Chinese Lantern Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Zwerg'

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Commonly referred to as Chinese lantern, this plant is known for its distinctive, bright orange to red papery husks which encapsulate its fruit, resembling miniature lanterns. The leaves of the plant are heart-shaped and come in a green shade that can vary from light to dark. Flowers that emerge before the lanterns are rather small and inconspicuous with a white to pale yellow coloration. These flowers give way to the lantern pods, which are initially green but mature to their notable orange-red hue as the season progresses. Inside these lanterns are small, fleshy fruits that are berry-like in nature. The stems of Chinese lantern can have an upright or sprawling habit, and they bear a resemblance to other members of its family in the way the leaves are arranged and the overall texture of the plant. The visual appeal of Chinese lantern largely comes from the contrast between the green foliage and the vividly colored lanterns that hang from the branches.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Solanaceae
- Synonyms
  Chinese Lantern, Japanese Lantern, Winter Cherry, Bladder Cherry, Strawberry Groundcherry, Japanese Groundcherry
- Common names
  Physalis franchetii, Physalis franchetii var. franchetii.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Zwerg') is known to contain solanine, which is toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant, especially the unripe fruit, are considered poisonous. Symptoms of solanine poisoning can include gastrointestinal distress like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as dizziness, headache, and in severe cases, respiratory problems, fast heartbeat and even coma. It is crucial to remain cautious and to prevent children from ingesting any parts of the plant due to its potential toxicity.
- To pets
  Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Zwerg') is also toxic to pets, containing solanine which is a concern for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can mirror those in humans and may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and lethargy. Severe poisoning could lead to more significant issues such as respiratory difficulty, changes in heart rate, and in extreme cases, seizures or coma. Pet owners should ensure that their animals do not ingest any part of the Chinese lantern plant to avoid these risks.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: The Chinese lantern plant features attractive orange to red papery husks that add visual interest to gardens.
- Ease of Care: It is relatively low-maintenance, tolerant of a variety of soil types, and does not require frequent watering.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good tolerance for drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry climate gardens.
- Cold Hardy: The plant can withstand cooler temperatures, making it a good choice for temperate climates.
- Attracts Wildlife: The colorful lanterns can attract birds and the plant can provide a food source for some wildlife species.
- Long Blooming Season: It offers a long season of interest, with lanterns that persist into winter, providing garden color throughout multiple seasons.
- Propagation Ease: The plant readily self-seeds and can also be propagated through division, making it easy to increase your stock or share with others.
Medical Properties
- Diuretic: Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Zwerg', commonly known as Chinese lantern, has been traditionally used to promote urine production.
- Anti-inflammatory: It is believed to possess properties that help reduce inflammation.
- Antipyretic: The plant has been used in traditional medicine for its fever-reducing effects.
- Hepatoprotective: There is some evidence to suggest it may offer protection to the liver.
- Antioxidant: Contains compounds that are thought to act as antioxidants, which can help in preventing cellular damage.
Please note that while these uses are part of traditional practices, modern clinical evidence may not be available to support these claims, and it is not advisable to use this plant for medical treatments without consulting a healthcare professional.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Chinese lanterns (the common name for Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Zwerg') are often used in dried flower arrangements as their bright, papery husks retain color for a long time.
- Their unique husks can be turned into miniature lanterns for decorations by placing small LED lights inside them, creating a festive atmosphere.
- The intact husks can be used in crafting activities, such as making wreaths or garlands, by threading them onto string or wire.
- Chinese lantern plants can be incorporated into fall-themed wedding decorations, providing a splash of orange amidst floral displays.
- These plants can be used in photographic still life arrangements, bringing texture and vivid color contrast to the composition.
- The contrast between the bright husks and the bare winter garden can make Chinese lanterns an excellent choice for winter garden interest.
- Some cultures use the empty husks as miniature gift containers, placing small trinkets inside for a unique presentation.
- The delicate nature of the Chinese lantern pods allows artists to use them in mixed media artwork, often symbolizing fragility or encasement.
- They can be used in educational settings, such as biology classes, to demonstrate the structure and development of seed pods in angiosperms.
- Chinese lanterns can be floated in water features or ponds during evening events, creating a whimsical, glowing effect on the water's surface.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Chinese Lantern plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Chinese Lantern plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Protection – The papery husk of Chinese lanterns resembles a protective shield, safeguarding the fruit inside, symbolizing safety and shelter.
- Transformation – As the plant matures, the lanterns change from green to a vibrant orange or red, representing change and the ability to adapt.
- Hidden Beauty – The bright berry hidden inside the husk of Chinese lanterns signifies inner beauty and the value of what is within.
- Harvest and Abundance – Chinese lanterns are often associated with fall and harvest time, making them a symbol of bounty and prosperity.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Early spring

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Chinese Lantern plants prefer well-draining soil which should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once a week with approximately one gallon of water, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Reduce watering frequency in the dormant season to prevent root rot, ensuring that the soil does not completely dry out. Monitor the plant closely for any signs of overwatering, such as yellowing leaves, which would indicate a need to reduce the amount of water provided.
Light
Chinese Lanterns thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. They perform best when receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, in extremely hot climates, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from scorching. An ideal spot is a sunny border with dappled afternoon shade or a location that gets bright, indirect light throughout the day.
Temperature
Chinese Lantern plants are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer moderate conditions. They can survive short periods of colder weather down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle temperatures up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, maintain average temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Ensure that the plant is not subject to frost, which can damage or kill it.
Pruning
Pruning Chinese Lantern plants helps to encourage bushier growth and prevent the spread of disease. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems, and cut back leggy growth to maintain a compact shape. Depending on the growth rate, additional light pruning may be necessary during the summer to keep the plant tidy. Always use clean, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Chinese lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Zwerg') thrives best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A recommended soil mix is one part garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand for improved drainage. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting
Chinese lantern plants should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. They can become quite large and may need repotting more often if they outgrow their containers quickly.
Humidity & Misting
Chinese lantern plants are relatively tolerant of different humidity levels but thrive best in moderate humidity conditions. They do not require extremely high humidity and can adapt to the humidity levels typically found in homes.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Zwerg', commonly known as Chinese lantern or Japanese-lantern, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, germinates in warm soil, typically in spring. The seedling then develops into a herbaceous perennial plant with an upright habit, rapidly growing leaves and stems. During late spring to early summer, the plant bears small, inconspicuous white flowers which are followed by distinctive, bright orange to red papery husks that resemble lanterns, hence the common name. Inside these husks, the true fruits of the plant develop, which are small berries containing seeds. As the growing season ends, usually in fall, the plant begins to die back, with the top growth dying down to the ground while the root system goes dormant. The plant overwinters through its roots, and in the following spring, it sprouts anew from the perennial rootstock, restarting the cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Early spring
- The Chinese lantern plant, known scientifically as Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Zwerg', is typically propagated by seed. The optimal time for sowing the seeds is in early spring after the last frost when the soil is workable and can be easily cultivated. To propagate by seeds, one should sow them thinly in a tray filled with a well-draining soil mix, covering them with a very fine layer of soil or vermiculite since light aids their germination. The tray should be kept moist but not waterlogged and placed in a warm, bright area, but not in direct sunlight. Germination can take anywhere from two to four weeks, and once seedlings have sprouted and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden if the outdoor temperatures have warmed sufficiently.