| Some if the buds on my japanese flowering maple will drop before blooming, others will bloom without incident, could this be the result of low humidity? |
| Bloom drop is usually caused by temperature fluctuations. Is your plant in an area that is prone to drafts (hot or cold)? Near an air vent or doorway? Somewhere that temperature is irregular? Check these scenarios, this is usually the problem. If nothing exists in that area, do a general check of other cultural practices: watering, light, feeding, humidity, etc. Abutilon likes filtered light. It needs neither unduly warm conditions or moist air (no more than average that is). Keep the plant in average warmth during all seasons except winter when temperature should be reduced to 50-60F. Water liberally spring through autumn, reduce watering in winter. Mist leaves occasionally. Fertilize during the months of March through August only, use a general purpose houseplant fertilizer. Repot in the spring every year, be careful not to replant to a container that is too large - prolific flowering occurs when the pot is full of roots. This plant is quite happy when it is a bit rootbound. |
