Exotic abutilon plants preferably presented their breathtaking flowers on the summer balcony. In the winter garden or on the windowsill, the tropical beauties constantly boast colorful bell flowers and rich green decorative leaves. The lack of winter hardiness requires special precautions so that the furious flower show is not limited to a single season. This is how you can overwinter a beautiful mallow in an exemplary manner.
How to properly care for an abutilon in winter?
To overwinter an abutilon successfully, it should be housed in a cold house at 5-10 degrees Celsius or a warm house at 15-20 degrees Celsius. Ensure appropriate light and humidity conditions as well as adequate nutrient supply and control for pests.
Care plan for the winter time - this is how you can accompany Abutilon through the winter
The pronounced frost sensitivity of abutilon plants prohibits overwintering in the open air. If the temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius, the move to winter quarters is unavoidable. There are two options to choose from for the adequate framework conditions. This is how you can overwinter a beautiful mallow he althy and happy:
| Overwintering Abutilon | Cold House | Warmhouse |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 5 to 10 degrees Celsius | 15 to 20 degrees Celsius |
| Location | bright, without direct sun | sunny, at the south window with shade at midday |
| Water supply | water sparingly, avoid waterlogging and dryness of the bales | Keep substrate constantly slightly moist |
| Nutrient supply | Do not fertilize from September to April | Fertilize liquidly every 4 to 6 weeks from September to April |
| Cutting | either before or after the winter break | light pruning in spring |
| Pests | check weekly for lice | check daily for lice and spider mites |
The change from winter to summer location on the balcony ideally takes place in stages. To harden off, mallows stay in partial shade for 8 to 14 days before taking their place in the sun.
Tip
The beautiful mallow is recommended as a flower-rich component in Mediterranean garden design. Beautiful species such as Abutilon pictum or Abutilon megapotanicum harmonize wonderfully with oleander in a pot or planted in a bed. If you plant an abutilon complete with pot in the ground in May, you can easily lift the plant out of the ground and put it away in the fall.