Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Also known as Balloon Cotton Bush · Balloon Milkweed · Balloon Plant
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Balloon Cottonbush (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) is an attractive shrub with unique, inflated seed pods, often used for ornamental purposes and as a larval food plant for mo
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and growth.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in average room temperatures (18-24°C). Protect from frost.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during the growing season. Avoid feeding in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can also be done to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
For prolific seeding, deadhead spent flowers.
Easily propagated from seed sown in spring, either indoors or directly outdoors after the last frost. Seeds germinate readily. Cuttings taken in summer can also be rooted in moist potting mix.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently, perhaps every 3-4 years, or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Balloon Cottonbush (Gomphocarpus physocarpus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Gomphocarpus |
| Species | Gomphocarpus physocarpus |
Similar in genus Gomphocarpus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
