Are you also enthusiastic about its purple flowers? Nevertheless, keep your hands off it if the time available for care is tight. Because the potato bush or blue nightshade not only has many names, but also a lot of wishes!

The gentian bush needs a lot of nutrients

Casting - a demanding job!

A gentian tree will challenge you in every respect when caring for it. First of all, we should start with the watering, because that is a science in itself with this shrub. You have to pay attention to the temperature, watering interval, water quantity and water quality. Here are the details:

  • water only with lime-free water
  • e.g. B. with rainwater or filtered tap water
  • Water must be at room temperature
  • The root area must be kept constantly moist
  • dryness and wetness are to be avoided
  • pour with small portions, but more often
  • Water as required and depending on the weather
  • plentiful in summer, little in winter
  • Water potted plants more often than outdoor plants

Fertilize till you drop

The nutrient requirements of this plant are among the highest in the cultivated plant kingdom. In return, it reaches heights of 2 m and flowers profusely. Fertilization is only omitted in winter, since plant growth is at a standstill.

  • fertilize from spring to autumn
  • also fertilize fresh substrate regularly
  • Use complete fertilizer for flowering plants
  • fertilize at least once a week
  • better twice a week

tips

The gentian bush indicates an existing nutrient deficiency by dropping leaves in the lower area. Fertilize immediately with a less diluted fertilizer solution.

Cutting for shape and bloom

Pruning is an important care point so that Solanum rantonnetii keeps its dense shape and also produces many flowers. Pruning must be regular and restrained:

  • cut sparingly in spring
  • we take away as little length as possible
  • make small corrections throughout the growing season

Overwinter gentian bush

Solanum rantonnetii is not hardy. Even low plus degrees can harm. That's why you have to overwinter this South American shrub indoors as soon as the outside temperature falls below 7 °C:

  • Dig up outdoor specimens and place in pots
  • cut back a bit if necessary
  • winter frost-free, ideally above 7 °C
  • water only a little
  • Room should be light

In a dark place, the shrub will lose its leaves and will have to sprout again in spring. As a result, the beginning of flowering is delayed. Hibernation ends when the temperature permits. That may not be the case until mid-May.

Category:

Herbs