Staphylea pinnata aka Bladdernut

Taxonomy

Staphylea pinnata, commonly known as the European bladdernut, is a species of bladdernut that is native to Europe and has also been naturalized in Britain. This large, upright shrub can reach a height and spread of up to 5m. Its dark green leaves are composed of five to seven pointed, oval leaflets. In late spring and early summer, long clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers with a hint of pink hang from the branches. These beautiful blooms are followed by pale green, inflated fruit. The bladdernut is not only a rare houseplant but also an easy one to grow. It thrives with regular watering and prefers to be placed in long-lasting, direct light, ideally within 1 foot of a window. This plant prefers soil that retains moisture well. Repotting is recommended each time the bladdernut doubles in size, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers. Originating from Central Europe, Turkey, and the Caucasus, the bladdernut belongs to the Staphylea genus.

Common names

Bladdernut, European Bladdernut, Anthony Nut

How to care for Bladdernut

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Bladdernut due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Bladdernut should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Bladdernut, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since European Bladdernut is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Bladdernut will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Bladdernut prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Bladdernut has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Bladdernut grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Bladdernut’s native range is Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia