Solanum polynesicum Plant Care

Solanum polynesicum (Solanum polynesicum) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solanum genus. Solanum polynesicum is native to the Cook Islands, Fiji, Marquesas Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, Samoan Islands, Society Islands, Tokelau and Manihiki, Tonga, Tuamotus, and Tubuai Islands in the South Pacific.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Solanum polynesicum 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 polynesicum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Solanum polynesicum 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 polynesicum is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 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.

Solanum polynesicum 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 polynesicum 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 polynesicum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Solanum polynesicum 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 polynesicum 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 polynesicum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Solanum polynesicum is native to the Cook Islands, Fiji, Marquesas Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, Samoan Islands, Society Islands, Tokelau and Manihiki, Tonga, Tuamotus, and Tubuai Islands in the South Pacific. In cooler regions, grow Solanum polynesicum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.