Australian chestnut

Australian chestnut Castanospermum australe

What is the plant

Castanospermum australe is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to the east coast of Australia in Queensland and New South Wales, and to the Pacific islands of Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and the island of New Britain.

Castanospermum australe is closely related to the Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) but not to the Chestnuts. The native to Australia tree belongs to the bean family (Fabaceae). In its natural habitat it reaches a height of 40 metres. The about 3-4 cm or longer poisonous seeds of the commonly known as Moreton Bay Chestnut or Australian Chestnut plant look similar to chestnuts – at least at first sight. It is the only species in the genus Castanospermum.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

18°C - 18°C

Hardiness zone

9b - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Water
As a general guide, water your Australian chestnut once a week. Wait until the top of the soil has dried out and then give him a good drink. Always remove your plant from the outer pot when you water, and do not put return it to the ceramic pot until it's stopped dripping. This should save you from overwatering.
Sunlight
Make sure that your Australian chestnut is in a room with a good amount of light. Too much direct sunlight could lead to discolouration, but this is unlikely to be a problem unless you place him in a real suntrap.
Fertilizer
In the first year after purchase or repotting the plant does not have to be fertilized. Afterwards liquid plant food may be added monthly from spring to summer. Instead granular fertilizer or spikes can be given in the beginning and the middle of the growing season.

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Soil
A regular mix for container plants, pure or blended with sand such as an organic cacti soil will work.
Temperature
Average warmth throughout the year is welcome. A minimum of 10-15°C/50-59°F with reduced watering will be tolerated.
Container
Growing inside use a ceramic pot with drainage holes and a saucer.