maple needs a transplant. It is carried out, noticing the signs that Abutilon gives:

• slow growth;
• small flowers;
• roots protrude from drainage holes;
• buds fall;
• light spots appear on the leaves due to lack of nutrition;
• crown diameter visually exceeds the diameter of the pot.

Transplanting (transferring) abutilon from one pot to another, they renew the container, if necessary. Refresh the soil, remove dense accumulations of roots and damaged roots. The cut points are sprinkled with crushed charcoal. Young bushes are transplanted once a year, adults - after 3 years. It is better to do this in cloudy weather, so that the plant can easily endure the transplant.

Reproduction of Abutilon

A new tree can be obtained using seeds or cuttings.

Propagation of abutilon by cuttings

Usually at the age of 5 years, the trunk becomes stiff, abutilon becomes less attractive. Reproduction by cuttings- a good option for updating a tree. It is best to do this from spring to late summer. Cuttings 15 cm long are cut from strong branches, clearing from the lower leaves and flowers. Place, slightly tilting, in moist soil. Watered, mulched, covered with foil. To prevent condensation from accumulating, make several holes. Seedlings are kept warm, at a temperature of 22 - 25 ° C. The film is regularly removed for airing and watering. A month later, the cuttings take root, they are transplanted into a pot.

Growing abutilone from seeds

Reproduction by seeds not always convenient: they quickly lose their germination. It is better to sow last year's seeds. In the spring, large seeds are selected, treated in a solution of potassium permanganate. Grooves are made in the soil and the seeds are placed at a distance of 20 mm from each other, deepening by 5 mm. The container with seedlings is covered with polyethylene. Make holes so that the seedlings "breathe". Contain at a temperature of 20 - 23 ° C. The film is removed to moisten and ventilate the soil. After 3 weeks, the first shoots appear. When 2 leaves grow, the seedlings dive into pots and put in a bright place away from drafts. After 4 - 6 months, abutilon will bloom.

Variegated species are propagated only by cuttings in order to preserve the biological characteristics of the parent plant.

Diseases and pests of Abutilon

The plant is unpretentious, but improper care of it can cause problems:

1. Abutilon sheds leaves - improper watering (stagnant water or lack of moisture), sudden changes in lighting or temperature, draft.
2. The tips of the leaves of abutilon dry up and curl - very dry air in the room. It is necessary to spray the leaves (without touching the flowers); set aside from the batteries, an open container of water is placed next to the pot.
3. Abutilone yellow foliage - dry air, hot room, lack of nitrogen. Spraying, airing, top dressing.
4. Pale leaf color - little light. The plant is moved to a brighter place.

With high dryness of the air, excessive watering, abutilon is attacked by pests: aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, thrips. To combat them, insecticides are used, the conditions of the plant are changed.

Types of home abutilon with name and photo

More than 100 types of abutilone are known. At home, some of them are grown, adapted to home life. They are small in size, bloom for a long time and do not require special conditions.

Abutilon Megapotamsky (AbutilonMegapotamicum), or Abutilon Amazonian

The shrub grows up to 1.5 m. The stems are slender and drooping. The length of elongated-oval leaves with serrated edges reaches 8 cm. Single flowers hang down on long pedicels. The red corolla has a tubular-ribbed shape.

Petals with a red spot at the base are yellow. With proper care, it blooms all year round. In England it is called "weeping Chinese lantern".

Abutilon vine (AbutilonVitifolium)

Tall branched shrub, grows up to 2 m. Bright green leaves with jagged edges reach 20 cm, have from 3 to 5 lobes. The inflorescences are painted in blue or lilac, dark veins are expressed on the petals. Flowers are arranged in groups. Long shoots are covered with fluff. Blooms from the end of April.

Abutilon Sello (AbutilonSellowianum)

It grows up to 2 m. Slightly branched straight shoots are pubescent. The pointed, elongated three-lobed leaves have a smooth texture and serrated edges. The flowers are pale purple with pink veins. The flowering period falls on July - December.

Abutilon spotted, or Abutilon painted (Abutilon/striatum)

Shrub with flexible short shoots and multi-lobed green leaves on long petioles. They have a heart-shaped appearance, white spots and jagged edges. Golden flowers with dark pink streaks are shaped like a bell. Formed in the axils of the leaves. Flowering falls at the very end of summer.

