Free Solanum Capsicastrum Plants

The Solanum has a long and varied season of interest. Tiny, star¬shaped flowers are formed in the summer and last until autumn, when they are followed by green, shiny berries. These ripen to a bright orange in winter, remaining on the plant for several weeks. The berries are poisonous so the plant should be positioned well away from children. To enable the Solanum to produce berries in successive years, it must be placed outside in the summer, where the flowers can be pollinated by insects. Once the berries appear, it can be brought indoors.

Plant type : Flowering and berry-forming plant with bushy habit
Season of interest : Summer, autumn and winter
Size : 15—45cm (6—18in)
Flower : Five-petalled, star-like, 1cm (1/2in), white, followed by berries, green turning to bright orange, shiny, poisonous 1 -2cm (1/2 - 3/4in)
Leaf : Pointed oval, 2.5-5cm (1 —2in), mid green
Temperature : 10 -15°C (50 -59°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation with exposure to sunlight
Humidity : Moderate to high
Watering : Evenly moisten compost throughout year; keep on drier side for about six weeks in spring when semi-dormant
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with flowering plant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Sow seeds in seed and cutting compost at 21 °C (70°F) in spring
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Aphid, whitefly, leaf loss due to over¬watering
Availability : Commonly available from late summer to early winter
Uses indoors : Good windowsill plant for most rooms, including offices; also suitable for seasonal planting in bowls, troughs and planters