Callianthe megapotamica
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Callianthe megapotamica

Trailing Abutilon · Brazilian bell flower · Chinese lantern

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
15–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 7–11
Click count
200
Observations
2,106

Care Guide

💧 Water

Trailing abutilon flourishes in humid conditions and needs regular watering without becoming waterlogged. Watering once a week is ideal. When grown indoors, this plant benefits from additional humidity, which can be achieved by misting or placing it on a pebble tray. This mimics its natural tropical environment.

☀️ Light Full sun

The trailing abutilon prefers abundant sunlight for healthy development. Its native environment required substantial light, so ample illumination allows the plant to thrive best. It can tolerate partial sun, but too little or too much light can be harmful.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C

Trailing abutilon originates from habitats with temperatures ranging from 59 to 100.4°F (15 to 38℃). It prefers these warm conditions but can adapt to lower temperatures. In winter, consider moving it indoors or providing protection to combat cold stress.

Ideal temperature: 15–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Timing is important for fertilizing Trailing abutilon. Start fertilizing in early spring and continue once a month through early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth phases.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

To ensure your trailing abutilon remains healthy, repot it every 2 to 3 years in early spring. Choose a wide container and use well-draining soil for optimal results. After repotting, place the plant in a spot with indirect sunlight and maintain a regular watering schedule, being careful not to overwater to avoid root rot. This will help you enjoy its vibrant and trailing growth!

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

Trailing abutilon features cascading branches and vibrant flowers. To promote growth and maintain a pleasing shape, prune in early spring. Remove any dead branches, using clean tools to make cuts just above leaf nodes. This approach encourages denser foliage, more abundant blooming, better air circulation, and reduces the risk of disease.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Callianthe
Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-11
Mature Height
2.44 m
Mature Spread
91 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Orange, Red
Flower Size
2.54 cm to 7.62 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Brazil

Tags (5)

Common Names (3)

en Trailing Abutilon
en Brazilian bell flower
en Chinese lantern