Abutilon hybrid (Abutilonhybridum)

Abutilon is obtained artificially by crossing different plant species. Evergreen tree 1.5 m high. Petals can be painted in different colors: pink, white, orange, red, yellow, burgundy. Veins are always visible on them - dark or light. The flowers are shaped like bells. The leaves are covered with a delicate pile, have 3-5 lobes and long petioles.

Abutilon is a beautiful plant that can refresh and decorate the interior. Brings peace and joy to the home. Responsive to elementary care, and with good care, it is ready to bloom all year round.

Abutilon is an unpretentious indoor plant that will ideally fit into a home or office interior and will decorate winter gardens. It does not require the creation of special conditions and careful care, therefore it is quite popular among flora lovers. You will learn about the types of indoor abutilon and how to grow it correctly from this article.

Botanical characteristics of abutilone

This plant of the Malvaceae family is an evergreen tree or shrub whose leaves resemble maple leaves in size and shape. This gave abutilon another popular name among the people - indoor maple. In their natural habitat, these plants live in the tropical zone of Africa, South Asia and South America, so the flower loves a lot of light and heat.

With the right content, it reaches a height of 1.5-2 meters and branches abundantly. The leaflets are located on the petioles and have a length of 10-20 cm, the leaf blade is oval or heart-shaped, with soft and sparse hairs. Usually the leaves are green in color, but there are varieties with golden motley or scarlet colors.

Flowers, similar in shape to a bell, are distinguished by their brightness and a variety of shades from white to red. Flowering is long lasting. It occurs from early spring to late autumn. In India, the coarse fiber of abutilone is used to create burlap, ropes and ropes, so the plant has another name - rope.

Types of abutilone

This shrub has more than 100 varieties and hybrids. Consider the most suitable species for home cultivation with a photo.

• Abutilon Bella is a recently bred variety, which is distinguished by the presence of voluminous bright flowers of pink or golden color (about 8 cm in diameter) and large branching. It grows up to about 40 cm and blooms beautifully throughout the year. It does not need pruning and pinching;

• Juliet is a very unpretentious species, the cultivation of which does not require abundant lighting and frequent watering. The plant reaches half a meter in height and gives bright large flowers six months after sowing the seeds;

• Organza is a branchy shrub up to a meter in height with green smooth foliage and large bright flowers, located singly. Requires frequent pruning to maintain shape;

• Bellevue is a hybrid mixture that has flowers with colors that match all the colors of the rainbow. It is a lush beautiful bush that has a height of up to two meters under the right conditions of care and constant pruning;

• Bella mix is ​​another hybrid with large flowers (up to 8 cm in diameter) of delicate tones: yellow, apricot, pink;

• Sello - this variety is distinguished by light branching and inflorescences of peach tones with pinkish veins. Flowering occurs from July to December;

• Tiger's eye is a large shrub with orange-hued flowers and red veins. It looks very nice and resembles a lantern.

Caring for abutilone at home does not require much attention or any special skills. You just need to follow some simple guidelines.

Rope landing

Abutilon from seeds is grown in a mixture of peat, light earth and sand (in a ratio of 2: 2: 1, respectively).

• It is recommended to sift the soil before sowing so that it acquires friability and better retains moisture. It also needs to be disinfected with potassium permanganate from fungi and bacteria;
• The seed material is soaked in warm water for 12 hours;
• Seeds are planted in a pot at a shallow depth of about 5 mm, covered with a film to create a "greenhouse" and placed in a warm sunny place. Shoots begin to appear after about 20 days;
• When the first leaves appear, you need to plant the seedlings in small cups with a diameter of about 7 cm. Now you just need to properly care for abutilone, creating the right level of humidity, lighting and temperature (more on that below), and after six months the plant will begin to bloom.

Of course, you can buy an adult flowering specimen in a flower shop, but the price of seeds is much cheaper, and growing a “green friend” on your own is much more pleasant and interesting. The cost of packing seeds on average is 20 rubles, and a young plant will cost about 500 rubles.

Required temperature and lighting for indoor maple

Abutilon home maple is a flower that needs light too much. A room with an abundance of daylight is well suited for it, but the plant does not like very bright lighting. In the summer, it must be taken out to fresh air, a veranda or balcony, placed in a shaded area. But the "green pet" may not bloom in insufficient light.

In summer, in the room where abutilone is contained, the optimum temperature level should be + 20-25 degrees, not lower. In winter, it is permissible to lower the temperature regime to + 10-15 degrees, but it must be borne in mind that if the shrub is in a room with a temperature of +10 degrees for a long time, it will begin to dry out.

