Nicandra physalodes aka Apple Of Peru

Taxonomy

Genus Nicandra Family Solanaceae Order Solanales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Nicandra physalodes, also known as apple-of-Peru and shoo-fly plant, is an annual summer-blooming plant from western South America. It belongs to the subfamily Solanoideae of the nightshade family and grows up to 1 meter tall with spreading branches and ovate, mid-green, toothed and waved leaves. The plant is known to be introduced and a ruderal species in tropical, subtropical and temperate areas all over the world, sometimes as a weed. However, it has also been cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and curious fruits, which are sometimes dried for use in floral design. The flowers are bell-shaped and 5 centimeters or more across, pale violet with white throats, and only open for a few hours in the day. The flower becomes lantern-like towards the end of its blooming period. The inflated calyces somewhat resemble those of certain Physalis spp., although in Nicandra, the fruiting calyx is deeply lobed and not a single, undivided, bladder-like structure. The plant is thought to have insect repellent properties, particularly in relation to whitefly. However, it is important to note that it might be poisonous. The seeds have a relatively thick testa (seed coat) and exhibit strong dormancy, which may be broken by a combination of warm and cold stratification, involving temperature fluctuation between 15 and 25 °C. If one wants to get rid of the shoo-fly plant, it is an annual plant and can easily be pulled by hand or hoed up.

Common names

Apple Of Peru, Broadleaf Nightshade

How to care for Apple Of Peru

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Apple Of Peru, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Apple Of Peru should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Apple Of Peru loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Apple Of Peru prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Apple Of Peru is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Apple Of Peru should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Apple Of Peru as it grows vertically.

More info:
Wikipedia