Dwarf Nightshade Plant Care

Dwarf Nightshade (Solanum humile) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solanum genus. Dwarf Nightshade is native to Europe, western Asia, northern Africa.

Dwarf Nightshade displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dwarf Nightshade produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dwarf Nightshade 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.

Dwarf Nightshade thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Solanum humile tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Dwarf Nightshade prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf Nightshade to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dwarf Nightshade 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Dwarf Nightshade 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.

Dwarf Nightshade 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.

Prune Dwarf Nightshade 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.

Dwarf Nightshade 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.

Dwarf Nightshade can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to eggplant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Dwarf Nightshade 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.

Dwarf Nightshade grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Dwarf Nightshade is native to Europe, western Asia, northern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf Nightshade as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.