Solanum ascasabii Plant Care
Solanum ascasabii Hawkes
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique velvety purple leaves, Solanum ascasabii is a rare plant native to the highlands of Bolivia. Plant collectors are drawn to its striking color and unusual texture, making it a coveted addition to any collection of exotic foliage.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Solanum ascasabii?
Plant Solanum ascasabii in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Solanum ascasabii Native To?
What Is the Solanum ascasabii?
Solanum ascasabii (Solanum ascasabii) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solanum genus. Solanum ascasabii is native to the Americas that is consumed as a staple food in many parts of the world.
Solanum ascasabii displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Solanum ascasabii produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Solanum ascasabii?
Water a young or newly planted Solanum ascasabii every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Solanum ascasabii Need?
Solanum ascasabii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Solanum ascasabii Prefer?
Solanum ascasabii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Solanum ascasabii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Solanum ascasabii?
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Solanum ascasabii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Solanum ascasabii?
Feed Solanum ascasabii every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Solanum ascasabii?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Solanum ascasabii is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Solanum ascasabii?
Solanum ascasabii can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Solanum ascasabii?
Prune Solanum ascasabii while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Solanum ascasabii in Winter?
Solanum ascasabii is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Solanum ascasabii?
Solanum ascasabii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to trailing nightshade plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Solanum ascasabii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Solanum ascasabii?
Solanum ascasabii 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 Solanum ascasabii Need?
Solanum ascasabii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Solanum ascasabii is native to the Americas that is consumed as a staple food in many parts of the world. In cooler regions, grow Solanum ascasabii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Solanum ascasabii 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 Solanum genus — compare its care with other Solanum species on PlantoScan.
Solanum is part of the Solanaceae plant family — browse all Solanaceae genera and species.
Solanum ascasabii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Solanum Species
Other Solanum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Solanum ascasabii Hawkes, family Solanaceae (first published in Potato Collect. Exped. Mexico & S. Amer., 2, Syst. Classific, Collect. 69, 130. 1944.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Solanum ascasabii is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
