by Angie Pollock

Created on: December 22, 2008

The Solanum plant genus contains over 1,500 varieties of flowering plants. Some of these plants are perennials and some are annuals and many are edible while others can be toxic. There are two ornamental Solanum varieties that are popular as houseplants. Solanum capsicastrum or commonly known as the Winter Cherry, bear tiny summer flowers. These flowers are followed by green autumn berries until winter when the berries color turn to shades of orange and red.

The Winter Cherry is a small plant with a shrub-type appearance. This unique plant is a close relative of the Jerusalem Cherry or Solanum pseudocapsicum with the Jerusalem Cherry producing larger berries than the Winter Cherry. However, the Jerusalem Cherry is a smaller plant than the Winter Cherry. Both varieties can be commonly found during the holiday season when they are more popular as ornamental plants.

These two Solanum varieties prefer cool temperatures that average 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunlight is needed with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily but kept away from cold draughts in the winter months. The soil should be kept moist but never allow the plant to stay in standing water. Reduce water during the winter months.

During the warm spring and summer months, the plant can be kept outdoors but should be brought back in when temperatures begin to drop. The plant will need pruned back to half the stem's length in late winter. This will allow for new growth as well as remove dead stems and leaves.

Leaves that begin to fall off the plant too early can be sign that your Solanum is being overwatered while berries that drop too early may indicate that the plant is not getting enough sunlight or the air is too dry. The leaves of the Solanum should be misted frequently.

There are other varieties of plants in the Solanum genus that are edible which include potatoes, tomatoes, capsicums, and eggplants. While many of the fruits that these plants bear are edible, the plants can be toxic to both humans and animals. These plants are usually considered plants for the vegetable garden but can be grown as houseplants with the same care as the Winter and Jerusalem Cherry plants. Nightshade, Jimson weed and the Paradise Flower are also species found in the Solanum family.

The berries of these plants can resemble cherry-size tomatoes and are considered poisonous. The plants should be kept out of reach of children and pets, inform guests to your home to not eat the cherries as they may mistake it for a cherry tomato plant. Because of the beautiful array of berries that the plant produces in the winter months, these different varieties of Solanum can add vibrant color to any home decor.

References:

THE HOUSE PLANT EXPERT by Dr. D.G. Hessayon, copyright 1994

http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/solanum.cfm

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/552855/Sol anum

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