Abutilon, often called Flowering Maple or Chinese Lantern, loves spending its summer vacation outdoors. But as soon as fall rolls around and the mercury starts to drop, this tropical beauty starts getting chilly fast. If you don’t have a plan for overwintering, you’re likely to lose your plant to the first frost.
Abutilon is definitely not winter-hardy
First things first: Abutilon is not winter-hardy at all. It can’t handle even a light frost, and honestly, this tropical plant starts losing its mojo as soon as temperatures dip into the low 40s. You’ll need to bring it inside much earlier than your other frost-sensitive plants. Once the thermometer hits 50°F (10°C), it’s time to move it from the balcony into the house.
Getting ready for the big move
Starting around September, when those warm summer days become a memory, you should stop fertilizing. This prevents the plant from putting out new, tender growth that won’t survive the winter well. Right before you move it inside, clear away any spent blooms and dead branches. If your Abutilon has grown a bit too wild for its indoor spot, feel free to prune the branches back by up to two-thirds.
The “Cold House” method is ideal
If you have a cool sunroom or a “cold house” setup, your Flowering Maple will be happy as a clam.
- Keep the temperature between 40°F and 50°F (5-10°C).
- Pick a bright spot, but avoid direct, scorching sun.
- Skip the fertilizer and water sparingly.
- Make sure the soil doesn’t get waterlogged, but don’t let the root ball dry out completely either.
- Check once a week for aphids or scale.
Option B: Overwintering in the warmth
You can also keep your Abutilon warm (between 60°F and 70°F) right in your living room. A south-facing window is great for light, but try to provide some shade during the intense midday sun. Since warm rooms dry out faster, you’ll need to water more frequently. You can skip the fertilizer or just give it a light feeding once a month. Just a heads-up: the warmer the room, the more likely pests are to crash the party. Try to check your plant daily so you can catch any bugs before they become a problem.
Pro-tip:
Even if you grow your Abutilon as a houseplant year-round, it’ll actually appreciate a slightly cooler spot during the winter months to rest.
Moving back outdoors
By mid-to-late May, your Flowering Maple is ready to head back to the patio or balcony. Just don’t rush it! Transition the plant slowly so it can get used to the outdoor air and direct sunlight again without getting “sunburned.”
