Coral shrub (Solanum pseudocapsicum): Tips for overwintering and multiplying. We also provide information on the toxicity and flowering of the coral shrub.
During the cold season, when it gets monotonous and uncomfortable outside, the bright fruits of the coral bush (Solanum pseudocapsicum) offer a colorful change from the drab gray outside the front door. The tropical plant is not only a real eye-catcher in the winter months, but also shows itself in the summer with pretty flowers.
Coral shrub: origin and characteristics
The coral shrub arrived in the German-speaking area from tropical Central and South America as early as the 16th century. The dwarf shrub belongs to the nightshade family (Solanum), so it is closely related to tomatoes, chillies and potatoes. However, its German name of coral shrub or coral tree causes some confusion, because the coral tree (Erythrina) is sometimes referred to as a coral shrub. However, both types have nothing to do with each other.
Coral shrubs grow up to a meter high and are evergreen. Their leaves are elongated and very similar to those of chili plants. The fruits, which are about one to two centimeters in size, are a clear identification feature and turn from yellow to red-orange as they ripen.
Is the coral bush poisonous?
Like many nightshade plants, the coral shrub also contains a poisonous alkaloid. The solanocapsin contained in the berries is poisonous and very similar to the solanine that is well known from green potatoes. The fruits of the coral bush are therefore not edible. Consumption can even lead to gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Fortunately, the poison is not life-threatening, but it is extremely unpleasant.
It is better to keep the plant out of the reach of children, because the small red berries look confusingly like cherry tomatoes and could therefore be particularly noticeabletempting curious children.
Coral Shrub: Bloom
Coral bushes bloom in summer, usually from June. The white flowers with the yellow stamens are strongly reminiscent of the flowers of the potato or tomato, with which the coral shrub is also closely related. If you keep your coral shrub indoors all year round, you should shake the plant slightly during flowering to ensure pollination. Because only pollinated flowers can later develop into fruit.
Plant coral bush
The coral shrub is not hardy and does not tolerate frost. For this reason, it cannot be planted out in our country, but it is ideal as a potted plant. During the summer he likes to be outside in the sun, but it is important to bring him in before the first frost.
The best time for planting and repotting is in the spring, after the fruit has fallen. Ordinary garden soil is suitable as a substrate.
Caring for coral bushes
Coral shrubs are usually only kept during the cold season and then disposed of. Coral bushes can be up to ten years old. A perennial cultivation not only pleases the plant, but also makes much more sense in terms of resources. Although young coral bushes are cheap, their production consumes a lot of energy and resources. In addition, the care of the undemanding plant is very easy.
Pruning coral bush
After the plant has lost its fruit, pruning is required. Just prune the plant a little so that it stays nice and compact. However, be careful not to cut too late. Because if you accidentally remove the buds and flowers, no fruit will develop this year.
Fertilize coral bush
Coral shrubs don't need to be over-fertilized. For the sake of the environment, it is better to use predominantly organic fertilizers with a long-term effect, such as our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer. This offers your coral bush an optimal nutrient ratio and, with its high proportion of potassium, ensures optimal fruit development. Just put a little fertilizer in the pot in spring and work it in carefully.
Propagate coral bush
Propagating the coral shrub is very easy. Of course it's the quickestPropagation via cuttings. To do this, use the twigs that fall when you cut back in the spring and remove the leaves from the lower area of the twigs. Now all you have to do is stick the finished cuttings into moist potting soil and then wait. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings will soon take root and develop into coral shrubs in their own right.
Sowing coral bushes is also possible without any problems. You can either sow the seeds fresh or use dried seeds. It is best to sow these between mid-December and the end of February. Fruit will begin to develop in the second or third year.
Winter Coral Shrub
Coral shrubs can be overwintered relatively warm. The plants feel particularly comfortable at temperatures between 12 and 15 °C. The cool temperatures promote the fruit set and the coloring of the fruit. The location should be as bright as possible, because lack of light can lead to leaf fall. If you hibernate in a warm living room, it is possible that aphids (Aphidoidea) will become a problem, since the plants are then weakened by the unfavorable hibernation conditions.
During the winter you should not fertilize your coral shrub and also reduce the watering a little. Nevertheless, water the plant regularly so that the soil does not dry out completely. However, keep in mind that when the temperature is cool, less water evaporates.