Are you also impressed by its purple flowers? However, stay away from it if the time available for care is limited. Because the potato bush or blue nightshade not only has many names, but also a lot of wishes!
How do you properly care for the Solanum Rantonnetii?
Caring for Solanum Rantonnetii requires special attention when watering, fertilizing and cutting. Use low-lime water at room temperature, fertilize at least once a week with complete fertilizer for flowering plants and prune the plant regularly to ensure optimal shape and flower formation.
Watering – a demanding activity
A gentian tree will challenge you in every way when it comes to caring for it. We should start with watering first, because that is a science in itself with this shrub. You have to pay attention to the temperature, watering interval, water quantity and water quality. Here are the details:
- water only with low-lime water
- z. B. with rainwater or filtered tap water
- Water must be at room temperature
- Root area must be kept moist at all times
- dryness and wetness should be avoided
- water in small portions, but more often
- water as needed and depending on the weather
- A lot in summer, only a little in winter
- Water potted plants more often than outdoor plants
Fertilize until you drop
The nutrient requirements of this plant are among the highest in the cultivated plant kingdom. It reaches heights of 2 m and blooms profusely. Fertilizing is only not necessary in winter because plant growth is dormant.
- fertilize from spring to autumn
- also fertilize fresh substrate regularly
- Use complete fertilizer for flowering plants
- fertilize with it at least once a week
- better twice a week
Tip
The gentian bush indicates an existing nutrient deficiency by dropping leaves in the lower area. Fertilize immediately with a less diluted fertilizer solution.
Cutting for shape and flowering
Pruning is an important care point so that Solanum rantonnetii retains its dense shape and also produces many flowers. The cut must be regular and conservative:
- cut cautiously in spring
- take away as little length as possible
- make small corrections throughout the growing season
Overwintering the gentian bush
Solanum rantonnetii is not hardy. Even low temperatures can be harmful. That's why you have to overwinter this South American shrub indoors as soon as the outside temperature falls below 7 °C:
- Dig up outdoor specimens and put them in pots
- cut back a little if necessary
- overwinter frost-free, ideally above 7 °C
- water only a little
- Room should be bright
In a dark place, the bush will lose its leaves and will have to sprout again in spring. As a result, the start of flowering is delayed. Wintering ends when the temperature permits. That may not be the case until mid-May.
