The Stunning Sub-Tropical Plant That Can Thrive When Grown Indoors

Abutilons, also known as flowering maple (Abutilon spp.), can make a stunning addition to your garden. Well-loved pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds adore these plants, and their brightly colored flowers serve as a show-stopper in your backyard. However, while the allure of filling your garden with abutilons can be irresistible, there is one tiny downside to consider: these plants are only hardy in USDA Hardiness zones 9 and 10. Fortunately, there's another place these plants can shine year-round: indoors.

Depending on the species you settle on, these evergreen perennials can be rather large plants, ranging from 18 inches all the way to 10 feet in size. However, while those smaller varieties may be larger than some of your average houseplants, it does make them compact enough to thrive as an indoor plant. But growing abutilons inside your home can be a vastly different experience than allowing them to flourish in an outdoor space where they have free access to rain and sunlight, which means it's important to learn the right care routine for your indoor plant to ensure you'll be reward by its unique flowers, ranging in color from red to pink and orange.

Flowering maples are easy to grow in pots, which makes them a perfect houseplant even beginner gardeners can keep alive. However, they do have specific needs when it comes to light and water, and familiarizing yourself with these requirements can make the difference between a healthy, happy abutilon that's able to bloom indoors or a plant in desperate need of a pick-me-up.

One of the most important factors to pay attention to when growing any plant indoors is sunlight. The exact amount of sunlight your flowering maple needs can depend on its variety, with light requirements ranging from partial shade to full sun. That means avoiding north-facing windows (if you're in the northern hemisphere), as you won't receive any direct sunlight. Instead, south-facing windows offer the most direct sunlight throughout the day.

Water is another key factor, especially when you're dealing with sub-tropical plants like abutilons. However, it's important to find the balance between providing your flowering maple with ample water, especially during the growing season, without overwatering. The key is to keep your abutilon's soil moist without leaving it soggy or waterlogged. Flowering maples also do well with humid areas, which can make them a perfect houseplant to grow in bathrooms, so long as you can provide the right amount of light. This may require supplementing with a grow light if your bathroom doesn't have adequate windows.

As for other care requirements, abutilons can be relatively low-maintenance houseplant, ideal for beginners. They do require some regular pruning, especially when trying to control their shape and size indoors, and frequent fertilization can support colorful blooms during the growing season. Because of how fast they grow, you may also need to repot them occasionally throughout the year to keep the roots healthy.