Bladder cherry, Chinese lantern

physalis alkekengi

Also known as: ["Winter cherry","Japanese lantern"]

Family: Solanaceae Genus: Physalis Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant known for its distinctive inflated calyx that resembles a lantern, enclosing the fruit.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Physalis
Botanical Name: Physalis alkekengi

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but benefits from enrichment.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually after fruiting or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate the plant.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to encourage new shoots.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer fruits.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate airflow to prevent leaf scorch.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage), stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil), or root rot (foul smell, mushy roots).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); can tolerate cooler temperatures but not frost; thrives in warm, sunny conditions.

Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant; use organic options like compost for slow release.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be used but may take longer to establish.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots may appear in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks; full establishment in 3–4 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag or dome.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back leggy stems, remove dead or crossing branches, shape the plant as needed.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage fruit production, and remove dead or diseased growth; best done after fruiting or in late winter/early spring.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), gloves.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the root zone.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can damage foliage; frost can kill the plant or set back development significantly.

Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors during freezes.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced fruit production; may go dormant in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good airflow.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Physalis alkekengi may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations. It can also be a sign of stress due to environmental factors such as excessive sunlight or poor soil conditions.

Wilting in Physalis alkekengi is often caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering. It can also result from root damage, pest infestations, or diseases affecting the vascular system.

Leaf spots on Physalis alkekengi are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to unsightly foliage and potentially weakening the plant if severe. In some cases, severe infections may lead to leaf drop.

Rotting in Physalis alkekengi, particularly root or stem rot, is commonly caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections that can kill the plant if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may suffer mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest unripe fruits of Physalis alkekengi. The ripe fruits are generally safe for cats in small quantities.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
unripe fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from unripe fruits. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume unripe fruits of Physalis alkekengi due to the presence of solanine. Ripe fruits are typically safe for dogs in moderation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
unripe fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor dogs if they have access to unripe fruits. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Physalis alkekengi, commonly known as bladder cherry or winter cherry, contains solanine in its unripe fruits, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress. The ripe fruits are generally considered safe for consumption.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
unripe fruits
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure fruits are fully ripe before consumption to avoid mild toxicity. Wash hands after handling unripe fruits.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Physalis alkekengi toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Why is it called Chinese lantern?

A: The plant's inflated calyx resembles a traditional Chinese lantern.

Q: Does Physalis alkekengi attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Solanaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Morning Glory Tree, Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow
View
Toloache, Thorn Apple, Indian Apple
View
Black Nightshade
View
Day-blooming jessamine
View