This unusual houseplant is often called an indoor maple because of the similar shape of the leaves. The Abutylon belonging to the family of Malvaceous Maple is brought to us from South America. It is a small tree, evergreen, with mottled or green leaves, reminiscent of maple form. In total there are about 150 species, but for cultivation in room conditions only some of them are cultivated. The main advantages of mini-maple are rapid growth, abundant greens and a long, lush bloom.
Abutilone: home care
Indoor plant abutilon is very unpretentious, great importance for it has air temperature, despite the fact that the native land of the species is considered to be the tropics, the best way is that maples feel at a temperature of 10-15 ° C. The tree loves light, Its growth will positively affect several hours a day under direct sunlight, so the best option for placing the pot with the plant will be window sills or balconies on the south side. In the winter months it is desirable to provide abutilone with enough light so that it also feels good.
The maple should be watered regularly and abundantly, reducing the amount of water only in the winter. Regular spraying will also have the most beneficial effect on the growth of the tree. In warmer months, you can feed abutilone with any fertilizer for indoor plants during flowering, but not more often than once every 3 weeks. Over the summer you can use organic fertilizer once.
The plant is transplanted once a year, making sure that the pot is sufficiently spacious. In the warm season it is recommended to plant the plant in the open ground. To form the crown and strengthen the flowering, pruning or prischipku young shoots. Cuttings can be used to propagate a flower.
For those who are already growing abutilone, reproduction can be carried out by seeds. They come up quickly enough and during the first half of the year they give the first buds. For sowing seeds, sandy soil is used, and sprouts sprout into separate pots after germination.
Disadvantages of Abutilone
Mini-maple Abutilon disease is not pursued, however its tender foliage is incredibly attractive for pests, for example, scabies, whiteflies or aphids. To combat insects, chemical preparations are used, and planting the plant on the street will be the best means against pests. Surprisingly, with growth in the open ground, abutilone is less attacked by insect parasites. If the plants yellow leaves, then there may be several reasons. The first and most common is high brightness of light and insufficient humidity of air. It is enough to transfer the pot from the tree to the shade and spray it regularly. The appearance of whiteflies will also lead to yellowing of the leaves, and if you notice a cobweb on their lower side,
Flowering of the house maple
Depending on the type of plant, the warm months of the year will be accompanied by the opening of beautiful, bright colors. Proper care and maintenance conditions of abutilone guarantee you regular flowering of the plant. For the extension of this period, it is necessary to trim the shoots of the maple tree regularly, even those on which there were flowers only recently, without regrets. Beautifully formed bush will be an excellent addition to any interior and a joy for lovers of greenhouses on the windowsills.