Solanaceae
Peruvian Ground Cherry: Ground Cover Plant
Salpichroa origanifolia
It is a hardy plant that prefers full sun exposure and well-draining soils. It requires frequent pruning to control its invasive growth.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
5° - 35°C
40% - 75%
Categories
What is Peruvian Ground Cherry?
Peruvian Ground Cherry (Salpichroa origanifolia) is a medium-care plant from the Solanaceae family. Salpichroa origanifolia, commonly known as Peruvian Ground Cherry, is a perennial plant from the Solanaceae family native to South America. It is characterized by its creeping or climbing habit, with flexible stems and light green ovate leaves. Its flowers are small, solitary, white or cream-colored...
Peruvian Ground Cherry grows up to 2.0m, spread of 300cm, watering every 7 days, 5°C – 35°C, 40–75% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for Peruvian Ground Cherry?
TLDR: Peruvian Ground Cherry needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 5-35°C with 40-75% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Peruvian Ground Cherry?
Water regularly during the summer, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between each watering.
How Much Light Does Peruvian Ground Cherry Need?
For abundant flowering and better fruit ripening, place it in a location with direct sun for most of the day.
What Is the Best Soil for Peruvian Ground Cherry?
Although it adapts to poor soils, it prefers sandy or loamy substrates that do not retain excess water around the roots.
What Pot Should You Use for Peruvian Ground Cherry?
It is recommended to grow it in large, deep pots if you wish to limit its natural expansion in the garden.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Peruvian Ground Cherry and Where Does It Come From?
Salpichroa origanifolia, commonly known as Peruvian Ground Cherry, is a perennial plant from the Solanaceae family native to South America. It is characterized by its creeping or climbing habit, with flexible stems and light green ovate leaves. Its flowers are small, solitary, white or cream-colored, and have a distinctive bell shape. The fruit is an ovoid, white or yellowish berry, which is edible and has a sweet and aromatic flavor when fully ripe. Due to its rhizomatous root system, it is an extremely vigorous plant that can quickly cover large areas.
How to Propagate Peruvian Ground Cherry?
Propagation by seed
- Seeds germinate best if sown immediately after cleaning.
- 1 Collection
Collect ripe yellowish-white fruits.
- 2 Cleaning
Extract the seeds from the pulp and wash them with clean water.
- 3 Sowing
Sow in a light substrate and maintain constant humidity at a warm temperature.
Materials needed:
Rhizome division
- This plant propagates very easily through its roots, even from small fragments.
- 1 Location
Identify a section of the plant with established rhizomatous roots.
- 2 Cutting
Cut a section of the rhizome containing at least one shoot or bud.
- 3 Planting
Plant directly in the final location or in a new pot.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Peruvian Ground Cherry Grow?
TLDR: Peruvian Ground Cherry can reach up to 2.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
2.0m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Culinary Uses
- Consumption of fresh ripe fruits
- Preparation of homemade sweets and jams
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
In South American rural folklore, it represents persistence and wild abundance.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Cape Primrose | Medium | Partial shade | 7d | ✓ |
| Honey Locust | Medium | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
