Solanum villosum aka Red Nightshade

Taxonomy

Solanum villosum, also known as the hairy nightshade, red nightshade, or woolly nightshade, is a sprawling annual weed found in Europe, western Asia, northern Africa, North America, and naturalized in Australia. This unarmed, much-branched herb can grow up to 60cm tall and is harvested from the wild for local use as food and medicine. In Africa, the leaves are often sold in local markets and the plant is sometimes cultivated. As a houseplant, the hairy nightshade is super rare and requires regular watering and direct, long-lasting light within 1 foot of a window. It also prefers well-draining soil and may benefit from gentle, organic fertilizer during peak growing season.

Common names

Red Nightshade, Woolly Nightshade, Red Fruit Nightshade

How to care for Red Nightshade

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

Red Nightshade 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

Red Nightshade thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Red Fruit Nightshade.

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Red Nightshade. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Region of origin

Red Nightshade’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia