Thomas's nightshade Plant Care

Thomas's nightshade (Solanum nelsonii var. thomasiifolium) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solanum genus. Thomas's nightshade is native to the Pacific Islands. Thomas's nightshade is also known as Nelson's nightshade.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Thomas's 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.

Thomas's nightshade thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Solanum nelsonii var. thomasiifolium tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Thomas's nightshade prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Thomas's 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.

Thomas's nightshade is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Thomas's 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 Thomas's 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.

Thomas's nightshade is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Thomas's nightshade 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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Thomas's 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.

Thomas's nightshade grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Thomas's nightshade is native to the Pacific Islands. In cooler regions, grow Thomas's nightshade as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.