Solanum maglia
Care, watering, light and tips for Solanum maglia on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Solanaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 10–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Solanum maglia
Solanum maglia, known as Wild Potato, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to South America, prized for its hardiness and genetic potential. It produces small tubers and star-shaped flowers, making it ideal for research gardens, botanical collections, or as an ornamental plant of interest due to its history and robustness. Its leaves and flowers are attractive, although its tubers are generally small and bitter for direct consumption.
Native range
Andes of South America, from southern Colombia to central Chile and Argentina
Care tips
This species thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging, to which it is sensitive. It is crucial to protect it from severe frosts, as it is not entirely cold-hardy. A common mistake is attempting to consume its tubers directly; although edible in certain traditional preparations, they are typically bitter and should be treated with caution.