How to propagate Abutilon?

Abutilon, also known as Chinese lantern, is a beautiful bush with generous foliage and very original flowers. From spring to autumn, it produces bright and colourful flowers, shaped like rounded bells or open cups, in shades of pink, orange, yellow, red, or white. It features lush foliage with large leaves beautifully cut along the edge of the lamina. Some varieties may even be variegated. Abutilon is perfect for adding a touch of exoticism to the garden, on a terrace, or on a balcony. Moreover, it is easy to propagate by cuttings! Discover our tutorial with all our tips to achieve this and obtain new plants. 

When to propagate Abutilon?

Propagation of Abutilon is done in spring (herbaceous cuttings) or in summer (semi-woody cuttings).

How to propagate Abutilon?

• Choose healthy stems, free from signs of disease or pests. You can either take a long stem and cut it into sections or take several stem tips. The cuttings should be 15 to 20 cm long and have at least three nodes (points where leaves attach to the stem). Cut them with clean pruning shears, at an angle, just below a node.
• If the stems have flowers or flower buds, remove them, as the cutting needs to focus its energy on root production rather than flowering.
• Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stems, leaving just 2 or 3 leaves at the top to allow for photosynthesis while limiting water loss.
• Prepare pots by filling them with a light, well-draining substrate, ideally special seed and cutting compost, or a mixture of equal parts compost and sand.
• Lightly compact and water.

• Dip the base of the cuttings in rooting hormone. This step is optional but will facilitate the formation of new roots.
• Make a small hole in the substrate using a pencil or stick.
• Plant the stems in the substrate, ensuring they are buried at least 7 cm deep. Lightly compact the substrate around the cutting to eliminate air pockets.
• Cover each cutting with a transparent plastic bag or a plastic bottle to maintain a humid environment (propagation under glass). Ensure that the stems and leaves do not touch the sides.
• Place the pots in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
• Keep the substrate slightly moist and regularly check for root formation. Once the cuttings have taken well, you can remove the bag or plastic bottle.
• Keep your cuttings sheltered for winter, and plant them in the ground or in larger pots in spring.

Necessary materials

• Sharp and disinfected pruning shears
• Pots with drainage holes
• Special seed and cutting compost, or a mixture of compost and sand
• Rooting hormone (optional)
• Transparent plastic bags or plastic bottles
• A watering can with a spout