Chilean Potato Tree Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'

Water

The Chilean potato tree should be watered thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant approximately once a week with 1-2 gallons, depending on the size and the weather conditions. During hot spells, it may require more frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out. In winter, reduce watering to every few weeks, just enough to prevent the soil from becoming completely dry. It’s important to use well-draining soil to avoid root rot.

Light

The Chilean potato tree thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Position the plant in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If placed in too much shade, the plant may not bloom as prolifically. A south or west-facing location is ideal for ensuring adequate light and promoting healthy growth and flowering.

Temperature

The Chilean potato tree prefers temperate climates and will do well in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. It can tolerate a short period of cold down to about 20°F, but frost may damage the foliage. Keep it protected from harsh winter conditions, and if grown in a pot, consider moving it indoors or to a sheltered spot when frost is expected.

Pruning

Pruning the Chilean potato tree is essential for maintaining its shape and encouraging more blooms. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back any frost-damaged branches and remove any dead or diseased wood. Prune for size and shape, and to remove any inward-growing branches that could crowd the center of the plant. Pruning can be done annually, but always leave ample time for recovery and new growth before the flowering season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Chilean Potato Tree thrives best in a well-draining soil mix, ideally enriched with compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients. Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. A mixture of two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite is ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.

Repotting

The Chilean Potato Tree does not need frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. Spring is the best time to repot to minimize stress and promote healthy growth during the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

The Chilean Potato Tree prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions. It will do fine in average household humidity, but it is recommended to maintain humidity around 40-50% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Position the Chilean Potato Tree in bright, indirect light and avoid temperature extremes.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot, shelter from strong winds, and mulch to retain moisture.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin', commonly known as Chilean potato vine, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil where they germinate into seedlings. With sufficient light, water, and nutrients, the seedlings grow into young vines, developing a woody framework and vigorous, twining stems. As the plant matures, it produces masses of star-shaped flowers, usually purple-blue with a contrasting yellow center, from late spring to fall. After pollination, which is typically carried out by insects, the flowers develop into small, inedible berry-like fruits. Throughout the growing seasons, this perennial plant exhibits vigorous growth, and can be pruned in late winter to maintain shape and encourage healthy new growth for the following season. The Chilean potato vine may go semi-dormant in colder climates during winter but recovers and resumes growth as temperatures rise in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Chilean Potato Tree, or Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin', is commonly propagated through semi-ripe cuttings during the late summer. To propagate via cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a length of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting should be placed in a well-draining potting mix, and ideally, it is kept under a plastic dome or in a propagator to maintain high humidity. The cutting should be kept out of direct sunlight but in a bright, warm location, and it is important to keep the soil consistently moist without being waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before planting out.