Water
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn and winter, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Also known as Bittersweet · Chilean Nightshade · Chilean Potato Vine
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Solanum crispum, the Chilean Nightshade, is a vigorous, scrambling shrub or climber native to Chile, featuring starry, white to pale violet flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering, but tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season, reduce in winter.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures but protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring/summer).
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn and winter, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This encourages bushier growth and a more attractive form.
Pinch back new shoots to promote branching and a fuller plant.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or from seed sown in spring. Cuttings root readily in moist, well-draining potting mix. Seed germination may be erratic, so sow fresh seeds for best results.
Repot young plants annually in spring into slightly larger containers. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Chilean Nightshade Chilean (Solanum crispum)
Where Chilean Nightshade Chilean (Solanum crispum) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum crispum |
Similar in genus Solanum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
