Gomphocarpus physocarpus aka Balloon Cotton Bush

Taxonomy

Gomphocarpus physocarpus, commonly known as hairy balls, balloonplant, balloon cotton-bush, bishop's balls, nailhead, or swan plant, is a species of Dogbane native to southern Africa. It is an upright, soft shrub 0.5 to 2 m tall with a fibrous rootstock and pale yellowish green hollow branches. Light green, narrowly oblong to lance-shaped leaves, as well as cream to white flowers with a complicated structure, are borne almost throughout the year and mainly during summer (November to April). The petals are white and the corona is suffused with pink or purple. Balloon Plant is a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Balloon Cotton Bush, Balloon Cottonbush, Balloon Plant

How to care for Balloon Cotton Bush

Difficulty

Balloon Cotton Bush presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Balloon Cotton Bush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Balloon Cotton Bush thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Balloon Plant.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Balloon Cotton Bush to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.


More info:
Wikipedia