Growing Jerusalem Cherry Plants: How To Care For Solanum Pseudocapsicum

If you are looking for the perfect ornamental indoor plant for the winter and holidays, Solanum pseudocapsicum will suit you well.

Solanum pseudocapsicum, previously known as Solanum capicastrum, is a bushy, perennial evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Solanum and a member of the Solanaceae or the Nightshade family.

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Solanaceae is a family of flowering plants with about 2280 species and 102 genera that ranges from vines, shrubs, trees, epiphytes, annual and perennial herbs, ornamentals, weeds, and many cultivated crops.

This makes Solanum pseudocapsicum closely related to tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, tobaccos, bell peppers, capsicums, and chili peppers. 

The genus name, Solanum, was derived from the Latin word “solamen,” meaning soothing or comforting, and came from the New Latin that means nightshade.

Moreover, the specific epithet “‘pseudocapsicum” refers to the plant species’ similarity to the genus Capsicum (red pepper or chili pepper), also a nightshade family member.

This small, bushy evergreen shrub is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and southern South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay.

It also grows in warm subtropical or tropical areas and disturbed forests and has been introduced in Asia, Australia, and Europe. However, this plant is also considered an invasive species or a weed in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Solanum pseudocapsicum is prized for its clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers, usually white or light purple, with dark green, glossy elliptical to lanceolate leaves.

This plant is also known for providing a pop of color with its oval, berry-like fruits in yellow, red, and orange colors.

Other common names for this plant include:

• Christmas cherry
• Jerusalem Cherry
• False Jerusalem Cherry
• Madeira winter cherry
• Madeira cherry
• Natal Cherry
• Winter cherry

Quick Tips On Solanum Pseudocapsicum

• Family: Solanaceae
• Light: Full sun, bright or moderate light
• Temperature: 60° to 70° degrees Fahrenheit
• Water: Consistently moist; use lukewarm water
• Fertilizer: Liquid houseplant fertilizer every two weeks
• Propagation: Seed or shoot cuttings
• Common Problems: Gray molds, leaf drops, aphids, red spider mites 

Solanum Pseudocapsicum Care

Jerusalem cherries are incredibly easy to grow, making them excellent ornamental plants to decorate your interior during holidays. Here are the steps to consider when growing them at home.

How Big Does Jerusalem Cherry Grow?

Jerusalem Cherries are upright herbaceous plant or small shrubs that typically grows about 1′ to 2′ feet tall but may occasionally reach 3′ feet.

They have a rapid growth rate, reaching maturity in just a year, and can live up to 10 years. 

When Does Jerusalem Cherry Bloom? Are The Flowers Fragrant?

These bushy, evergreen shrubs produce solitary or clusters of tiny star-shaped white or light purple flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. 

Each flower is about 2 to 3 mm in diameter, appearing on wiry or sparsely hairy multi-branched stems with dark green, glossy, elliptical to lanceolate in shape with wavy edges. 

The simple narrow leaves measure up to 3″ inches long and 1″ inch wide.

The plant produces small, white, unscented “tomato” flowers during June-July and decorative red or orange berries in September-October.

In the fall, the flowers are followed by red, orange, or yellow oval berry-like fruits that are ½” to ¾” inches long and appear in winter and last throughout the winter season. 

These berry-like fruits resemble cherry tomatoes, hence the common name. They may seem tempting to eat, but they are poisonous and inedible. 

Jerusalem cherries contain Solanocapsine, a toxic steroidal alkaloid close to solanine and atropine.

What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?

Solanum pseudocapsicum thrives in full sun in a sheltered location with over 6 hours or more exposure to direct sunlight daily. 

However, this plant will also grow well in moderate to bright lights.

The ideal growing temperature should be maintained from 60° to 70° degrees Fahrenheit and can survive temperatures down to 50° degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

Moreover, the flowers and foliage of Jerusalem cherries are likely to drop when the temperature gets too warm, about 72° degrees Fahrenheit. 

They are also suited for USDA hardiness zones 8 and above and can be grown as a hardy perennial in zones 8 and 9.

How And When To Water And Fertilize Jerusalem Cherry?

Water your Jerusalem cherry freely during active growth using lukewarm water to prevent shock. However, cut down with watering during the flowering season.

Also, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

As for feeding, give your plant a liquid fertilizer every two weeks while it’s actively growing. 

What Is The Best Soil For Solanum Pseudocapsicum, And When Should You Transplant?

Solanum Pseudocapsicum thrives in moist, well-drained soil but may grow well in rich loamy soils with neutral pH levels of about 6.0 to 8.0. 

When cultivated, you can grow this plant in a loam-based potting compost or regular potting soil in bright light.

If your plant is already root-bound, it’s best to repot it in spring, moving up to a bigger size to give space. 

Do Solanum Pseudocapsicum Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?

You can prune your Jerusalem cherry after fruiting and plant it in a sunny garden outside if you’re growing it as a houseplant in a frost-free area.

Cut back this evergreen shrub in the spring to encourage vigorous growth and pinch out growth tips to boost bushiness.

How To Propagate False Jerusalem Cherry?

False Jerusalem cherries can be propagated via two methods:

• Seeds
• Shoot cuttings

Both propagation methods can be done but propagating from shoot cuttings is more complicated.

If you choose propagation via seeds, here’s what you need to do:

• First, gather seeds from the dried berry-like fruits.
• Then, sow the seeds in early spring indoors.
• Place the sown seeds in a propagating tray with moist soil or a container covered in plastic.
• Ensure the plastic has adequate ventilation.
• Wait until the seeds have rooted. 

Solanum Pseudocapsicum Pests And Diseases

Solanum Pseudocapsicum may be susceptible to the following pests:

• Aphids
• Red spider mites
• Whiteflies 

You may use an insecticide or organic neem oil to treat pest infestation. Regular misting of your plant with tepid water will also help prevent infestation. 

Other diseases that may occasionally attack Jerusalem cherries are leaf spots and gray mold. 

Uses Of Winter Cherry

Winter cherries are often grown and sold as a houseplant for decoration during holidays, especially at Christmastime, hence the common name Christmas cherry. 

They are also perfect as container or patio plants, providing a pop of color with their brightly-colored berry-like fruits in summer. 

These plants are also great as solitary decorative plants in windowboxes or houseplants in greenhouses. 

However, keep them away and out of reach of small children and pets, as their berries are poisonous and can be fatal.