Image: AI generated
Trailing Nightshade Plant Care
Solanum laxum Spreng.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves that cascade down in a vine-like manner. Originating from Brazil, Solanum laxum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings. Its vigorous growth and striking appearance make it a beautiful addition to any plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
55–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Trailing Nightshade?
Water Trailing Nightshade every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 55–75°F (13–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 7 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Trailing Nightshade Native To?
What Is the Trailing Nightshade?
Trailing Nightshade (Solanum laxum) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solanum genus. Trailing Nightshade is native to South America. Trailing Nightshade is also known as Blue Potato Bush, Blue Potato Vine, Potato vine.
Trailing Nightshade displays a climbing, sprawling growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Trailing Nightshade produces small, star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Trailing Nightshade?
Solanum laxum requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Trailing Nightshade Need?
Trailing Nightshade thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Trailing Nightshade Prefer?
Solanum laxum grows best at temperatures of 55–75°F. Trailing Nightshade prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
55–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Trailing Nightshade?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Trailing Nightshade to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Trailing Nightshade?
Feed Trailing Nightshade every 7 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 7 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 Trailing Nightshade?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. 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 Trailing Nightshade?
Trailing Nightshade can be propagated through stem cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tomato plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Trailing Nightshade 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 Trailing Nightshade?
Trailing 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Trailing Nightshade Need?
Trailing Nightshade grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Trailing Nightshade is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Trailing Nightshade as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Trailing Nightshade 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.
Trailing Nightshade 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 laxum Spreng., family Solanaceae (first published in Syst. Veg., ed. 16 [Sprengel] 1: 682. 1824.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Trailing Nightshade 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.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Trailing Nightshade Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species