Abutilon megapotamicum Plant Care Reminders

General Information

• Instruction By	Steve Brigham
  Notes	In California's Central Valley and surrounding foothills, hybrid abutilons will grow well outdoors all year if given protection from both hot sun and frost. Whether you grow them in containers or in the ground, remember to water and fertilize your plants regularly for the best foliage and flowering.
  Sunset Zones	1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  19  20  21  22  23  24  25  26  27  28  29  30  31  32  33  34  35  36  37  38  39  40  41  42  43  44  45
  USDA Zones	1  2a  2b  3a  3b  4a  4b  5a  5b  6a  6b  7a  7b  8a  8b  9a  9b  10a  10b  11  12

Plant Care Instruction

• Scroll down or click on any month for plant care instructions
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

  January 1. Water Water regularly during dry periods. 2. Protect Protect from frost and cold winds. 3. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. 4. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs.

  February 1. Water Water regularly during dry periods. 2. Protect Protect from frost and cold winds. 3. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. 4. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs.

  March 1. Buy Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. 2. Plant Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. 3. Fertilize Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. 4. Water Water regularly during dry periods. 5. Prune Prune to shape just before main spring growth starts. 6. Protect Protect from frost and cold winds. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs.

  April 1. Buy Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. 2. Plant Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. 3. Fertilize Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. 4. Water Water regularly during dry periods. 5. Prune Prune to shape just before main spring growth starts. 6. Mulch Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. 9. Transplant Cut back and move established plants, if necessary.

  May 1. Buy Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. 2. Plant Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. 3. Fertilize Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. 4. Water Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. 5. Mulch Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. 6. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. 7. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. 8. Transplant Cut back and move established plants, if necessary. 9. Propagate Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting.

  June 1. Buy Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. 2. Plant Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. 3. Fertilize Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. 4. Water Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. 5. Mulch Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. 6. Protect Protect from strong sun and hot winds. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. 9. Propagate Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting.

  July 1. Buy Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. 2. Plant Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. 3. Fertilize Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. 4. Water Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. 5. Mulch Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. 6. Protect Protect from strong sun and hot winds. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. 9. Propagate Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting.

  August 1. Buy Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. 2. Plant Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. 3. Fertilize Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. 4. Water Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. 5. Mulch Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. 6. Protect Protect from strong sun and hot winds. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. 9. Propagate Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting.

  September 1. Buy Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. 2. Plant Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. 3. Fertilize Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. 4. Water Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. 5. Mulch Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. 6. Protect Protect from strong sun and hot winds. 7. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. 8. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. 9. Propagate Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting.

  October 1. Water Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. 2. Mulch Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. 3. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. 4. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations.

  November 1. Water Water regularly during dry periods. 2. Protect Protect from frost and cold winds. 3. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. 4. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations.

  December 1. Water Water regularly during dry periods. 2. Protect Protect from frost and cold winds. 3. Pest/Disease Inspection Check for snails and slugs. 4. Treat for Pest/Disease Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations.

• Buy When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share! March Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. April Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. May Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. June Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. July Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. August Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want. September Buy plants in bloom to get the color and flower shape you want.

  Plant When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions? March Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. April Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. May Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. June Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. July Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. August Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost. September Plant in rich, well-drained soil, using plenty of soil amendment. Choose a partially shaded spot that is protected from hot sun, strong winds, and frost.

  Fertilize When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year? March Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. April Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. May Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. June Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. July Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. August Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food. September Fertilize once a month with an acid-type water-soluble plant food.

  Water Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year? January Water regularly during dry periods. February Water regularly during dry periods. March Water regularly during dry periods. April Water regularly during dry periods. May Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. June Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. July Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. August Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. September Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. October Water regularly during dry periods. Spray foliage with water when you water to increase humidity and keep leaves clean and healthy. November Water regularly during dry periods. December Water regularly during dry periods.

  Prune When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements? March Prune to shape just before main spring growth starts. April Prune to shape just before main spring growth starts.

  Mulch Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much? April Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. May Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. June Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. July Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. August Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. September Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist. October Maintain a good layer of mulch to increase humidity and keep roots cool and moist.

  Protect When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved? January Protect from frost and cold winds. February Protect from frost and cold winds. March Protect from frost and cold winds. June Protect from strong sun and hot winds. July Protect from strong sun and hot winds. August Protect from strong sun and hot winds. September Protect from strong sun and hot winds. November Protect from frost and cold winds. December Protect from frost and cold winds.

  Pest/Disease Inspection What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear? January Check for snails and slugs. February Check for snails and slugs. March Check for snails and slugs. April Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. May Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. June Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. July Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. August Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. September Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. October Check for snails and slugs. Watch for whitefly and scale insects. November Check for snails and slugs. December Check for snails and slugs.

  Treat for Pest/Disease How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements? January Control snails and slugs. February Control snails and slugs. March Control snails and slugs. April Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. May Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. June Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. July Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. August Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. September Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. October Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. November Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations. December Control snails and slugs. Spray the undersides of the leaves regularly with water to discourage whiteflies. Control ants to stop scale infestations.

  Transplant When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements? April Cut back and move established plants, if necessary. May Cut back and move established plants, if necessary.

  Propagate When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements? May Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting. June Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting. July Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting. August Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting. September Propagate by taking stem cuttings of hardened-off new growth. After you take the cuttings, remove half the leaf surfaces and any flowers on the cuttings, which should speed rooting.