Plant Care Balloon Plant

Balloon Plant

About Balloon Plant

Balloon Plant is a relatively rare houseplant 🌿 that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Balloon Plant belongs to the Gomphocarpus genus, and is native to Southern Africa.

Taxonomy

Gomphocarpus physocarpus
Gomphocarpus
Apocynaceae
Gentianales

Also known as

Hairy Balls, Balloon Cotton-bush, Nailhead and Swan Plant

How to care for Balloon Plant

💦 Water

How often to water your Balloon Plant

Water needs for Balloon Plant
0.5 cups
every 9

Balloon Plant needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Balloon Plant

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Balloon Plant in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Balloon Plant: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Balloon Plant love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Balloon Plant does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Balloon Plant in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Balloon Plant

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Balloon Plant: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Balloon Plant after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Balloon Plant is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!


💦 Water Needs

Balloon Plant prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Balloon Plant requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Balloon Plant can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Balloon Plant

Balloon Plant

Balloon Plant


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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