Solanum, how to care for the plant, propagation by seeds and cuttings

Decorating the interior with greenery is a fun and enjoyable activity. Nowadays, more and more people prefer to house exotic species. Solanum, a tropical member of the nightshade family, has gained popularity. It came to our latitudes from Brazil and the island of Madeira. What is it, how to care for it and reproduce it?

Content:

1. What is remarkable about Solanum, description
2. We create optimal conditions for growing
3. Is a transplant necessary after purchase?
4. Features of care in summer and winter
5. Pruning rules
6. What difficulties do flower growers face?
7. Propagation of solanum by cuttings and seeds

What is remarkable, description

Solanum is one of the largest representatives of the genus Solanaceae. His appearance is attractive, extraordinary and bright. It is a lush green bush with thin branches. The oval alternate leaves are arranged very densely.

Evergreen root system perennial superficial. The height of the bush ranges from 40 to 70 cm, rarely up to 120 cm. Dwarf varieties, which are convenient to keep in small spaces, are in great demand. These do not grow to more than 30 cm. The most common varieties are solanum jasmine, false pepper and pepper-shaped.

The houseplant blooms in early summer or late spring. Umbrella or paniculate inflorescences appear on the solanum. Small flowers can be pink, white and blue.A pleasant, unobtrusive aroma emanates from the inflorescences. After flowering there is a short period of rest and only then the ovaries form.

Solanum, whose fruits are a real decoration, looks very colorful. The plant bears round berries in yellow, orange, red or almost black tones. The diameter of each is about 5 cm.

The fruits have one peculiarity - virulence. This applies to all varieties and varieties. Therefore, be careful and place the pot out of the reach of children and animals.

We create optimal conditions for growing

In order for the plant to grow and develop safely, it is necessary to provide optimal conditions. There are several important aspects to pay attention to.

Light

Solanum is a light-loving flower. The ideal place for it in the house is a south or south-east window sill. On the server side, flowering is sparse and short-lived. The location of the pot deep in the apartment leads to the fact that the plant drops leaves. In hot weather, it is advisable to protect greens from direct active rays.

Temperature

The flower has periods of growing season and dormancy. In summer, the ideal temperature is 23-25° C. In winter, you need to choose a room with a temperature of 13-15° C.

Humidity

The bush is very demanding and sensitive to air humidity, because it is a native of the tropics. The flower tolerates frequent spraying well. The ideal time for the procedure is early morning and late evening. As a result, gas exchange and breathing improves. Some gardeners place wet sphagnum moss in a pot or near a flowerpot. In dry air, the flower withers and loses berries.

Is a transplant necessary after purchase?

Periodically, the plant needs to change the pot and update the soil.Regarding the solanum flower, replanting after purchase is not always necessary.

If the owner sees that the plant is developing normally and bearing fruit, it is better not to disturb him.

Over time, the container becomes too tight for the overgrown roots. The next pot is chosen with a diameter a couple of cm larger. Planned transplantation is best done in early spring after trimmings. Experts recommend shortening the flower before replanting.

Pre-prepare fresh soil. To do this, mix two parts of clay and humus, one part of clay and sand. Transplantation is carried out carefully, trying not to damage the rhizome. Then provide abundant watering.

Some owners prefer to plant the flower in open ground for the summer. In the fall, the plant must be returned indoors.

Features of care in summer and winter

Solanum is characterized by a pronounced period of winter dormancy. Therefore, care in summer and winter is different.

What to do in spring and summer

Spring is the best time for trimmings and transplants.

During this period, the plant needs intensive watering. The higher the temperature, the more often you should add water. Make sure there is no waterlogging in the flowerpot.

On warm days, move the pot out into the fresh air if possible. This will ensure abundant flowering.

Feeding is carried out once every 1-2 weeks. Liquid mineral fertilizer complexes are suitable.

If it is hot and the air is dry, spraying is carried out daily. A container of water is placed next to the pot.

What to do in autumn and winter

In autumn, gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of watering fertilizing. Before the cold weather sets in, take the flowerpot out onto the terrace at least once a week.

In winter, fertilizing is applied once a month. The temperature should not be lower than +5° C.Cold has a bad effect on the flower.

For winter, choose a cool room with plenty of light and high humidity (60%).

Pruning rules

Pruning will ensure flowering and a neat appearance of the bush. The procedure must be done every year, or even twice. If you plan to replant in the spring, the plant should be trimmed first.

Spring is the ideal time for formative pruning. After all, the crown grows quickly and looks untidy over time. Most often, the bush is given a spherical shape. Bright fruits look very attractive on such a flower. The shoots are shortened by a third.

If you would like to receive standard tree, use the following recommendation. Several young plants are planted in a pot. Next, the lower shoots are trimmed so that the trunk below is exposed. The lower parts of the flower are carefully twisted. The crown is given the desired shape or left to grow arbitrarily. Solanum formed in this way looks very beautiful.

What difficulties do flower growers face?

In the process of growing a plant, the owner sometimes faces some difficulties.

Lack of fruits

If your flower does not produce fruit, pollination most likely did not occur. Next time, do it yourself using a soft brush. Or shake the plant several times.

Leaves fall or fruits fall prematurely

Perhaps the solanum lacks moisture. This often happens in extreme heat or when batteries are running. Ensure the level is at least 60%. The problem can also be caused by a lack of light.

The appearance of pests

The plant is capable of infecting standard plant parasites - aphid, spider mite, whitefly.Examine the flower carefully. If pests are detected, immediately treat with appropriate insecticides.

Propagation by cuttings and seeds

If you have solanum, propagation can be done in two ways - seeds and cuttings.

Sowing seeds

If sowing some plants is a rather complex and lengthy undertaking, then, as a rule, there are no problems with solanum. Most gardeners prefer this method.

Seeds are planted in the soil in the spring. They prefer well-drained soil, which is thoroughly moistened beforehand. After planting, the container is covered with film. The temperature is maintained at 20-22° C. After the sprouts appear, the solanums are planted in separate pots.

Planting cuttings

A cutting with several leaves is cut from the plant and placed in water. After the roots have formed, the young flower is ready to be planted in the soil. Planted and freshly cut cuttings. In this case, water them frequently and generously.

A bright, lush solanum bush will decorate any home. Anyone who places a flower in their home will receive a lot of pleasure. However, for him to feel good and develop, he will have to make some efforts. Pay attention to room humidity, temperature and lighting. Otherwise, caring for the flower will not take much time.

Let's watch a video on how to care for the solanum plant: