Abutilon ‘Voodoo’ is a captivating broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial shrub, often referred to as Flowering Maple due to its distinctively shaped leaves. This plant stands out with its striking, large, bell-shaped flowers that display a deep, blood-red hue. These vibrant blooms dangle gracefully, providing continuous color for many months, and in suitable climates, they can flower nearly year-round. Beyond their visual appeal, the flowers of Abutilon ‘Voodoo’ also attract various pollinators, including hummingbirds and bees, adding lively motion to any garden space.
Caring for Abutilon Voodoo
Light Needs
Abutilon ‘Voodoo’ thrives in locations that receive ample sunlight, ideally six or more hours of direct sun daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, full sun exposure generally encourages the most prolific blooming. For indoor cultivation, a bright room with a south-facing window is often suitable, providing the necessary light intensity. If an indoor plant exhibits leggy growth, it often indicates a need for increased light exposure.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for Abutilon ‘Voodoo’, as it prefers soil that remains moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top half-inch to one inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions to prevent root issues. Excellent drainage is important, whether the plant is in a container or in the ground, ensuring excess water can escape freely. While the plant may wilt dramatically if allowed to dry out completely, it frequently recovers with prompt and thorough watering.
Soil Requirements
Abutilon ‘Voodoo’ prefers average, rich, and well-drained soil. Incorporating compost or other organic matter enhances soil quality and provides beneficial nutrients. It prefers a soil pH that is neutral to mildly acidic, typically between 5.5 and 7.5. For potted plants, a peat moss-based potting mix promotes both moisture retention and proper drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Abutilon ‘Voodoo’ prefers warm conditions, with ideal temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24°C). It tolerates higher temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38°C), but sustained temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C) can be harmful. Sensitive to frost, it should be moved indoors in cooler regions before freezing temperatures. The plant adapts to average humidity, though it appreciates moderate humidity between 40-50%.
Fertilizing
Abutilon ‘Voodoo’ is a heavy feeder, especially in containers, due to its vigorous growth and continuous blooming. During the active growing season (spring through fall), fertilize every two weeks. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength is suitable, or use a bloom-boosting formula with higher phosphorus and potassium. During its winter rest period, reduce both watering and fertilization.
Pruning and Shaping
Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape, control its size, and encourage bushier growth. Without pruning, Abutilon ‘Voodoo’ can become leggy, with flowers appearing mostly at the top of the stems. The most effective time for significant pruning is in late winter to early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Light trimming can be done throughout the active growing season to manage its form.
To encourage a fuller plant, regularly pinch back the tips of young stems, which stimulates new branching. When pruning, always make cuts just above a leaf set or a node to promote new growth in the desired direction. Avoid excessive or overly frequent trimming, as this can inadvertently remove developing flower buds. Additionally, remove any dead, broken, or weak stems at any time to maintain plant health and appearance.
Propagating Abutilon Voodoo
Propagating Abutilon ‘Voodoo’ is most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is during the spring or summer months when the parent plant is actively growing. This timing allows the host plant to recover quickly and the cuttings to establish roots successfully.
Select a healthy, green stem that has several nodes. Using clean, sharp scissors, make a cut, then remove all but the top three leaves, along with any flowers or buds. The prepared cutting can then be placed directly into moist potting soil, or it can be rooted in water before transferring to soil. Once roots have formed and the cutting is established, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Common Problems and Solutions
Abutilon ‘Voodoo’ can sometimes encounter common garden pests, including whiteflies, spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Whiteflies typically feed on the undersides of leaves and will fly up when disturbed. Spider mites can cause leaf mottling and, in severe cases, produce fine webbing on the foliage. Scale insects may appear as small, blister-like bumps, with soft scales often leaving behind sticky honeydew.
To manage these pests, regularly inspect your plant. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be effective treatments, while scale insects can sometimes be removed by hand. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant can also help prevent infestations. Regarding diseases, root rot, rust, and leaf spot can occur; root rot is primarily caused by overwatering.
Problems related to improper care can also manifest in the plant’s appearance. Leaf discoloration or yellowing may signal either a mineral deficiency or excess, or issues with water management. If the plant is not blooming as expected, it often indicates insufficient light, meaning it needs more than six hours of direct sun, or a lack of adequate fertilizer. Promoting new blooms can also be achieved by regularly removing spent flowers.