Watering the cable car

When the plant begins active growth (during the warm period), it must be regularly and plentifully watered. This process cannot be reduced during the flowering of home maple. Excess water, which is collected in the pan about two hours after watering, is poured out. Somewhere from November, it is necessary to water the shrub less and this rule must be followed until February.

If the soil is subject to drying out or waterlogging, the maple may lose flowers and a dense crown.

Air humidity

The "green resident" loves moisture very much, so if he is in a stuffy room, he should be sprayed with water as often as possible. When the bush is flowering, spraying is done very carefully - water should not fall on the flowers.

House Maple Fertilizer

Abutilon needs to be fed with organic and mineral fertilizers regularly once a week. With the active growth of the shrub, when it is gaining green mass, which happens in the spring, it is advisable to apply nitrogen. Home maple is fertilized with potassium and phosphorus before flowering, but in winter the feeding process is not needed at all.

pruning

Abutilon must be cut in a timely manner so that the bush has the correct size and the desired height, because it has the ability to grow rapidly.

Until the "green friend" has begun active growth, its shoots are cut to 1/3 (or 2/3) of the length. Such shortening stimulates lush flowering, forms a beautiful crown. On young shrubs, pinch the tops, and then the plant is transferred to a warm room, well fed and watered.

Transplanting home maple

Reproduction of the shrub occurs by cuttings or seeds. The most favorable time for propagation of maple cuttings is August. Although this can be done at all times of the year.

1. We take a cutting up to 12 cm in length with a flexible trunk. We remove the lower leaves and buds from it. To plant cuttings, we use a mixture of sand and peat, or a ready-made substrate from the store.
2. We plant the cuttings in small cups, cover with jars. By this we create, as it were, greenhouse conditions, and a month later the seedlings have a root system. During this period, they must be watered, sprayed, ventilated.
3. Then the sprouted cuttings are transplanted into pots having a diameter of 7 cm, no more.

A very modest-looking plant, but at the same time uniquely charming. The carved leaves and modest flowers-bells of the abutilon indoor maple do not leave anyone indifferent, and it is worth seeing this plant at least once to fall in love with it completely and irrevocably. This home green "pet" has undeniable advantages - it is unpretentious in care and blooms almost all year round. Find out how to properly care for him so that Abutilon feels good?

Indoor maple is a member of the Malvaceae family, which includes more than 200 different types of perennials and annuals. Among the representatives of this family there are grasses, shrubs and even small trees. Abutilon's closest relatives are hibiscus, stockrose, and mallow.

Abutilon is a small evergreen shrub and can reach a height of 1.5 m. Its leaves are lobed (up to 3-5 lobes), serrated, rather large (reach a length of 15 cm), resemble the leaves of an ordinary maple tree in shape.

Abutilon blooms at home throughout almost the entire year - the flowering period begins in early spring and lasts until late autumn. The flowers are in the form of bells or lanterns, they bend down under the weight of the petals. They can be single or collected in inflorescences. Their color can vary from white to red-yellow.

The birthplace of abutilon (indoor maple) is Australia, China, India, subtropical and tropical regions of the continents of North and South America. There is a species that grows in the territory of Russia in the wild - this is Theophrastus' cable car. Now it is actively cultivated and grown at home, gardens, greenhouses.

Home maple is also called rope maple. The fact is that some of its subspecies can be used for the production of various products - for example, burlap, ropes, ropes.

Species, varieties and hybrids

This plant has a lot of subspecies, and all thanks to breeders who tirelessly work on the variety of abutilone. Most often, abutilon hybrid is found in apartments and offices, which appeared due to the crossing of several wild species. The plant is prized for its beautiful bell flowers, which can range in color from yellowish orange to reddish pink, and often have contrasting veining. There are even white buds. The size of the flowers of indoor abutilon is about 4-5 cm.

The size of the hybrid abutilon is small, but it bushes well, may have lobed or heart-shaped leaves. Grows fast.

There is also a cultivar called Abutilone Hybrid Bellevue Blend. The name "Abutilon Bellevue" can be translated from French as "beautiful kind of flowering maple". It arose at a time when French was an international language and was often used by the nobility. As a rule, Bellevue abutilon is called those types of domestic maple that give rather large (up to 5 cm in diameter) flowers.

