Jerusalem cherry

Water Jerusalem cherry when the soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure not to over-water the plant as this may cause root rot or other problems. The soil should be kept lightly moist and never soggy. During the winter months, the plant should be watered less often. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering.

Jerusalem cherry needs bright, indirect light, preferably from a south-facing window. During the summer months, the plant should be taken outdoors or placed in a bright area to receive more intense light. Ideally, Jerusalem cherry should get around 5 hours of direct sunlight each day, however, if the plant is placed in a spot that gets too much intense light, the leaves may burn which will cause them to turn brown and yellow.

Jerusalem cherry should be kept in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the summer and 50-60°F (10-15°C) during the winter. If the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C), the plant should be brought indoors and kept away from cold drafts. It is important to note that this plant is not frost-tolerant.

Jerusalem cherry enjoys humid environments, with humidities between 60-80%. If the humidity drops below 60%, the plant may start to suffer from various health issues. The easiest way to increase the humidity is to place the plant on a humidity tray or use a room humidifier.

Jerusalem cherry prefers well-drained soil that is loamy. The soil should be well aerated, light and fluffy, and should be amended with organic material such as peat moss. The pH level should be slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

Jerusalem cherry needs to be fertilized twice a year – once in early spring and again in mid-summer. Use fertilizer that is specifically formulated for houseplants, diluted to half of the recommended strength. Granular fertilizer can be mixed into the soil, or a liquid fertilizer can be applied to the leaves. Be sure not to over-fertilize the plant as this may cause nutrient imbalances.

Like many houseplants, Jerusalem cherry is vulnerable to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and scale. If you notice that your plant has been infested by pests then you should isolate it from other plants immediately. The most effective way to get rid of pests is to use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Be sure to spray the underside of the leaves as well, to ensure that all of the pests are eliminated.

Repotting should be done every two years to refresh the soil and allow for better drainage. When repotting, use a potting mix that is specifically formulated for houseplants. If the plant is root-bound it should be divided and each section transplanted into its own pot. In any case, repotting should be done in the spring when the plant is actively growing.

Pruning Jerusalem cherry is an important part of maintenance. Pruning the plant helps to control its size and encourage new, healthy growth. Pruning should be done late spring/early summer. Remove weak and damaged branches and excess foliage. Pruning can also help to shape the plant to create a desired look.

Mulch should be applied in the spring and fall around the base of the plant to protect the roots from temperature fluctuations and to provide insulation. Use organic mulch such as bark chips or wood chips.

Jerusalem cherry propagation can be done by stem cuttings or by division. Take stem cuttings in the spring that are at least 6 inches long. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and shove it into a pot with a moist well-draining potting mix. Keep the pot in indirect light and mist the soil with water every few days. To propagate by division, cut the plant into sections with a sharp knife, being careful not to damage the roots. Plant each section in new pots with moist well-drained potting mix.

If the Jerusalem cherry becomes top heavy or long-limbed, it may need to be supported with a stake or trellis. Use a thin stake or trellis that is strong enough to support the plant without damaging the delicate roots.

Jerusalem cherry should enter a rest period during the winter months. Place the plant in a spot that gets less light and reduce watering. To encourage dormancy, temperatures should also drop to 50-60°F (10-15°C), although the plant should be moved indoors if temperatures threaten to drop below this threshold.

Jerusalem cherry is considered toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. Signs of poisoning may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and difficulty in breathing.