Bright light with at least 3 to 4 hours of direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) daily. A south- or west-facing window is your best bet indoors. Insufficient light is the number one reason this plant stops blooming - if the stems are going leggy and flowers are sparse, move it closer to the window.Light

Water moderately during active growth, soaking through the mix and then letting the top half-inch dry before watering again. In winter, back way off and water just enough to prevent the soil from going completely bone dry. Overwatering in winter is the quickest way to kill it. Signs of overwatering: yellowing lower leaves, soft stems at the base.Water

Average household humidity (40 to 50%) works fine. Mist foliage occasionally in winter when indoor air gets dry, or set the pot on a pebble tray with water. Low humidity invites spider mites, so keeping it reasonable helps on two fronts.Humidity

Prefers a moderate 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C). It actually blooms better with slightly cooler nights. Hard minimum is 50°F (10°C) - bring it inside well before frost if it spent summer outdoors.Temperature

easyDifficulty

Chinese bellflower

Abutilon hybridum

Easy

Abutilon × hybridum is a species name used for a wide variety of different types flowering plants of uncertain origin in the genus Abutilon.[1][2][3] Because of the uncertainty surrounding the name, they are often considered a cultivar group: Abutilon x Hybridum Group or Abutilon Hybridum Group. They are cultigens, not occurring in the wild.[4][5] As with the larger genus Abutilon generally, they have been referred to by the common names Chinese lantern,[6][7] and parlour maple.

Care Guide

How to grow Chinese bellflower

Light

Bright light with at least

Water

Water moderately during active growth,

Humidity

50%

Temperature

Prefers a moderate 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C).

Soil

20%

Propagation

Softwood stem cuttings are the

Softwood stem cuttings are the standard approach and can be taken any time of year. Take a 3 to 4-inch tip cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and stick in moist perlite or a half-peat/half-perlite mix. Bottom heat speeds things up considerably - roots typically form in 3 to 6 weeks. Seeds are viable but plants grown from seed take up to a year to bloom, and hybrid cultivars will not come true from seed.

Common Problems

Spider mites are the most

Spider mites are the most common indoor pest, especially in dry winter air - fine webbing on leaves and stippled foliage are the telltale signs. Aphids, mealybugs, whitefly, and scale also show up. Insecticidal soap handles most of them. Abutilon mosaic virus causes yellow mottling on leaves and is spread by whiteflies; infected plants should be isolated and removed. Root rot from overwatering is the main cultural problem. Pinch stems regularly or the plant gets tall and floppy.

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The genus name Abutilon traces back to an Arabic word used by the medieval physician Avicenna to describe a mallow-like plant — making its name over a thousand years old.

Pet Safety

Pet safe

Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses according to the ASPCA. The foliage can cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, so wash hands after handling if your skin tends to react to plants.

Sources

Abutilon - ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)ASPCA
Abutilon — ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)ASPCA
Abutilon x hybridum - Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
Abutilon x hybridum — Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
Abutilon - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
Abutilon — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
Flowering Maple, Abutilon spp. - Wisconsin Horticulture Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension
Flowering Maple, Abutilon spp. — Wisconsin Horticulture Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension