Mystery Houseplant

October 29, 2008 1:52 PM

Can anyone identify this splendid mystery houseplant? It was received as a gift, but without any accompanying little plastic tag, and I'd just like to know what it is so I can figure how how best to take care of it.

It doesn't have a strong smell, if that helps at all.

posted by hydatius to home & garden (5 comments total)

Tomato plant? I'm no expert, but some googling suggests it may be a possibility.
posted by MadamM at 2:01 PM on October 29, 2008

Looks to me like it's a Jerusalem Cherry.
posted by Balonious Assault at 2:27 PM on October 29, 2008

It looks like an ornamental pepper. They tend to be difficult to care for: they need lots of bright light and good drainage. Even so, thy are often short lived. You can save seed and grow new ones, though.

If you crush the leaves, you should notice a green peper scent.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:31 PM on October 29, 2008

Hm, I hadn't seen them called Jerusalem Cherry, but that's the one. Also called Winter Pepper. They are very poisonous.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:34 PM on October 29, 2008

Thanks, Balonius Assault. That's the one, it seems.
posted by hydatius at 2:37 PM on October 29, 2008