Origin
Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum is a plant species that is native to South America and Central America. Its range extends from Mexico to Bolivia, and it can be found in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It typically grows in open areas, fields, and disturbed sites.
Common names
Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum is known by several common names, including "Trompillo," "Hierba de la Mortaja," "Hualtaco," and "Berinjela Bravo."
Uses
Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Its fruits are consumed in some regions of South America, and it is said to have a bitter taste. The plant extracts are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, colds, inflammation, and rheumatism.
General appearance
The Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum plant is a sprawling, herbaceous shrub that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It has wiry branches that are covered in short, fine hairs. The leaves are alternate and vary in shape from elliptic to lanceolate, and they are dark green and leathery. The flowers are white and star-shaped, and they are followed by small, round fruits that turn yellow when ripe.
Growth Conditions for Solanum Supinum Dunal var. Supinum
Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum, commonly known as the creeping nightshade, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family and is native to South America. It grows up to 1.5 meters in height and can spread up to 2 meters in width. The plant prefers a warm, temperate climate and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
Light Requirements
The Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum plant requires full sunlight to thrive and grow. It needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, although it can tolerate partial shade in the afternoon when the sun is hottest. Indoor plants must be placed near a bright window that receives sunlight for a good portion of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum plant is adapted to warm climates and requires a consistent temperature range of 18 to 32 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can damage the plant, so it is best grown in climates that are frost-free. The plant can tolerate temperature fluctuations but does not thrive when exposed to extreme variations.
Soil Requirements
The Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum plant grows well in a range of soil types, as long as it is well-draining and has a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal soil for the plant is a loamy, sandy soil that has a high organic matter content. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils but may not grow well in highly saline soils. It requires consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Other Requirements
The Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. The plant can be pruned after the flowering season to keep it in shape and improve its appearance. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that does not require much attention once established.
Cultivation methods
Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum is a hardy plant that can grow in a range of soil types. However, it prefers well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. Sow the seeds in the spring or summer, either outdoors or in containers. The plant requires full sun exposure for at least six hours a day. Keep the soil moist during the first few weeks until the seedlings sprout.
Watering needs
Water the Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum plant regularly, especially during the dry season. The frequency of watering depends on the soil type and weather conditions. Generally, apply water to the soil every two to three days, ensuring that the water penetrates the root zone. Avoid watering from above to prevent fungal diseases on the leaves. If the plant is in a container, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum is a heavy feeder. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. When the plant blooms, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus to promote flower development. Always follow the fertilizer package instructions and avoid over-fertilization as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Prune the Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum plant in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Cut back up to one-third of the plant's size, focusing on the outer branches to promote a compact and bushy plant structure. Remove the spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent seed formation.
Propagation of Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum
Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum is commonly propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest way to propagate Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum. Seeds should be collected from ripe, healthy fruit. The seeds should be cleaned and then planted in a well-draining propagation medium. The seeds should be kept moist and warm until they germinate, which can take 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants during the vegetative stage. The cuttings should be 8-10cm in length and have at least two sets of leaves. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then inserted into a well-draining propagation medium. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until it develops roots. This can take 2-4 weeks. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Division Propagation
Division is another way to propagate Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum. This method is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug up, and the roots should be gently teased apart. Each division should have healthy roots and at least one stem. The divisions can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum
Solanum supinum Dunal var. supinum, commonly known as creeping nightshade, is a hardy plant that is capable of tolerating a range of environmental conditions. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can significantly affect its growth and productivity. Managing these issues is critical to maintaining the health and vigor of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Solanum supinum and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Solanum supinum is leaf blight. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow, wither and eventually fall off. To manage this disease, it is important to remove the affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Additionally, ensure that the plant is not overcrowded, as this can facilitate the spread of the disease. You can also apply a fungicide to the plant to help control the spread of the fungus.
Another common disease that may affect Solanum supinum is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, leaving a white powdery residue on the surface of the affected parts of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant, ensure that the plant is well-watered and fertilized, and prune any affected parts of the plant. You can also spray the plant with a fungicide to help control the spread of the fungus.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Solanum supinum is aphids. These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage these pests, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, which will kill the aphids on contact. Additionally, you can introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which will feed on the aphids and help control their population.
Another common pest that may affect Solanum supinum is spider mites. These tiny arachnids feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and the appearance of small, web-like structures on the undersides of the leaves. To manage these pests, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water, dish soap, and neem oil, which will suffocate and kill the spider mites. Additionally, you can introduce predatory mites, which will feed on the spider mites and help control their population.
By being vigilant and taking the necessary steps to manage diseases and pests that may affect Solanum supinum, you can ensure that your plant remains healthy and productive.
