Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Physalis alkekengi or Chinese lantern

The genus Physalis, family Solanaceae, includes 90 species of herbaceous plants distributed throughout the American continent (especially Mexico) and Asia. Some species: Physalis alkekengi, Physalis peruviana, Physalis ixocarpa, Physalis philadelphica, Physalis pubescens.

Common names: Chinese lantern, Winter Cherry, Strawberry groundcherry, Japanese-lantern, Bladder cherry or Ground Cherry. This species is native to Asia.

They are perennial herbaceous plants (if the winter is not very cold) with ascending stems that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are velvety in texture, wavy and ovate or sub-reasoned. The small white flowers (they bloom in summer) are not interesting but the showy fruits are wrapped in a red calyx that resembles a lantern.

They are used to create groups in the garden and in pots for terraces and balconies.

Physalis alkekengi prefers semi-shade exposure in very hot summer regions and full sun if the climate is more temperate. Resists cold but not frost.

The soil must be fresh, well drained, and contain abundant organic matter.

Water abundantly during the summer (do not let the substrate dry out) and moderately the rest of the year (wait until the substrate is almost dry).

Prune the stems lightly in autumn.

They are not usually affected by the most common pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in late winter and by division of clumps in spring.

Images of the plant Physalis alkekengi or Chinese lantern