(Abutilon spp.), often called Chinese lantern or Chinese parasol plant, is a tropical houseplant (USDA hardiness zones 8-10). It offers pendant umbrella-shaped flowers along with handsome rich green five-lobed maple-like foliage. Some variegated leaf forms are available. Leaf petioles are long.

Utilize as a tropical foliage plant in the garden or a container. The brightly colored flowers are stunning. A pot plant often blooms earlier than one planted in the ground. The blooms attract hummingbirds and other pollinating insects. Some varieties are slightly cold hardier (zone 7-b), but this is no guarantee. The over-wintered plant outdoors seems to take most of the summer to struggle back and re-bloom.

Many hybrid varieties originate from Asia, Africa, and South America. Flowering may occurs in all four seasons, indoors as well as out. High light and warm temperatures of summer are mostly to their liking. For optimum growth and bloom, flowering maple needs high light from a south or east facing window and 68-72 °F minimum room temperatures.

Repot in April or May before moving outdoors in the garden. Move back indoors when night temps drop below 40 °F. Flowering maple grows exceptionally fast to 6 – 8 feet in height from spring to fall.

Follow a weekly watering schedule to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro™, Jack’s™ or Daniels™ monthly at half the package rate during the spring, summer and fall months. Feed sparingly over the winter.

Prune twice annually in early spring and mid-summer to control plant size and shape. If the plant gets too leggy indoors, clip it back hard to increase branching. Flowering maple is frequently plagued by pesky whiteflies. Inspect your plant(s) for bugs before bringing indoors in the fall.

Flowering maple is easily propagated from cuttings and from seeds. Some plants may live 10 years and older and develop a 3 to 4 inch wide trunk.