Belladonna is one of the most toxic plants in the world. Because of the poisonous berries, leaves, and roots, Belladonna has received many nicknames - from Deadly Nightshade to Beautiful Death. However, Belladonna was and is actively cultivated in medicine for its anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Belladonna Care
Atropa belladonna
What is the plant
Belladonna is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows in a wide variety of climates from Europe to Western Asia. You can stumble upon Belladonna in the woods and areas like roadsides and waste dumps. Leaves, roots, and plants of this plant contain tropane alkaloids that cause hallucinations and delirium in small doses and death in large doses.
Belladonna plants can grow up to 3ft (1 meter) tall.
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Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Full Sun
Temperature
20°C - 25°C
Hardiness zone
6 - 9
Difficulty
Medium
Toxicity
Poisonous
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Water it regularly without letting the roots soak in the water. Wait for the soil to dry on the surface before watering again. Belladonna likes moist but not overwatered soil.
Pruning
The plant doesn’t really need pruning. Belladonna does well without any intervention.
Fertilizer
Belladonna isn’t finicky, so you don’t really need to fertilize it. Instead of adding fertilizer, repot it twice a year.
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Sunlight
Belladonna likes the full sun and warmth. Don’t place it in cold rooms or in full shade.
Soil
An average potting mixture with added sand or perlite for drainage will work. Don’t use acidic or gardening soil.
Propagation
It’s easy to grow the deadly nightshade from seeds. If you’re growing it outdoors, just allow the berries to ripen and fall, and you’ll get new plants. If you’re growing it indoors, soak the seeds for 2 weeks in the refrigerator in the cold water that is changed daily. Take them out of the water and plant them immediately. Plant them indoors in potting soil or outdoors in the garden after the last frost. The seeds should germinate in 2 to 4 weeks.
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Temperature
Belladonna prefers a mild and humid climate. The suitable growth temperature is 68 to 78 °F (20-25℃).
Container
There are no specific requirements for a plant container. A plastic, metal, or glazed ceramic pot with good drainage will work.
Fun fact
In the Middle Ages, women put Belladonna juice in their eyes to dilate the pupils and appear more attractive.
What's wrong with your plant?
Additional
Due to its extreme toxicity, it’s very uncommon for a houseplant. However, it is industrially grown for medical purposes.
Popularity
202 people already have this plant 108 people have added this plant to their wishlists
Common pests
Belladonna is resistant to diseases, but there can be some troubles with slugs.
Frequent diseases
There are no reports on diseases specific to Belladonna.
Botanist’s tips
- Do NOT grow Belladonna if you have pets or children. Eating Belladonna berries and leaves can be fatal. Even just touching the plant can cause skin irritation.
- Use protective measures when working with Belladonna.
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