Abutilon ‘Red Tiger’ 4” ‘Flowering Maple’

Abutilon 'Red Tiger' is a spectacular flowering maple known for its exotic, lantern-shaped blooms that appear painted by hand. Native Abutilons trace their origins to the tropical and subtropical regions of Brazil, where they grow as shrubs beneath the edges of forests and open woodlands. Red Tiger is especially prized for its bright yellow flowers heavily veined and streaked with deep red, creating a tiger-striped appearance unlike almost any other houseplant. When happy, it can bloom for months, producing a constant display of dangling flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators outdoors.

Place Abutilon 'Red Tiger' within 1–3 feet of an east-facing or south-facing window. This is a higher-light plant that flowers best when given abundant natural light. Under grow lights, use a full-spectrum bulb in the 5000K–6500K range. High-output lights should be positioned 8–12 inches above the foliage, while medium-strength lights work best at 10–14 inches. Plants grown in insufficient light often produce fewer blooms, longer stems, and a more open growth habit.

Water when the root zone is approaching dryness, never on a schedule. Use a chopstick, moisture meter, or clear nursery pot to determine moisture levels before watering. A chunky mix of equal parts succulent soil, coarse orchid bark, and perlite provides excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to support flowering. Drooping leaves are often the first sign the plant is becoming too dry, while yellowing foliage may indicate it is staying wet for too long. If flowering slows, the plant is often asking for stronger light, additional nutrients during the growing season, or a light pruning to encourage fresh growth and more blooms.