
Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Solanum zelenetzkii Plant Care
Solanum zelenetzkii Pojark.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant features striking deeply lobed leaves with silvery-gray undersides. Originating from the high deserts of Bolivia, Solanum zelenetzkii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in dry conditions. Its rare beauty and resilience make it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Solanum zelenetzkii?
Plant Solanum zelenetzkii in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Solanum zelenetzkii Native To?
- Albania
- Algeria
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Palestine
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- The Netherlands
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- UAE
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Yemen
What Is the Solanum zelenetzkii?
Solanum zelenetzkii (Solanum zelenetzkii) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solanum genus. Solanum zelenetzkii is native to Europe, western Asia, northern Africa.
Solanum zelenetzkii displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Solanum zelenetzkii produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Solanum zelenetzkii?
Water a young or newly planted Solanum zelenetzkii 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Solanum zelenetzkii Need?
Solanum zelenetzkii thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Solanum zelenetzkii Prefer?
Solanum zelenetzkii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Solanum zelenetzkii prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Solanum zelenetzkii?
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Solanum zelenetzkii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Solanum zelenetzkii?
Feed Solanum zelenetzkii 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.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Solanum zelenetzkii?
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 zelenetzkii 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Solanum zelenetzkii?
Solanum zelenetzkii 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.
How Do You Prune a Solanum zelenetzkii?
Prune Solanum zelenetzkii 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.
How Do You Care for a Solanum zelenetzkii in Winter?
Solanum zelenetzkii 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.
How Do You Propagate a Solanum zelenetzkii?
Solanum zelenetzkii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to trailing nightshade plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Solanum zelenetzkii 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 Solanum zelenetzkii?
Solanum zelenetzkii 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 Solanum zelenetzkii Need?
Solanum zelenetzkii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Solanum zelenetzkii is native to Europe, western Asia, northern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Solanum zelenetzkii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Solanum zelenetzkii 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.
Solanum zelenetzkii 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 zelenetzkii Pojark., family Solanaceae (first published in Bot. Mater. Gerb. Inst. Komorova Akad. Nauk S.S.S.R. 17: 336. 1955.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Solanum zelenetzkii 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: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
