The Australian chestnut loves moist, nutrient-rich and well-drained soils and thanks it with a magnificent growth. Because it is easy to grow and easy to care for, it has also become at home in our latitudes.
As an ornamental and houseplant
The tree with its evergreen, pinnate and elongated-elliptical leaves is often used in Australia as a shade-giving tree on the beach or in parks. Since it looks very decorative and, if properly cared for, it grows well, we also use it as a houseplant. However, there are some care instructions that must be observed so that the tree can develop properly but not become too big. In good conditions, the plant can grow up to 1.80 meters tall in the room. However, bonsai specialists are already growing small trees.
Botanical Characteristics & Important Notes
Strictly speaking, the Australian chestnut, its botanical characteristics and its Latin name Castanospermum already described in 1830, not a chestnut, but a legume. It grows from a kidney-like bean and shows a great resemblance and close relationship with the bean family in everything. When fruits grow, they are edible. At home, Castanospermum australe forms yellow and orange, grape-like inflorescences with a butterfly-shaped crown. Their nectar attracts birds, bats and butterflies, which feast on the sweet juice. As an ornamental and houseplant, it is rare for flowers to form. The plant
is particularly valued as a houseplant because of its beautifully shaped, dark green leaves. Be careful when using the leaves and seeds, as these contain saponins and are toxic to pets.Optimal site conditions and care as a garden tree
In warm regions, Castanospermum australe can also be planted outdoors as a garden plant. The tree can withstand temperatures above 0 ° C for a short time in winter. In summer it is essential to ensure that the soil is constantly moist, the tree must not dry out. Good, humus garden soil with permeable soil is sufficient. It remains to be seen which plant communities should be chosen, because the Australian chestnut has only been native to us for a few years. In general, however, the tropical tree loves temperatures above ten degrees and would like to develop freely.
Correct location in the room
As a houseplant, the tree loves a bright location, but the plant does not tolerate direct sunlight, especially in the early stages. A location in partial shade on the windowsill is ideal. The Australian chestnut prefers to have it warm and cozy, of course, this should definitely be taken into account. The tree must be protected from drafts, especially at the development stage. A year-round location at room temperature is
unproblematic. In the house, however, care should be taken to ensure that the temperature does not drop below 12 ° C.Proper care of the Australian chestnut
Usually three to four plants are acquired in a pot that grow out of a bean. At the stage of growth, the Castanospermum australe should be watered abundantly. It is best to water and then remove the excess water from the planter or saucer so that no waterlogging occurs. The small trees can also be put in a bucket with water and then allowed to drain before they are put back into the pot. From time to time the earth should dry out a little before it is poured again. Of course, the plant needs good liquid fertilizer in low concentration about every four weeks during the main vegetation phase in spring and summer. You can do without it in winter, but you can fertilize every two months with a clear conscience. Much depends on the location, the temperature and the size of the tree. If you observe the following rules, you will enjoy your extraordinary houseplant for a long time:
- water regularly, but avoid waterlogging
- fertilize as needed
- always choose a bright location, but avoid direct midday sun
- never let it dry out
Cut back and repot the Castanospermum australe
If the tree shoots up too quickly, it can be cut back. Repotting should first be carried out annually, then only every two or three years, depending on how the tree is developing and what space is available. Use good, humus-rich potting soil for repotting and mix this 1: 1 with cactus soil so that a permeable soil is created for the plant and waterlogging is avoided from the outset.
Cultivation and propagation
The Australian chestnut itself can be propagated and grown from seeds and cuttings. All you need is a commercially available plant substrate, which is best mixed with clay granulate or perlite. To be covered
Pests and diseases
In our latitudes the natural pests are absent, because the hard leaves of the tree are not very attractive for local insects. However, if not cared for properly, root rot can result from waterlogging, which causes the leaves to discolor and dry out. Too direct sunlight can also bleach and dry out the dark green leaves. Normally the leaf should be dark green and shiny and the undersurface light and matt.
Worth knowing about the Australian chestnut in brief
the Castanospermum australe is basically not a chestnut, but a bean tree and has been in vogue with us for several years. The elongated, glossy, dark green leaves, which are reminiscent of a room linden tree, have a very decorative effect. Like these, the tree loves lightness and partial shade, but no sun. Optimal care consists in permeable soil and correct watering.
- We in the plant trade usually offer pots with three or four plants in them.
- The Castano can be recognized by the bean from which the trunk grows.
- Castanospermum australe grows upright and forms a stem with a crown.
- The plant grows up to 1.80 m high. In its homeland, the tree can reach heights of up to 35 meters.
- Its racemose inflorescences are striking.
- The flowers are orange and yellow and form a butterfly-shaped crown.
- Here the plants rarely bloom.
- The fruits of Castano are edible, including those of Houseplants.
- The Castano can spend the winter in a warm room. But it can also be cooler, between 12 and 16 ˚C.
- The cooler the plant is, the less it should be watered.
- It is fertilized every six to eight weeks, but only weakly. Avoid drafts.
