Nightshade

Family Solanaceae. Native to South America. There are more than 1500 species in this genus in the wild. In spring they bloom with inconspicuous flowers, and by winter they become covered with orange-red fruits that delight the eye no less than a New Year's tree. In general, nightshade is an undemanding houseplant if it is provided with a cool winter rest.

Solanum pseudocapsicum - an evergreen shrub up to 1.5 m tall; the leaves are on short petioles, lance-shaped, slightly wavy, up to 10 cm long. The flowers are small, white, solitary or in racemose inflorescences. The fruits are spherical, red or yellow, about 1.5-2 cm in diameter.

Humidity: Needs regular misting, but it is best to place the pot on a tray with wet gravel or expanded clay. If the indoor air is too dry, the plant may be attacked by the red spider mite.

Repotting: Repot nightshade annually in February. Soil: 2 parts clayey turf soil, 2 parts humus soil, 1 part leaf mould and 1 part sand. Good drainage is essential.

Propagation: By stem cuttings in March–April, and also by seeds.