Abutilon Bella is also a hybrid variety. It blooms for a long time and has fairly large flowers from 5 to 10 cm in diameter, pleasant and smooth to the touch. In shape, they are somewhat different from the usual abutilon bells - they are more open and more like a skirt around the corolla than a familiar flower. The color of the petals is usually red, bright orange, peach or white. Hybrids can occur that produce pink or salmon. Bella is small in size - the bushes rarely stretch more than 50 cm in height and therefore do not require pinching and crown formation. The leaves are bright green and ovate.

Abutilon megapotamus came from Brazil to the collection of gardeners. It grows quickly and looks great in hanging baskets or garden vases, and has leaves with yellowish spots or streaks. It blooms with single lantern-shaped flowers. It is usually grown in the garden, but when the air temperature drops to +15 degrees, the plant is immediately brought into the room. In winter, it is kept as a regular hybrid maple. The plant is also called the Amazon maple.

Also in demand are such varieties as Abutilon Organza or Abutilon Juliet. They are ideal for growing in bright rooms, unpretentious and literally 4-5 months after planting they are already starting to bloom. Juliet can reach a height of 150 cm, moreover, the annual growth is about 50 cm. And in order to keep the shape of the plant beautiful, it is recommended to cut the top shoot every spring, shortening it by 2 times.

For those who want to grow a profusely flowering plant, Abutilon Amelie seeds are suitable. It is lush, easily forms a beautiful crown of the desired shape, has large flowers with pressed tea-colored petals. Over time, they lighten to cream, and in the central part they become fuchsia.

How to care for abutilone

Caring for abutilone at home is quite simple. Indoor maple is unpretentious, but still needs the right conditions. Only in this case will it please with a plentiful and long flowering period.

Temperature regime

Do not forget that the abutilon flower is thermophilic, but it does not like excessively high temperatures. The best option is if in summer it is kept at a temperature of +24 degrees, in winter the regime with a thermometer reading of +14 ... +17 degrees will be optimal.

In the warm season, abutilon is often taken outside, but in this case it is recommended to carefully monitor the weather forecast. If frosts are promised or the temperature suddenly drops to +12 ... +15 degrees, the plant must be brought into a warm room.

The minimum air temperature that abutilon can withstand is +10 degrees. With an excessively low indicator, the flower will begin to lose leaves and may get sick. But at too high a temperature, it is likely to stop blooming.

Lighting

Abutilon maple is a photophilous plant. It needs a lot of ambient light for abundant flowering, and feels best on the windowsills located in the south, southeast or southwest sides of the apartment. The abutilon bush needs some shade only on very hot days, because if the sun is too bright, the pattern burns out on the leaf plate.

In winter, the plant may experience a lack of light - it is recommended to additionally illuminate it with fluorescent lamps.

Air humidity

Humidity for indoor flower abutilon is also one of the main factors for its prosperous existence. The plant prefers high values ​​\u200b\u200bof this indicator, therefore it is recommended to regularly spray the foliage (about once every 2-3 days), and also place a container with water near the bush. It is especially important to frequently irrigate abutilon on hot days, but the procedure is carried out only in the morning or in the evening.

Watering

Home abutilon is not a succulent and it does not accumulate water, which means it needs quite frequent watering. The procedure is carried out with warm settled water so that the earth lump does not dry out. Watering in summer is more frequent than in winter.

Experienced flower growers advise diluting ordinary settled water from the water supply with boiled water before watering. The optimum temperature of the liquid for irrigation is +30 degrees. In order for it to become somewhat sour, you can add a little lemon juice to it - a few drops are enough.

top dressing

In the spring, Abutilon begins a period of active growth, and at this time it is recommended to feed it with nitrogenous fertilizers. You can purchase those that are sold in stores and are suitable for indoor decorative foliage crops. During the formation of buds, phosphorus-containing and potassium compounds will become the best top dressing. Fertilization interval - 10 days. In the autumn and winter seasons, abutilon does not need additional feeding - there is a dormant period.

pruning

Home abutilon needs periodic pruning of shoots, as it grows quite quickly, especially if kept indoors. Pruning is done only after the end of the flowering of the plant or in early spring, before the start of the period of active growth.

Each shoot is cut off by about a third of the length. In this case, the crown of the bush will learn to be neat, and it will bloom more abundantly, since flowers rarely form on old branches. For the first time, abutilon should be cut only when it reaches a height of 20 cm.

Propagation of indoor maple

Reproduction of abutilon can be done in two ways. In indoor conditions, it propagates by seeds and cuttings.

cuttings

This method is used in the spring, when the plant enters the stage of active vegetation. Abutilon propagates very well by cuttings - it is enough to cut off young shoots 10-12 cm long and remove excess leaves (only the top 2-3 pieces remain). It is recommended to dip the cut point in a root growth stimulator, and then plant the finished cuttings in soil prepared from peat and sand in a ratio of 1: 1. The plant is covered with a film or placed in a small greenhouse. Rooting by cuttings lasts about a month, after which abutilons are planted in separate pots.

seeds

It will take a little longer to grow abutilon from seeds. Planting of seed is carried out in spring (in March) in moist soil. However, before you start growing small abutilons from seeds at home, the seed goes through some preparation. It is thoroughly washed, then soaked in a growth stimulator and scarified. For the last procedure, you can use sandpaper, which processes the seeds. If they have completed this training in production, then this item can be skipped.

Abutilon from seeds is grown in a mixture of peat and sand. Planting material is placed in the ground to a depth of about 1 cm. The container with future seedlings is covered with a film, placed in a well-lit and warm place (about +20 degrees) in the house. It is very good to germinate abutilones in peat tablets. In any case, it is important to monitor the indicators of lighting and temperature.

The soil is irrigated daily with water from a spray bottle, and the container where the abutilon seeds sit is ventilated. Sprouts will appear within about 20 days. Seedlings can be planted in separate pots no earlier than they have 2-3 leaves.

It will not work to propagate abutilon of hybrid varieties with seeds collected independently, since the qualities and characteristics of the mother plant in this case are not inherited.

Abutilon transplant

Abutilons are transplanted depending on the age and size of the bush. Young maples are transplanted every year, adults - no more than 2-3 years.

Pot selection

If you have just started growing abutilon, then plant the first shoots in pots with a volume of about 1 liter. This will be enough. If the container is too large, then the plant will not bloom - until the bush has entwined the entire earthen ball with roots, you should not wait for flowers. Further, abutilons are regularly transplanted into pots, which are 2-4 cm larger than those previously used in diameter.

Soil preparation

Home maple loves a loose, slightly acidic substrate, the pH of which should be in the range of 5-5.7. The soil for abutilon is recommended to be prepared from coarse sand, peat and leafy soil (all components are taken in equal parts) or sand, leafy and soddy soil, as well as humus, mixed in a ratio of 0.5:1:2:1. Coconut substrate is also suitable as soil for home maple.

Drainage must be placed at the bottom of the pot. It can be expanded clay, broken brick, clay shards.

Transplant process

Abutilon transplantation begins around February-March. To begin with, new pots of a larger diameter are being prepared. They are washed, drainage is poured into the bottom and some fresh soil (2-3 cm thick) with the addition of coal. A piece of sphagnum moss can be placed over the drain as a moisture buffer. Next, abutilon is carefully removed from its old pot (to simplify the procedure, the soil can be shed well), the old soil is gently shaken off the roots. After that, the roots can be carefully straightened and powdered with Kornevin.

After that, the plant is transplanted into a prepared pot. The free space between the walls of the pot is covered with fresh soil. The root neck is also sprinkled with earth. For the first 3-4 days, the transplanted abutilons are covered with a plastic bag. Watering for the first time is done only after the substrate has dried.

Diseases and pests

Abutilon is not a capricious plant; diseases and pests affect it very rarely. But periodically it can be attacked by aphids, mealybugs or spider mites. Insecticides will help to cope with them.

In general, all diseases of abutilon can occur only due to improper care of the plant. It can be powdery mildew, root rot, when the last watering occurs, reduce it.

Possible difficulties in growing

Difficulties in care and cultivation, as a rule, consist only in providing special conditions for the plant. If it is dried out, grown with a lack of light, waterlogged or improperly fed, then it will most likely die.

In case of overdrying of the soil, the leaves begin to curl, fade. If they are pressed against the trunk, then the plant lacks nutrients. With a lack of minerals, the leaves of abutilon begin to turn yellow, and leaf fall is also possible. If the bush is standing in a draft, then the leaves may dry out around the edges.

Expert opinion

Mila Rozhkova

Color Expert

In general, abutilon is not a capricious plant, but it is very beautiful, which is why it is popular among flower growers. But, knowing all the subtleties of its cultivation, even a beginner in the world of floriculture can provide him with the right care.

