Water
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially in winter. Ensure good drainage.
Also known as Goat Bitter-Apple · Poison-Apple · Soda-Apple Nightshade
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Solanum aculeastrum, the Sodaapple Nightshade, is a spiny shrub from South Africa, recognized for its medicinal uses and toxic berries.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
100% intensity
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter.
100% intensity
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Well-draining, loamy soil. Tolerates a range of soil types but dislikes waterlogged conditions.
50% intensity
Ideal growing temperature is between 18-25 °C. Protect from frost.
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Outdoor
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
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Reduce feeding in autumn and winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the berries, containing solanine and other alkaloids. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, and in large quantities, can be fatal.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially in winter. Ensure good drainage.
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged branches, and control size. Wear gloves due to spines.
Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Seeds may require stratification.
Repot young plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sodaapple Nightshade (Solanum aculeastrum)
Where Sodaapple Nightshade (Solanum aculeastrum) 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 aculeastrum |
Similar in genus Solanum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
