The Chinese lantern, which is also referred to as the flowering maple or Abutilon ×hybridum, is a beautiful plant with graceful hanging flowers that can be planted outdoors in warmer regions or grown in greenhouses in cooler areas. If you’re looking for a houseplant, the redvein flowering maple (A. pictum) is an excellent choice with its attractive variegated leaves and can grow up to 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall. Another great option is the trailing abutilon (A. megapotamicum), which is known for its charming yellowish-orange flowers that hang down and is often grown as a hanging plant.
How to Cultivate Chinese Lanterns (Abutilon)
First, select a sunny or partially shaded area in your garden and prepare the planting location by incorporating Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food into the soil. Then, dig a hole in the prepared area and gently place the plant’s root ball at the bottom of the hole. Carefully backfill the hole with soil and water generously. For optimum soil health, reapply Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food around the root area every 8 weeks during spring through mid-autumn. Lastly, use an organic mulch like bark chips, woodchips, or pea straw and water well. During new leaf growth and blossoming periods, feed regularly with Yates Thrive Natural Roses Flowers Organic Based Pelletised Plant Food.
Taking care of your Chinese Lantern (Abutilon) plant:
Chinese Lanterns require bright, indirect light to grow well. They can withstand some exposure to sunlight in the morning or evening, but direct sunlight may damage their leaves. When growing them indoors, it’s best to place them near a sunny window with filtered light. Outdoors, partial shade is ideal, especially during the hottest part of the day.
To ensure that your Chinese Lantern stays healthy, maintain moderate temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). They can handle slightly cooler temperatures, but frost should be avoided at all costs. These plants prefer moderate to high humidity levels, so if the air in your home is dry, try misting the leaves or placing a tray filled with water and pebbles close by to increase humidity.
By following these simple care instructions, you can help your Chinese Lantern thrive and add beauty to your home or garden.
To grow healthy Chinese Lanterns, it is recommended to use a soil mix that is well-draining and fertile. A combination of potting soil, perlite, and sand is perfect for container-grown plants. The soil should retain some moisture without getting waterlogged. When watering the plant, make sure to do it only when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. During the growing season, i.e., spring and summer, the plant needs to be watered more frequently, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. In winter, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down. Fertilize the Chinese Lanterns every two to four weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant’s growth slows down. Regular pruning of the plant helps maintain a compact shape and encourages more blooming. Prune off any dead, damaged, or leggy growth and pinch back the tips of branches to promote branching and more flower production. Chinese Lanterns should be repotted every 1-2 years in the spring if they outgrow their containers. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix during repotting. Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Good air circulation and avoiding overwatering can prevent fungal issues. Chinese Lanterns can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems, remove lower leaves, and place them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears. With proper care, Chinese Lantern Abutilon can reward you with its charming lantern-like flowers and lush foliage, making it a delightful addition to your indoor or outdoor garden.