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General information about solanum capsicastrum
Belonging to the nightshade family, Solanum capsicastrum is a plant native to Latin America, particularly Brazil: there are many varieties, most of which are grown for ornamental purposes. It has a mainly bushy habit, with a woody and flexible stem and capable of reaching heights of up to one and a half meters. It has elongated, lanceolate leaves of a particularly dense green, which ramify the thin branches in a very orderly fashion. the flowers of the capsicastrum solanum They grow with the onset of summer, they have small dimensions and a star-shaped white color. In early winter, these flowers develop succulent berries that change color from green to red as they ripen.
capsicastrum solanum – Leaves of Solanum capsicastrum»>Cultivation techniques and exposure of Solanum capsicastrum
Solanum capsicastrum is a particularly easy plant to grow, able to withstand even very hot climates, suitable even for the most inexperienced gardeners. During the summer, the optimum temperature for cultivation is around 20-22 ° C: in case of excessive overshoot, it is recommended to store outdoors, in partial shade conditions. During the coldest months of the year, however, the temperature should never drop below 4-6°C, otherwise the Solanum capsicastrum will suffer serious damage to the foliage and stems. For it to develop properly, it must be stored in well-ventilated places, avoiding however that it is affected by cold drafts. To promote berry color, direct exposure to sunlight is recommended.
Fertilization by soil type and solanum capsicastrum
The ease with which solanum capsicastrum can be grown also depends on the fact that it does not need a particular type of soil. In any case, a more than excellent growing medium can be obtained by mixing peat, coarse sand and normal nightshade soil. The main characteristic of the substrate is represented by its great drainage capacity, essential to avoid the formation of dangerous puddles of water, which would damage the plant until it rots. Both in the coldest and warmest months, fertilization should be done every two weeks, taking care to dilute the liquid fertilizer in the irrigation water. The latter will be particularly rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Solanum capsicastrum is a plant that needs abundant watering throughout the period between spring and summer: in this way the soil will always be moist, but it is important not to overdo it, because the stagnation of water will damage the plant. During the coldest months, this abundant watering should be maintained until the berries ripen: from then on, however, the amount of watering will be reduced, so that the soil does not become too dry. Solanum capsicastrum should be pruned at the end of the first year, reducing the total height by 1/3. In case a bushy habit is desired, the vegetative apices of the newly formed shoots should be cut off, when they have reached