Aesculus hippocastanum aka Common Horse Chestnut

Taxonomy

Aulus hippocastanum, commonly known as horse chestnut or conker tree, is a large, deciduous tree belonging to the Sapindaceae family. It is native to Europe and is widely cultivated in streets and parks throughout temperate regions of the world. The tree can grow up to 25 meters high with a broad and spreading crown. Its buds are large, ovate pointed, green-brown, and often sticky, with noticeably large leaf scars underneath. The bark of the trunk is first smooth and later slightly cracked, with a color ranging from brown to gray-green. The chestnut leaf is fingered with seven cut leaves and up to 20 cm long. The inflorescences are 20-30 cm high and are erected like a flower, with colors ranging from white to yellow-red. The tree flowers in May. European Horse-Chestnut is also a rare houseplant that belongs to the same Aesculus genus. It needs regular watering to thrive and prefers well-draining soil. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Repotting each time it doubles in size is recommended, and added fertilizers are not necessary. It is extremely dangerous if consumed. It is important to note that horse chestnut should not be confused with the Spanish chestnut, Castanea sativa, which is a tree in another family.

Common names

Common Horse Chestnut, Horse Chestnut, European Horse Chestnut, Horse Chesnut, Conker Tree

How to care for Common Horse Chestnut

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Common Horse Chestnut is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Common Horse Chestnut should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Common Horse Chestnut loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Common Horse Chestnut requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Horse Chesnut is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Common Horse Chestnut is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Common Horse Chestnut as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Common Horse Chestnut’s native range is Europe - N. Greece and Albania. Naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia