Castanospermum australe
Moreton bay chestnut
- 12cm pot | 45cm tall
- £10.39 £12.99
- available to order from late spring
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: bright but indirect light
- Soil: good potting compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: tender (indoors only)
- Current height: approximately 45cm (+ or - 10% including the pot)
- Pot cover: choose an 14cm pot cover to give a good fit over the pot
The Moreton Bay Chestnut is a quirky houseplant admired for its umbrella of feathery, green leaves borne on long, stiff stalks, which sprout from the seed at the soil surface. This mini tropical tree reaches outdoor heights of 40 metres in its native Australia, but indoors it grows slowly to a manageable 2m with a little pruning and preening - giving you the opportunity to create your own interior potted forest. As the plant matures, the seedpod will slowly dry up and detach from the stem, having completed its job of sustaining the young plant.
Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from. - Home care: During the growing season, water regularly with water at room temperature, as the plant can be sensitive to cold temperature at root level. Water less in the winter, making sure the compost is moist, but not wet (when the soil dries to a depth of 2-3 cm). Repot every few years or when the compost begins to dry out too quickly (less than 3 days). A liquid houseplant fertiliser is recommended on a monthly basis during the growing season, and an occasional misting will improve humidity, which is beneficial.
