Photo: Steve MatsonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
King's Bladderpod Plant Care
Physaria kingii (S.Watson) O'Kane & Al-Shehbaz
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Physaria kingii is known for its unique silver-gray leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a velvety appearance. Originating from the rocky slopes of the southwestern United States, this plant is highly sought after by collectors for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in arid conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–50%
At a glance
How do you care for King's Bladderpod?
Water King's Bladderpod every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 30–50% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the King's Bladderpod Native To?
What Is the King's Bladderpod?
King's Bladderpod (Physaria kingii) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Physaria genus. King's Bladderpod is native to western North America from Utah to Baja California.
King's Bladderpod displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. King's Bladderpod produces small yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a King's Bladderpod?
Physaria kingii requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the King's Bladderpod Need?
King's Bladderpod thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the King's Bladderpod Prefer?
Physaria kingii grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. King's Bladderpod prefers humidity levels of 30–50%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–50%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a King's Bladderpod?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for King's Bladderpod to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a King's Bladderpod?
Feed King's Bladderpod every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a King's Bladderpod?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a King's Bladderpod?
King's Bladderpod can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to twinpod plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the King's Bladderpod Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list King's Bladderpod, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the King's Bladderpod?
King's Bladderpod is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the King's Bladderpod Need?
King's Bladderpod grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. King's Bladderpod is native to western North America from Utah to Baja California.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
King's Bladderpod is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Physaria genus — compare its care with other Physaria species on PlantoScan.
Physaria is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
King's Bladderpod thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Physaria Species
Other Physaria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Physaria kingii (S.Watson) O'Kane & Al-Shehbaz, family Brassicaceae (first published in Novon 12(3): 324. 2002) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list King's Bladderpod, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Steve Matson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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