The chemicals could react with the metals. Exposure to this gas can shorten the life of cut flowers.īe cautious about using any type of flower foods in metal containers or lead crystal vases. Fruits naturally produce ethylene gas as a byproduct of the ripening process. Direct sunlight, heat vents, radiators, and locations near ovens or fireplaces can cause drying, wilting, or premature death if the temperature gets hot enough.Ĭut flowers should not be placed near whole, fresh fruit for long periods of time. Then pinch the main tip to force lateral bushiness at the top of the plant.It’s best to keep bouquets out of excessive heat. To create a more vertical tree like structure, allow only one main stem to remain, and remove all side shoots from it until it reaches the desired height. They can be trained into a hanging plant growth pattern by pinching back each stem tip every time is grows out two or three inches. When your plant has reached a suitable size you can control the growth somewhat by pinching, pruning and keeping it slightly root bound.įlowering maples should be pruned to the desired shape in early spring or late fall. So it is important to not provide too large of a planter, nor to feed this plant too well. If left unrestrained, they may grow to ten feet in height and spread, So you will need to 'live and learn' to find the right frequency of feeding.įlowering Maples should be repotted in the spring when it becomes necessary,īut only into a slightly larger pot unless you want to drastically increase the size of your plant.įlowering Maples need a considerable amount of room in which to grow. Humidity is not too great of a concern except during the winter months when it is helpful to give your plant an occasional misting.įeed your plant monthly when it begins showing signs of new growth, alternating between an all purpose (20-20-20) and a bloom type (15-30-15) liquid fertilizer applied at half strength.įlowering Maple Plants tend to drop their lower leaves if they are underfed, They require a well draining but evenly moist soil.įlowering Maples benefit from being kept outdoors in filtered sun during the summer months, but must be returned indoors before frost.īe sure to check carefully for harmful insects, when you bring it back indoors!ĭuring the winter, when growth has slowed, the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings but never allowed to remain dry for too long. In addition to needing filtered sun, Flowering Maples grow best when kept at about 70 degrees F. Growing Requirements for Flowering Maples The foliage is usually a pale green, but there are also variegated forms with white or yellow mottling. The flowers differ with each species, but generally resemble a cross between a Hibiscus and a Hollyhock, with colors ranging from white to reds, yellow, orange or several shades of blue. The blooming season for most Abutilons is from April through June,īut they will often flower periodically through the winter as well. That common name is derived from their maple-shaped leaves.Ībutilon hybridum is also commonly known as a Chinese Bellflower or a Chinese Lantern. The Flowering Maple is not really a Maple at all. Abutilon hybridum The Flowering Maple can be grown outdoors in warmer regions (Zones 8-10), but it is most often grown as a house plant.
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