The Avila plant, also known as Flowering Maple or Chinese Lantern, is a popular choice for its vibrant, pendulous blooms and unique foliage. It offers continuous flowering, adding consistent color to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Avila Plant Characteristics
Avila plants are known for their distinctive features. Their bell-shaped or cup-shaped flowers dangle from branches in colors like orange, yellow, pink, red, and white, sometimes with prominent veining. The foliage resembles palmate maple leaves, often lobed, serrated, or variegated. The plant typically grows as a bushy shrub, though some varieties can be trained as small trees.
Avila Plant Care
Caring for the Avila plant requires consistent conditions to support its growth and abundant flowering.
Light Requirements
Avila plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Outdoors, they perform best in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of daily sunlight. In hotter climates, afternoon shade protects foliage from scorching. Indoors, place the plant near a sunny window, such as a south-facing one.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is key for Avila plants, especially during active growth. Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly before watering. During dry or warm weather, more frequent watering may be needed. Reduce watering during cooler months or when growth slows.
Soil Preferences
Well-draining soil is essential for Avila plants. They prefer a rich, loamy mix amended with organic matter like compost. While tolerant of various soil types, good drainage is crucial. A neutral to slightly acidic soil pH, between 5.5 and 7.0, is suitable for optimal growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Avila plants prefer warm temperatures, between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24°C). They are not frost-tolerant, making them suitable for outdoor cultivation primarily in USDA hardiness zones 9-10. In cooler regions, grow them in containers and bring indoors for winter protection. They appreciate moderate humidity (around 40-50%) but adapt to average household levels.
Fertilization
To support continuous blooming, fertilize Avila plants regularly during the growing season (spring through fall). A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two to four weeks is effective. A bloom-boosting fertilizer with higher phosphorus can encourage more flowers. Reduce or withhold fertilization during the plant’s winter dormant period.
Addressing Common Issues
Avila plants may encounter common issues, especially indoors or in less-than-ideal conditions.
Pests like whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects can infest foliage, often on leaf undersides or stems. Regular inspection and horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can manage infestations.
Root rot occurs from overwatering or poor drainage. Fungal issues like rust or leaf spot may develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Proper watering and good airflow prevent these problems.
Abutilon mosaic virus, characterized by yellow or whitish leaf mottling, is another common issue, sometimes considered a desirable variegation.
Propagating Avila Plants
Propagating Avila plants is best achieved through stem cuttings. Take cuttings during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Select healthy, non-flowering stems 4 to 6 inches long. Remove lower leaves, leaving a few at the top, and optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant cuttings into a well-draining potting mix, burying at least two nodes. Keep soil consistently moist and provide warmth (65-75°F / 18-24°C) to encourage root development within a few weeks.
Safety Considerations
Avila plants (Abutilon species) are considered low toxicity to humans and pets. While calcium oxalates can cause mild digestive upset if ingested in large quantities, serious poisoning is uncommon. Exercise caution, especially with curious children or pets. Placing the plant out of reach can prevent mild irritation.