Chinese lantern plants are hardy herbaceous perennials that offer some fall interest (with their colorful "lanterns") and can be grown equally well in the ground and in containers. Their signature lanterns are seed pods that start out green and mature to a bright pumpkin-orange at the end of the growing season in early fall. This autumnal color makes them valued for fall decorations. Chinese lantern is not difficult to grow; in fact, it can grow aggressively and spread quickly via underground rhizomes and by reseeding (if you do not harvest all of the pods). For this reason, it is considered invasive in some areas.
When young, chinese lanterns require regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. once mature, they are somewhat tolerant of drought, though flower and pod production are better with a consistent level of soil moisture.
Needs a lot of sunlight, but it has to be protected from the strongest rays of the sun. In a south-facing window, blinds should be shading it form direct light. An east facing window, where the sun disappears after about 10 AM, is a good choice as is a west facing window where the plant will receive afternoon sun.
This plant can stand cooler temperatures, but avoid exposure to frost. It does not have any humidity requirements. The seeds will germinate when temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here’s a handy guideline: increase pot size by 2.5-5 cm (1 to 2 inches) in diameter for plants that are growing in pots 25.4 cm (10 inches) in diameter or less. For larger plants, those growing in pots greater than 10 inches in diameter, increase the pot size by 5 or 7.62 cm (2 or 3 inches) in diameter.
Both the unripe berries and leaves of Chinese lantern plants are poisonous to humans and animals. Children who eat unripe berries can experience gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Cattle and horses that eat the plants can suffer from diarrhea, bloat, and colic, as well as more severe potential symptoms, including slowed heart rate, coma, and death.