Abutilon or, as it is popularly called, "indoor maple" is an unpretentious plant with elegant carved leaves. But, in addition to beautiful leaves, it is famous for its magnificent flowers of various colors and shapes. They can be in the form of lanterns or bells, simple and terry. Undoubtedly, the plant will become an interior decoration, especially since the unpretentious abutilone is quite easy to care for, so even an inexperienced florist can grow it - home care and growing it from seeds are carried out according to the simplest algorithms.

Description of the origin and appearance of abutilone

Abutilon is a perennial plant of the Malvaceae family. The flower's habitat is tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, and it is also found in the Hawaiian Islands, China, India, Australia and Africa.

Under natural conditions, abutilon is a small shrub or semi-shrub, reaching from one and a half to three meters in height. The plant has expressive carved leaf blades with pronounced veins. The leaves are bright green or emerald green. Variegated forms of the plant are also found, the leaves of which are decorated with bizarre white spots and strokes.

Abutilon flowers are quite large, bell-shaped. They can be both simple and terry. The main color of the buds in wild species is orange. But breeders have bred a huge number of hybrids and varieties with drooping lantern flowers of yellow, pink, red and snow-white. Flowers can be either solitary or arranged in pairs. Flowering indoor maple lasts from early spring to late autumn.

In the people, abutilon is usually called "indoor" maple, since its leaf blades are very similar to carved maple leaves. Wild abutilon is used to make hemp, ropes and burlap, hence the plant got its second name "rope". Another nickname for abutilon is "Chinese lantern".

Abutilon perfectly adapted to life "in captivity". It grows well both in greenhouse conditions and in an ordinary apartment. In addition, several dwarf varieties of decorative abutilon have been bred, the size of which is only 40 cm, so they can be grown on the windowsill.

Translated into Russian, "autilon" means "giving shade."

Types and varieties of indoor maple

In total, there are about 200 species belonging to the genus Abutilon. Of these, only a few are grown as a pot crop. On their basis, several excellent hybrids and many varieties have been bred that are perfectly adapted to room conditions:

• Abutilon C hello. This species is most common in Russia. It is often referred to as "grandmother's". The plant has excellent growth. From a small cutting in just a few months, it can grow into a chic bush, 1 m high. Abutilon Sello blooms throughout the year with almost no interruptions.
• The plant was obtained by breeders as a result of crossing several natural species. The bush is low and well branched. Depending on the variety, the plant can be both compact and quite tall. The color of leaf blades and flowers also depends on the plant variety. The leaves can be not only five-lobed, like a maple, but also have a heart-shaped or ovoid shape. Among the varieties of abutilon hybrid can be identified:
  • Variety Juliet, the seeds of which are most often found on the shelves of flower shops and garden centers. In just a few months, a large bush can be grown from a seed, the hallmark of which is constant flowering;
  • Bella mixed series with pastel colored buds;
  • Large Flowered mixed with bright red, burgundy and crimson flowers;
  • Apfelsin, whose flowers are bright orange;
  • miniature variety Elfenreigen, whose height is only 15–30 cm, and the flowers are painted in pink.

• The plant grows in the Hawaiian Islands, in arid forests at an altitude of about 500 m above sea level. The plant belongs to endangered species, therefore, at present, the unique shrub is under state protection. A distinctive feature of Menzies abutilon is that its branches are covered with hairs, and the leaves are heart-shaped. The flowers are colored in different tones from reddish-brown to green.
• The homeland of the species is Brazil. The leaves are large, dark green in color, velvety to the touch. The flowers have veins of a contrasting color (lighter than the main tone of the bud, or a darker shade).
• The leaves have an unusual emerald color with yellow strokes. The flowers also have a bright mesh.
• This species is grown as a garden ornamental plant in countries with a tropical climate. In our latitude, it can be cultivated only in greenhouse conditions. Abutilon Suntens is not suitable for growing at home, although it looks very impressive. This is a sprawling shrub that grows up to four meters with lilac flowers, the diameter of which is 10 centimeters.
• The habitat of the species is the humid forests of Brazil. It has an ampelous form, grows well in containers, including hanging baskets and planters. In the summer season, it is preferable to take the flower out into the garden, and with the onset of low temperatures in the fall, bring it into the room. Abutilon megapotamsky blooms profusely, the flowering time lasts from early April to late September.
• A very showy plant with lavender buds. However, in room conditions it practically does not bloom, therefore, in order to achieve flowering, it must be taken out for the summer period in the garden.

