Physalis philadelphica aka Tomatillo

Taxonomy

Physalis philadelphica, also known as the tomatillo or Mexican husk tomato, is a plant of the nightshade family that bears small, spherical, green or green-purple fruit. This plant originated in Mexico and was cultivated in the pre-Columbian era, making it a staple of Mexican cuisine. The tomatillo is eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes, particularly salsa verde. While it is a perennial plant, it is generally grown for agriculture each year as if it were an annual. Physalis philadelphica is also known as the Philadelphia Groundcherry, a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and soil that is well-draining. This plant belongs to the Physalis genus and is native to the Southern United States and Central America. Physalis philadelphica is closely related to the ground cherry, with both species having been cultivated in Central and South America for centuries. Ground cherries have cherry-sized fruits that are borne near the ground, while tomatillos are larger-fruited, typically 1-3 inches in diameter, and can grow up to 8 feet or more with a ground-hugging growth habit. The leaves of ground cherries are hairy or fuzzy, while tomatillos have smooth leaves. The Spanish name "tomatillo" is derived from the Indian name "tomatl."

Common names

Tomatillo, Husk Tomato, Tomatillo Ground Cherry

How to care for Tomatillo

Difficulty

Tomatillo presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Tomatillo should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Tomatillo 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 Tomatillo prefers bright diffused 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.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Tomatillo to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Tomatillo has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Tomatillo’s native range is N. America and S. America.

More info:
Wikipedia