Solanum Pyracanthum

Solanum Pyracanthum Care

Solanum Pyracanthos

What is the plant

A bizarre herbaceous shrub rarely more than 1.5 m tall with grayish, deeply lobed leaves. The branches and leaf midribs are fiercely armed with orange spines and all parts of the plant are more or less densely furry. The flowers are purple with yellow stamens and are followed by yellow fruits. All parts including the fruits are toxic to humans. Solanum pyracanthos is native to southern Madagascar where it grows in dry, often disturbed habitats. It makes a fascinating ornamental and is easy to grow but should perhaps be avoided in climates where it can escape and become a nuisance.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

min 9b

Difficulty

Hard

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water potted plants until the water runs from the holes in the bottom of the pot. Don’t water again until the soil is dry at a depth of about two inches.
Fertilizer
Fertilize plants grown in the ground with a slow-released fertilizer or a 2-inch layer of compost in spring. Use a liquid fertilizer designed for flowering houseplants throughout spring and summer for plants grown in containers. Follow the package directions.
Sunlight
Porcupine tomato needs a location with full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by working in lots of compost before planting.
Temperature
Growing a porcupine tomato is easy, but it is a tropical plant and needs the warm temperatures found in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
Container
They look great in decorative ceramic pots and urns. The container should hold at least 5 gallons of potting soil, and the soil should have a high organic content.