Variety of species abutilons: photo gallery

Abutilon Sello is the most common in Russia Abutilon Suntens is not suitable for growing at home, although it looks very impressive The birthplace of Abutilon Darwin is Brazil The plant was obtained by breeders as a result of crossing several natural species The plant has an ampelous shape, grows well in containers, including tubs and hanging In baskets The plant is an endangered species, so the unique shrub is currently under protection. A very showy plant with lavender buds. The leaves have an unusual emerald color with yellow strokes. The flowers also have a bright mesh

Abutilon hybrid of different varieties in the photo

The Elfenreigen variety is compact, its height is only 15-30 cm, and the flowers are painted in pink tone Abutilon Apfelsin flowers are bright orange in color Large Flowered mixed varieties have bright red, burgundy and crimson flowers Abutilon Bella flowers are painted in pastel colors Abutilon hybrid Juliet is easy to grow from seed.

Temperature conditions, lighting and other conditions necessary for abutilon depending on the season - table

Agrotechnics for growing abutilon: planting and transplanting

Composing the soil mixture for indoor maple

The substrate for planting abutilon is composed of the following ingredients:

• turf or garden land (2 parts);
• coniferous land from the forest or leaf humus (1 part);
• fine charcoal (0.5 parts);
• vermiculite (0.5 parts);
• coconut substrate (1 part).

Soak the coco-soil briquette in advance in settled water. Combine all the ingredients and mix thoroughly until a homogeneous crumbly mass is obtained. The result should be a light substrate.

Also, for planting abutilon, you can use a ready-made soil mixture for pelargoniums or begonias, or plant an “indoor maple” in a universal substrate for flowering indoor plants.

Which flower pot to choose

Abutilon very quickly increases the vegetative mass. Seedlings need to be transplanted several times a season. They are transferred to plastic pots 1–2 cm larger than the previous one. From the second year of life, the plant needs two transplants per year (in spring and autumn), which will require a deep and fairly wide pot 2–4 cm larger than the previous one. But keep in mind that its volume should not be much larger than the root system of abutilon. The flower blooms well only when the roots tightly braid the soil. The container must be tight.

For mature plants, a large tub or garden pot is needed. Replanting them is quite problematic, so old specimens are not subjected to this procedure, but only change the top layer of the substrate in the container.

Plant transplant stages

Autumn transplantation of abutilon is recommended by the transshipment method. To do this, you need to remove the plant from the old container and transplant it into a new flowerpot, without shaking off the soil from the roots and straightening them. The rest of the transshipment proceed as follows. A layer of drainage should be poured at the bottom, then put a plant with an earthen clod and fill the voids with fresh nutrient substrate.

The nuances of caring for abutilone at home

Watering and fertilizing - how and with what to fertilize a flower depending on the season?

During the period of active vegetation and flowering, indoor maple requires fairly abundant watering. With insufficient moisture, the plant will begin to drop flowers. With a cool wintering, watering should be reduced to 1-2 times a month, but if the plant spends the winter in a warm room, then the flower should be watered as the top layer dries in the container.

Abutilon blooms continuously for a long time, so it needs a large amount of nutrients that it receives from the soil. With a lack of nutrients, indoor maple leaves and flowers become smaller and chlorosis begins. To prevent this from happening, and the plant grows healthy and beautiful, it is necessary to regularly fertilize abutilon with a complex mineral fertilizer for flowering plants. Excellent results are given by Kemira Lux and Pokon. They must be bred according to the recommendations given by the manufacturer, and water the plant every two weeks.

Abutilon flowering period

Abutilon begins to bloom in April and this period ends only in September, while there are hybrids that bloom almost non-stop all year round. However, both of them need to be given a little rest so that the plants gain strength and lay a large number of flower buds.

To do this, in late September-early October, the plant needs to be cut, cutting off all the branches. Then it must be placed in a cool, but bright place, and reduce the amount of watering. After such stress, the flower will bloom profusely and for a long time.

It is quite possible to achieve flowering of abutilon by a certain date. To do this, two months before the scheduled date, select actively growing specimens and prune, removing 2–3 internodes.

After pruning, wait about two weeks for the abutilon to start growing, and start feeding, first reducing the recommended dose by three times and gradually bringing it up to the indicators indicated in the instructions. It is very important during this period to provide good lighting for the plant. To do this, it can be illuminated with fluorescent lamps.

After six weeks, buds should appear on the tops of young shoots. As soon as they appear, apply potash fertilizer. During this period, the flower needs regular watering; if the substrate is too dry, abutilon will drop all the buds. To prolong flowering, cut off faded flowers.

