Red flower with green leaves on a black background

Abutilon 'Nabob' - Flowering Maple

Sale price  ₹ 499.00 Regular price  ₹ 899.00
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Red flower with green leaves on a black background

Abutilon 'Nabob' - Flowering Maple

Regular price  ₹ 899.00 Sale price  ₹ 499.00

Abutilon 'Nabob' is a classic Victorian-era favorite, prized for its exceptionally dark, rich crimson flowers that dangle like velvet lanterns. Though often called the "Flowering Maple" due to the shape of its soft, lobed leaves, it is actually a member of the Mallow family—more closely related to Hibiscus than to Maples.

This variety is particularly sought after for its vigorous growth habit and its ability to bloom almost year-round in tropical and subtropical climates. Whether grown as a container plant on a bright patio or as a feature shrub in the garden, 'Nabob' provides an exotic, architectural look that attracts pollinators and adds dramatic color to your collection.

🏮 Constant Bloomers Abutilon 'Nabob' is a "hungry" plant. To keep those deep red lanterns appearing throughout the year, regular feeding and consistent moisture are the keys to success.
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Light

Prefers bright, indirect light or filtered sun. In hotter parts of India, afternoon shade is essential to prevent the soft leaves from wilting. Indoors, place it in the brightest spot possible (East or West window).

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Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Abutilon has a high transpiration rate due to its soft leaves; if the soil dries out completely, the plant will wilt quickly. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

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Feeding & Fertilization

A heavy feeder! Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (like 19-19-19) every 2 weeks during the growing season. For maximum blooms, use a high-potassium "Bloom Booster" once a month. Ensure the soil is moist before fertilizing to avoid root burn.

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Pruning & Shaping

'Nabob' is a vigorous grower. Tip-prune young plants to encourage branching and a bushier habit. You can hard-prune in early spring to maintain a specific size or shape, as it flowers on new wood.

🌿 Growth Habit & Structure

Abutilon 'Nabob' has an upright, slightly arching habit that can reach 5-6 feet if left unpruned. Its velvety, maple-like foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the dark stems and blood-red flowers. For a denser look, keep it pinched back; for a more dramatic tree-like "standard" look, prune away lower branches and stake the main stem.

⚠️ Common Issues & Quick Fixes

Yellowing Lower Leaves

Usually indicates overwatering or poor drainage. Check if the pot is sitting in water. It can also be a sign of nitrogen deficiency if the yellowing is widespread.

Drooping/Wilting Foliage

Abutilons "faint" when thirsty. Check the soil immediately. If the soil is wet but the plant is wilting, it may be heat stress; move it to a cooler, shaded spot during peak sun hours.

Sticky Residue on Leaves

Likely Aphids or Whiteflies. These pests love the soft growth of Abutilon. Treat with Neem oil spray or an insecticidal soap, ensuring you hit the undersides of the leaves thoroughly.

📋 Quick Plant Profile

Botanical Name Abutilon x hybridum 'Nabob'
Common Name Flowering Maple, Chinese Lantern
Flower Color Deep Crimson / Dark Red
Light Requirements Bright Indirect / Part Shade
Watering Moderate-High (Keep soil moist)
Growth Habit Upright Shrub (up to 5-6 ft)
Temperature 15°C–30°C (Avoid extreme heat/frost)
Toxicity Non-toxic to pets
Size Details

1 Abutilon 'Nabob' - Flowering Maple

Size: 6-12 Inches
(Plant sizes may vary slightly based on seasonal growth, individual plant characteristics, and current stock.)

Care Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Light:

This plant thrives in bright indirect light, which means it needs a well-lit space without harsh direct sunlight. Ideal locations include east or north-facing windows, or spots near south or west-facing windows with filtered light through a sheer curtain to protect its foliage.

Water:

Water deeply 2–3 times a week, depending on weather and soil type. Early morning or late evening is best. Increase frequency during peak summer or dry spells.

Growing Media:

30–40% Coco Coir/Peat Moss: For moisture retention without waterlogging.
20–30% Perlite/Pumice: Improves drainage and aeration.
20–30% Leaf Compost/Orchid Bark: Enhances structure and airflow.
10–20% Vermicompost/Compost: Provides slow-release nutrients.

Optional: A handful of horticultural charcoal for added root health. This mix supports healthy, lush foliage and prevents rot in warm, humid indoor environments.

Feeding & Fertilization:

For these plants, use a phosphorus-rich liquid fertilizer (like 10-30-20 or similar) every 2–3 weeks during the blooming season to support healthy flowers. Dilute to half strength to avoid overfeeding.

Mix in a moderate amount of well-rotted compost or vermicompost every 4–6 weeks to improve soil fertility and encourage continuous blooming. Reduce or stop feeding during the off-season when flowering slows.

Shipping & Delivery

We ship plants within 3-4 days after placing the order if we have them in stock. If not, we’ll email you with the details. Learn More

Replacement

If your plant dies during transit, please contact us with proof, including an unboxing video, and we'll replace it for free. Learn More

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