by johnah on October 30, 2020
What Is Bladderpod?
Bladderpod plants are one of the most popular garden plants. They grow well in almost any climate and soil conditions. They’re easy to care for too since they require little water or fertilizer. You’ll have no problem growing them indoors either, although they do prefer bright light and some indirect sunlight during the day. They can tolerate temperatures down into the low 20’s F (10 C).
The leaves of bladderpod plants are usually green with yellow stripes. The flowers appear in spring and summer. They’re small, white flowers that resemble miniature sunflowers. These flower petals are covered with tiny hairs which gives them their name.
When the petal is touched it releases a sweet smelling liquid that smells like honey or vanilla when inhaled through your nose.
They’re not poisonous but they do contain chemicals called phenols. These chemicals cause skin irritation if ingested, so don’t eat them! Instead, wash your hands after handling them. If you want to use these flowers as tea, steep them in hot water before drinking.
They taste similar to minty lemonade or spearmint tea.
How Do I Grow Bladderpod Plants?
Bladderpod plants are delicious and easy to grow. They’re also deer-resistant, so your bladderpods will be safe from those pesky deer if you plant them in your yard.
When planting, make sure the soil is light and well-draining. They don’t like overly wet soil. While they can survive in full sun, it’s better to plant them in morning sun or partial shade to prevent the leaves from burning.
Containergrown bladderpods can be moved indoors anytime. If too much of the top growth is removed, they will go dormant until the spring and then bloom on new growth. They also grow well in hanging baskets and will thrive with little attention.
How Many Types Of Bladderpod Plants Are There?
There are dozens of different types of bladderpod plants! Some of these plants are annuals while others are perennials. They can be short and bushy like the ‘Nana’ or long and vine-like like the ‘Decora’. Some, like ‘Indian Gold’, grow without soil under natural light.
How Are Bladderpod Plants Classified?
These plants can be classified in several different ways. The easiest way to classify them is by their growth habit. Some are large spreading vines while others form short clusters of leaves. These leaf clusters can be either single or double.
The leaves can also be green or variegated with yellow stripes. The flowers are always tiny and bright white; never yellow, purple, pink or any other color. They’re always scented too. If you want a bladderpod plant but don’t care about the scent, then you can choose the non-scented types like ‘Dwarf Sun’.
What Should I Know Before Planting Bladderpod?
It’s easy to grow these anywhere. They survive in cold Northern climates and also in the heat of Southern climates. They require little care and can thrive even when neglected.
They prefer full sun to partial shade and soil that drains well. They don’t like growing in overly wet or muddy soil. Use a cacti and succulent potting mix to ensure the soil drains well.
These plants are deer-resistant and also do well in pots. They make a great addition to any garden. Although they do best in cooler areas, they can also thrive in warmer areas as long as they are in a partly shaded area.
What Should I Do After My Bladderpod Plant Arrives?
When your bladderpod plant arrives, it will be in a little bit of shock. This is normal due to the changes in temperature and atmosphere. Keep your plant indoors for a day or two before moving it to its final location. This helps the plant get use to its new environment.
After this, you can transplant it to its new home. If you’re planning on displaying it in a garden or outdoors, keep in mind that even though it can survive in colder temperatures, the cold will slow down its growth.
Water your plant when the soil is dry at least an inch deep. If you live in a colder climate, water it less often as bladderpods don’t like wet feet. Don’t add liquid fertilizer as this could damage the roots. Instead, fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer added to the soil.
The leaves of a bladderpod are fairly sticky, so wash your hands after handling it. It is also poisonous and if a dog or cat eats this plant it could prove fatal. Keep pets away from the plant at all times.
If you want to keep your plant longer than a year, then take stem cuttings in the spring or summer. These cuttings will root in soil and can be potted up. In this way, you can ensure you always have these plants in your home or garden.
What If My Bladderpod Plant Gets Sick?
A healthy bladderpod plant is usually pest and disease free. These plants are also durable and can survive in a wide range of conditions. But every plant gets sick at one time or another. If you notice your plant looking sickly or the leaves getting discolored spots, you can try treating it with a ready-made plant fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer for the correct dosage and add it to the soil.
If this doesn’t work, then you’ll need to take more drastic measures. Get a sharp knife and slice off the sickly parts at the point just below where the problem is occurring. If it’s discoloration, then cut off the entire branch. Throw this away and keep the plant isolated and away from your other plants until you’re sure it isn’t contagious.
The plant may need time to heal so keep an eye on it and look for signs of improvement.
Other signs that your plant is sick is if you notice bubbles at the base of the stem or a sour smell. In this case, your plant has been infected by bacteria and you will need to immediately throw it away and get a new one. Bacterial infections are difficult to treat and can even be contagious to humans and other plants.