Abutilon does not have a clearly defined dormant period. It suits both cold and warm wintering. But with a cool content of abutilon in winter, care for it is minimized, moreover, a rested plant will bloom much more abundantly.

For a cool wintering, you can take abutilon to a glazed loggia or veranda, where the temperature does not drop below +14°C. During this period, completely stop feeding and reduce the number and volume of watering.

Often in apartments it is impossible to create conditions for a cool wintering of abutilon. However, the plant can have a great winter without a dormant period with a warm wintering of abutilon. Indoors, the optimum temperature for winter maintenance will be + 18–22 ° C with additional lighting. Illumination can be arranged using fluorescent lamps. If the plant is standing on the windowsill, then so that the roots do not get supercooled and do not rot as a result of this, it is necessary to place the container with abutilon on any heat-insulating stand. It can be a piece of foam or a knitted napkin.

Top dressing during this period should be stopped, but if signs of a lack of nutrients appear, foliar top dressing can be carried out by spraying the leaves and shoots with a fertilizer solution.

Pruning and crown shaping

Abutilon can be given absolutely any look. It is grown as a wide or tall bush, as well as in the form of a standard tree.

To form a wide bush, start growing the plant in one trunk. When it reaches a height of 20-30 cm, cut it in half. After such a cardinal pruning, indoor maple will give 4–5 side shoots at a distance of 2–3 cm from the soil surface. Cut each of them when they grow to 20 cm. It will take about 6-8 months to form a wide bush.

You can create a tall bush much faster. Start also growing a flower in one trunk, then cut it into a third. Thus, side shoots will begin to grow at the top of the trunk. Then pinch off the ends of the branches. The plant can be periodically cut, giving it a neat shape.

To grow a standard tree, grow the plant into a single stem the first year, allowing it to get stronger and thicker. Then remove all side branches and pinch off the crown. As it grows, completely cut out the side branches and shorten the top ones a little, giving them the shape of a “cap”.

Abutilon pruning - video

Consequences of improper care for abutilone: ​​problems and solutions - table

Methods for the treatment and prevention of plants from diseases and pests

Abutilon breeding methods

Indoor maple is easy to propagate. For this, 2 methods are used: cuttings and seeds.

Reproduction by cuttings

1. In spring and autumn, when pruning indoor maple, a large amount of planting material is obtained, from which new plants can be quickly grown.
2. For cuttings, use the top parts of the plant, about 12 cm long. Cut them with a sharp knife and tear off excess leaves, leaving four on each cutting. All leaf blades should be shortened by half.
3. Hold the stalk in a solution of root formation stimulants Heteroauxin, Zircon or Kornevin.
4. Prepare the substrate for rooting the cuttings. Put it in plastic cups and moisten.
5. Poke holes with a stick. Place the cutting in the resulting hole, fill it with earth and press it on all sides so that it is fixed in the ground.
6. Create greenhouse conditions for the cuttings. Cover the stemmed cups with a plastic bag or glass container, such as a jar. This technique will help maintain moisture in both the substrate and the air.
7. Ventilate the greenhouse daily, making sure that drops of condensate do not drip onto the cuttings.
8. After two weeks, roots will appear in the cuttings of abutilon. After that, they can be transplanted to a permanent place in small pots with a diameter of 7–8 cm.

The plant develops very quickly, so several transplants will be needed per season.

From seeds to flowering: the seed method of propagation of abutilon

The seed method of propagating abutilon is quite simple, so it is often used by both lovers of indoor floriculture and professionals to obtain a sufficient number of plants.

It is best to start planting abutilon seeds in late winter or early spring. The steps of the procedure are:

1. Soak the seeds for sowing in a solution of Epin with a small addition of Fitosporin. You can also file the shell (scarify the seed material).
2. Prepare a shallow container with holes. Pour light and loose soil into it. Moisturize it.
3. Lay the seeds on the surface of the substrate at a distance of 2 cm from each other. Cover them lightly with soil.
4. Cover the plantings with a plastic bag or glass lid and place in a warm place.
5. Periodically moisten the plantings by spraying them with a spray bottle. Ventilate the greenhouse daily and wipe off the accumulated condensate.
6. After 2-3 weeks, the first shoots should appear. After 6 weeks, dive the plantings, seating the seedlings in separate pots.
7. After another month and a half, young specimens can be transplanted to a permanent place.
8. Three months after planting the seeds, young plants are ready to bloom.