Abutilon chinese lantern is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to China. The plant has large, bright flowers that range in color from yellow to orange. The plant is commonly used in landscaping and as a houseplant. The plant is easy to care for and does not require much maintenance.
Also known as
- Devil's backbone
- Indian mallow
- Common abutilon
- Chinese lantern
- Flowering maple
Common Knowledge
- Abutilon chinese lantern, also known as the Chinese lantern plant, is a member of the mallow family.
- It is native to China and Japan.
- The plant grows to a height of 3-6 feet.
- The leaves are ovate-shaped and have toothed margins.
- The flowers are bell-shaped and have 5 petals. They are typically yellow or orange in color.
- The plant blooms from late summer to early fall.
- The fruits are spherical, green, and have a papery covering.
- The plant is propagate by seed, cuttings, or division.
- It is commonly used as an ornamental plant.
- The Chinese lantern plant is considered to be invasive in some parts of the world.
Related plant:
Abutilon Kentish Belle
Growing Steps
- For abutilon chinese lantern, first step is to find a place in your garden that gets full sun to partial shade.
- The second step is to prepare the soil by tilling it and adding some organic matter to it.
- The third step is to take your abutilon chinese lantern seed and plant it in the prepared soil.
- The fourth step is to water your seed regularly.
- The fifth step is to fertilize your seed every few weeks.
- The sixth step is to watch for germination, which usually occurs within a few weeks.
- The seventh step is to thin out the seedlings so that they are spaced about 12 inches apart.
- The eighth step is to water your seedlings regularly.
- The ninth step is to keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
- The tenth and final step is to harvest your abutilon chinese lanterns when they are ready.
Considering the Soil
About soil condition, Abutilon Chinese Lantern does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It will grow in full sun or part shade, but does best with some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. It prefers a somewhat sandy, well-drained soil, but is quite adaptable to other types.
Light requirement
So, like the other members of the mallow family, abutilon Chinese lanterns are sun-loving plants that perform best in bright, direct light. In fact, too much shade can cause these plants to become leggy and produce fewer flowers. When grown indoors, place abutilon Chinese lanterns near a sunny window where theyll receive several hours of direct sunlight each day.
Ideal Temperature
The temperature condition that is best for abutilon chinese lantern is warm. They do not like the cold and will not do well if the temperature gets too low. They need a place that is well-lit but not in direct sunlight.
Humidity Level
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%. If the humidity level drops below 60%, the leaves will start to wilt. If the humidity level stays below 60% for an extended period of time, the leaves will turn brown and drop off.
The Fertilizer
About fertilizer, this family of plant belongs to the mallow family and is a member of the hibiscus genus. They are known to be heavy feeders. Fertilize your plant every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer. To help your plant achieve optimal growth, consider using a root stimulator. When it comes to watering, be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Light requirement
Pruning abutilon Chinese lanterns is a two-part process. The first part is done in late winter or early spring, when the plant is still dormant. This initial pruning helps to shape the plant and encourage new growth. The second part of pruning is done in late summer or early fall, after the plant has finished blooming. This second pruning helps to control the plant's size and shape.
Plant Propagation
Propagation is best done in spring or summer, by seed or stem cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow seeds in a well-drained seed-starting mix at room temperature. To propagate by stem cuttings, take cuttings from new growth in spring or summer. Place the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix, and keep them moist until they root.
Plant Growth
Usually, the plant growth rate is used to indicate the speed of increase in the size of the plant. The average rate is about one half to one inch per week. However, the rate can be affected by the type of soil, the amount of sunlight, the type of plant, and the age of the plant.
Basic Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant plants are root rot, caterpillars, and aphids. Root rot is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, and it can kill the plant. Caterpillars can eat the leaves, and aphids can suck the sap from the stems.
Tips on Growing
- Do not forget to water your plant regularly. Abutilon Chinese lanterns are susceptible to drying out, so make sure to keep the soil moist.
- Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer to your plant every few weeks.
- Pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth.
- Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, and treat accordingly.
- Propagate your plant by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in moist soil.
- Allow the plant to go dormant in the winter months by reducing watering and fertilizing.
- Resume regular care in the spring when the plant begins to show new growth.
- Cut back the plant in the fall to encourage fresh growth in the spring.
- Overwinter your plant indoors if you live in an area with cold winters.
Related Plants
- Abutilon vitifolium, known variously as the Chinese Lantern, Vineleaf Abutilon, or Vine-leafed Abutilon, is a species of the flowering mallow genus Abutilon in the Family Malvaceae, native to ...
- Native to China, Japan and Korea, Abutilon indicum or Indian mallow is a sumptuous looking shrub or small tree bearing huge, lantern-shaped yellow flowers that look exactly like ...
- The Chinese lantern plant (Abutilon Hybridum) has long been used in gardens, both indoors and out, since the 1860s. The plant produces long, arrow-shaped leaves on a long, woody ...
- Chinese lantern (noun) a plant with shiny, orange fruit that is hung up when dry and looks like a tiny Chinese lantern. Chinese lantern (noun) a pot containing a small circle of ...
- Abutilon Chinese lantern
Source:
UNF - UNF Landscape - Abutilon pictum - Flowering maple
Abutilon - Genus Page - ISB: Atlas of Florida Plants
Abutilon megapotamicum Variegatum Chinese Lantern Trailing Abutilon ...
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
