Flowering Maple Indoor Plant
Victorian Era Favorite Houseplant can be Planted Outside in Summer
Nov 11, 2009
It is sometimes referred to as the Parlor Maple, perhaps because it is more frequently grown as a houseplant. During the Victorian era, it was a favorite for growing inside during winter, and relocated outside during summer.
This sub-tropical Abutilon hybridum can be grown outside in semi shade during summer. In some areas it has become a garden favorite used as an annual. As with the geranium and fuchsia, it can be cut back and taken indoors for winter. Flowering Maple, sometimes referred to as the Chinese Bellflower, will not survive in the cold.
Flowers by the Dozens
This prolific bloomer produces dozens of flowers at a time. The blossoms appear in various shades from red to pale yellow, soft orange, and white. The oval buds that hang as pendulums open to a wide-cup shape. Each 1 ½-inch wide flower has five separate petals. The weight of accumulated flowers causes the branches to form graceful arches.
Flowering Maple leaves are light green and often hairy. They are deeply lobed, about three inches long, and on most varieties they are serrated.
The size of the plant very much depends upon variety and location. When grown outside, some can reach eight feet in height and width. As a houseplant, it can be pruned to suit the available space. If it stretches and becomes gangly, it can be snipped back to a leaf joint when flowering is finished. For fuller shape, prune the tips of young plants to encourage new growth.
Some growers prefer to cut the plant back to have just one main stem, and then let it bush out on top to resemble a tree. With that shape, it may need to be staked or supported until the ‘trunk’ is strong enough to support the top growth.
Propagation of Flowering Maple
It is possible to successfully grow the Flowering Maple from gathered seeds. All that’s needed is patience, for germination may take more than a month. Packaged seeds are sometimes available.
Another method of propagation is to cut a four or five-inch green and tender tip of a branch. Keep about three leaves on it, plant in a perlite and moist peat mixture. Cover the container/cutting with a plastic bag to maintain moisture. Place it under a fluorescent light or in indirect sunlight. When it has rooted and is growing well, plant in regular potting soil.
Plant Maintenance
The Flowering Maple is known as a warm weather plant. As a houseplant, it requires at least four hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day. Temperatures of 60 to 72 F during the day and 55 to 65 F at night are best for good growth.
It requires a good draining soil that holds water, but does not pack tightly around the roots. During flowering period in particular, it needs a monthly dose of soluble fertilizer. Regular watering is absolutely necessary, but the plant should not be left standing in water. The best method is to soak it well and let excess water run out the bottom.
The Flowering Maple in full bloom during winter is a beautiful sight, particularly when outside its window everything is snow covered.
Sources:
All About Weeds by Edwin Rollin Spencer, Dover Publications, 1974
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