Image: PlantoScan
Shoo Fly Plant Plant Care
Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking purple bell-shaped flowers, Nicandra physalodes is a visually stunning plant originating from South America. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique, papery seed pods that resemble Chinese lanterns, adding a whimsical touch to any garden or collection.
Every 5–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Shoo Fly Plant?
Water Shoo Fly Plant every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Shoo Fly Plant Native To?
What Is the Shoo Fly Plant?
Shoo Fly Plant (Nicandra physalodes) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Nicandra genus. Shoo Fly Plant is native to western South America, including Peru. Shoo Fly Plant is also known as Apple of Peru, Wild Tomato, Hog Apple.
Shoo Fly Plant displays an upright, branching annual growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Shoo Fly Plant produces bell-shaped purple flowers with prominent yellow stamens.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Shoo Fly Plant?
Nicandra physalodes requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Shoo Fly Plant Need?
Shoo Fly Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Shoo Fly Plant Prefer?
Nicandra physalodes grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Shoo Fly Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Shoo Fly Plant?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Shoo Fly Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Shoo Fly Plant?
Feed Shoo Fly Plant every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Shoo Fly Plant?
Not typically grown as a potted plant. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Shoo Fly Plant?
Shoo Fly Plant can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Shoo Fly Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Shoo Fly Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Shoo Fly Plant?
Shoo Fly Plant is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Shoo Fly Plant Need?
Shoo Fly Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Shoo Fly Plant is native to western South America, including Peru.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Shoo Fly Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Nicandra genus — compare its care with other Nicandra species on PlantoScan.
Nicandra is part of the Solanaceae plant family — browse all Solanaceae genera and species.
Shoo Fly Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn., family Solanaceae (first published in Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2(2): 237 (t. 131, fig. 2). 1791 [Apr-May 1791]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Shoo Fly Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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