In its homeland, a shady park tree, the Australian chestnut is traded as a houseplant in this country. It has nothing more in common with the native chestnut than the name, because it belongs to the legume family (bot. Fabaceae).

The Australian chestnut likes it light and warm

The ideal location for the Australian chestnut

The Australian chestnut likes it warm and light. A sunny to semi-shady place near a window is therefore ideal. Nevertheless, the plant will probably not bloom in your living room. However, this in no way detracts from its attractiveness.

The Australian chestnut should slowly get used to direct sunlight, but then it can spend the summer in the garden or on your balcony. Bring the plant back indoors in the fall before it suffers from cool nights.

plant and repot

The Australian chestnut thrives best in humus-rich, well-drained soil. You can also use a 1:1 mixture of cactus soil and conventional potting soil. In the first years of life, repotting the plant in spring is recommended, later only rarely.

Water and fertilize

When it is hot, your Australian chestnut needs a relatively large amount of water. Never let your floor dry out completely, but a slight drying of the surface does not harm. The Australian chestnut does not tolerate waterlogging either. So water regularly, but in such a way that excess water does not remain in the pot. Fertilize the plant about once or twice a month while it is growing.

The Australian chestnut overwinters

You do not necessarily have to bring the Australian chestnut to a (cool) winter quarters, it survives the winter very well at normal room temperatures. Under no circumstances should this quite frost-sensitive plant overwinter below 12 °C. It only survives temperatures around freezing point for a few days.

The care of the Australian chestnut in brief:

  • Location: warm, sunny or partial shade
  • like to put outside in summer
  • get used to direct sun slowly
  • Water regularly, allowing to dry slightly in between
  • Avoid waterlogging and prolonged drought
  • fertilize regularly from spring to autumn
  • hibernate: at 15 °C or room temperature

tips

By choosing a small planter, you limit the growth of the Australian chestnut.

Category:

Indoor plants