Common Bladderpod Plant Questions
Are these plants poisonous?
Some parts of the plant are poisonous and can be fatal if ingested by animals and humans. The seeds, roots, leaves, and stems all contain a toxin so keep this in mind if you have pets or small children. If any part of the plant is ingested then contact your health care provider immediately.
Is it hard to grow?
These plants are relatively easy to grow and care for. They prefer warmer temperatures and not too much moisture in the soil. They require some patience as they will not flower all year round like many other plants do. You can expect them to bloom at least six months of the year when grown indoors.
Do I need to prune my plant?
Yes, you will need to prune your plant every now and then. This will remove dead or dying leaves and stems. Also, it will keep the plant bushy and not overgrow its space.
Do I need to repot my plant?
Most plants that are sold in stores are started in small pots so they don’t outgrow their containers immediately. As your plant continues to grow, give it a bigger pot to accommodate the roots or repot them into a bigger pot with fresh soil.
How big will my plant get?
The golden pothos is a fast growing vine and can reach over 15 feet in length when grown outside. They tend to get leggy in smaller pots so be prepared to give them a bigger container or even plant them in the ground. Either way, they will need room to grow.
If you want a smaller plant, then choose the variant without the golden markings on the leaves. This species stays smaller and is great for those that don’t have the space.
Where can I get more information?
There is plenty of information about this plant online and you can even find some great images to identify it. If you need more help or want to see a photo of your specific plant then seek out an expert. A local nursery, park, or university should be able to help you with identification and provide more detailed information.
Can I eat the leaves?
You can eat the leaves but most people choose not to as a precaution. The larger stems and leaves can be prepared and cooked like you would with regular potatoes. The smaller shoots can be eaten raw in salads or on their own. The flowers can also be eaten raw, cooked, or made into a sweet dessert.
Is it poisonous to animals and humans?
Yes, the plant is mildly toxic to humans and most livestock unless processed. The larger stems and leaves can cause diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting if enough is ingested. The smaller shoots are especially toxic so keep pets and children away from them.
Is it fire retardant?
No, the golden pothos plant is not fire retardant. Keep it away from open flames and do not use it as decoration near an open fire.
Is it mold resistant?
No, the plant is not mold resistant so keep it away from humid conditions and excessive moisture. When the leaves get too wet they can develop a grayish black mold on them that can be wiped off.
Where do I go from here?
You have all the information you need about this plant and can choose to put it to use or not. If you do decide to grow this plant then you should find a suitable location and start preparing the soil before your vine arrives.
If you want to learn more about other plants then explore the rest of our site. We have information on many other types of vegetation as well as guides on their care and maintenance. We also have information on other gardening and landscaping tips.
If you have any questions about bladderpod or anything else please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Best of luck with your gardening!
Sources & references used in this article:
Evaluating sampling designs by computer simulation: a case study with the Missouri bladderpod by LW Morrison, DR Smith, CC Young, DW Nichols – Population Ecology, 2008 – Springer
Monitoring Lesquerella filiformis Rollins (Missouri bladderpod): application and evaluation of a grid-based survey approach by CC Young, LW Morrison, MI Kelrick, MD DeBacker – Natural Areas Journal, 2008 – BioOne
Ecological requirements of the Zapata bladderpod Physaria thamnophila, an endangered Tamaulipan thornscrub plant by NL Fowler, CF Best, DM Price, AL Hempel – The Southwestern Naturalist, 2011 – BioOne
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Lesquerella filiformis (Missouri Bladderpod) from Endangered to Threatened. by US Fish and Wildlife Service – … Bladderpod) from Endangered to …, 2003 – cabdirect.org
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Physaria globosa (Short’s bladderpod), Helianthus verticillatus (whorled sunflower) … by US Fish and Wildlife Service – … Physaria globosa (Short’s bladderpod …, 2014 – cabdirect.org
Survival strategies of the endangered Physaria ludoviciana (silvery bladderpod; Brassicaceae) by MCJ Grant – 2009 – thekeep.eiu.edu
White Bladderpod (Lesquerella pallida) Management Procedures by LD McKinney, PDA San Som – 1992 – tpwd.texas.gov
Seed biology of Physaria ludoviciana (silvery bladderpod; Brassicaceae), an endangered species in sand prairies of the Midwest1 by MC Grant, AE Claerbout, JM Coons… – The Journal of the Torrey …, 2012 – BioOne
Species Status Assessment Short’s Bladderpod (Physaria globosa) by Q Long, M Albrecht, G Call – ecos.fws.gov
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