Solanum melissarum Plant Care

Solanum melissarum (Solanum melissarum) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solanum genus. Solanum melissarum is native to Brazil.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Solanum melissarum 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.

Solanum melissarum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Solanum melissarum 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.

Solanum melissarum 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.

Solanum melissarum 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 Solanum melissarum 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.

Solanum melissarum 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.

Solanum melissarum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to trailing nightshade plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Solanum melissarum 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.

Solanum melissarum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Solanum melissarum is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Solanum melissarum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.