About Eggplant

Eggplant Introduction

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a warm-season vegetable from the nightshade family, native to India and Southeast Asia. It features large, glossy, purple fruits that come in various shapes and sizes depending on the variety. The plant itself grows as a bushy, erect perennial with large, lobed leaves and characteristic purple flowers, though it’s typically grown as an annual in most regions.

Historically, eggplants have been cultivated for over 4,000 years, spreading from their native region through trade routes to become popular worldwide. They’re particularly prominent in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. Indoor cultivation of eggplant has become increasingly popular for urban gardeners and those in cooler climates who want to extend their growing season.

When grown indoors, eggplant can reach 2-4 feet in height, though dwarf varieties suited for container growing typically stay more compact. The fruit develops from the self-pollinating flowers and can be harvested when the skin is glossy and firm. Indoor eggplants require significant light, warmth, and attention to produce good yields, making them a moderately challenging but rewarding plant for indoor gardeners.

Eggplant Care & Growing Guide

Growing eggplant indoors requires careful attention to its tropical needs while managing the constraints of an indoor environment. These heat-loving plants need consistent warmth, abundant light, and proper care to successfully produce their distinctive fruits in an indoor setting. With the right conditions, you can enjoy fresh eggplants year-round, regardless of your climate.

To begin growing eggplants indoors, start with selecting the right variety—compact or dwarf cultivars like ‘Fairy Tale,’ ‘Patio Baby,’ or ‘Little Fingers’ are ideal for container growing. Plant them in deep, well-draining containers at least 12-14 inches in diameter to accommodate their root systems. Position your containers in the sunniest spot in your home, ideally a south-facing window, or use grow lights to provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily. Maintaining temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and no lower than 65°F (18°C) at night is essential for optimal growth.

Indoor eggplants require consistent care throughout their growth cycle. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, and increase feeding frequency when fruits begin to develop. Since indoor eggplants lack natural pollinators, you’ll need to hand-pollinate the flowers using a small brush or by gently shaking the plants when flowers bloom. Regular pruning to maintain plant size and remove yellowing leaves, along with vigilant pest monitoring, will help ensure healthy plants and a successful harvest of these delicious vegetables.

Soil

Eggplants thrive in rich, fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.8-6.8. The ideal soil composition includes a high proportion of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, mixed with loamy garden soil and perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage. This combination provides the nutrient-rich environment eggplants need while preventing waterlogging that can lead to root rot.

For container-grown indoor eggplants, a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for vegetables works best, or you can create your own by combining equal parts potting soil, compost, and coconut coir or peat moss, with a small amount of perlite for drainage. Adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil at planting time helps provide consistent nutrients throughout the growing season. The soil composition directly affects the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water, influencing fruit production and overall plant health.

Common soil problems that may affect indoor eggplants include poor drainage leading to root rot, soil compaction restricting root growth, inappropriate pH causing nutrient lockout, salt build-up from fertilizers, and nutrient deficiencies showing as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Root-boundness can occur when plants outgrow their containers, restricting nutrient uptake and causing declining health. To prevent these issues, use containers with adequate drainage holes, avoid overwatering, periodically check soil pH, flush the soil occasionally with plain water to remove salt buildup, and repot plants when they become root-bound.

Houseplant Fertilizer Fertilizer

Eggplants are heavy feeders that require regular fertilization to produce abundant fruits. For indoor cultivation, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 during the vegetative stage, transitioning to a phosphorus-rich formulation (such as 5-10-5) once flowering begins to promote fruit development. Apply liquid fertilizer every two weeks at half the recommended strength during active growth periods, and reduce to once monthly during slower winter growth.

Under-fertilized eggplants exhibit stunted growth, pale or yellowing leaves (particularly older leaves), thin stems, and reduced flowering and fruiting. Over-fertilization manifests as salt buildup on soil (white crust), leaf burn (brown edges and tips), excessive foliage but few fruits, and possibly wilting despite adequate water. If over-fertilization occurs, flush the soil thoroughly with plain water and reduce feeding frequency.

Organic alternatives include diluted fish emulsion, seaweed extract, or compost tea, applied at similar intervals to chemical fertilizers but with less risk of burning. Eggplants particularly benefit from calcium supplementation to prevent blossom end rot, a common deficiency in container-grown plants. This can be addressed by adding crushed eggshells to the soil or using a calcium spray. Magnesium deficiency, showing as interveinal yellowing on older leaves, can be corrected with a foliar spray of Epsom salt solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) applied monthly.

Houseplant Watering Watering

Indoor eggplants require consistent moisture with periodic drying between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring water reaches the root zone but drains freely through the container. For a medium-sized container (12-14 inches), this typically translates to watering every 3-5 days, adjusting based on environmental conditions. Use room-temperature water, as cold water can shock the roots. Tap water is generally acceptable, though if heavily chlorinated, allowing it to sit for 24 hours before use or using filtered water is beneficial.

Underwatered eggplants exhibit wilting, yellowing leaves, dry soil pulling away from the container edges, and flower or fruit drop. Overwatering manifests as yellowing leaves that may appear soft or translucent, brown leaf tips, moldy soil surface, stunted growth, and potentially root rot with an accompanying unpleasant smell. If root rot is suspected, reduce watering immediately and consider repotting with fresh soil after trimming affected roots.

Watering needs change throughout the plant’s life cycle and seasons. During initial growth and fruit development, consistent moisture is crucial. Once fruits begin to mature, slightly reduce watering to enhance flavor concentration. During winter, when indoor heating reduces humidity and potentially increases evaporation, monitor soil moisture more frequently. Conversely, in summer with higher humidity and lower indoor heating, watering frequency may need to decrease to prevent soggy soil.

Houseplant Lighting Lighting

Eggplants require full, direct sunlight to thrive indoors, ideally receiving 14-16 hours of bright light daily. Place containers near south-facing windows for maximum natural light exposure. Since indoor light is often insufficient, supplementing with full-spectrum LED grow lights positioned 6-12 inches above the plants will significantly improve growth and fruit production. Rotate plants regularly to ensure even light distribution and prevent leaning.

Insufficient light causes leggy growth with elongated stems, sparse foliage, yellowing lower leaves, and poor or absent fruit production. Excessive light, though rare indoors, may present as leaf scorching, wilting despite adequate water, or bleached foliage. If natural light is limited, extend supplemental lighting hours, use reflective materials to maximize available light, or consider adding stronger grow lights. Position plants as close to windows as possible without exposing them to cold drafts, and adjust light intensity by modifying the distance between grow lights and plants based on their response.

Houseplant Temperature Temperature

Eggplants are heat-loving plants that thrive in warm temperatures. For indoor cultivation, maintain daytime temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and nighttime temperatures no lower than 65°F (18°C). Consistent warmth is crucial for proper growth, flowering, and fruit development. Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can stunt growth and cause flower drop, while extended exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can permanently damage or kill the plants.

Eggplants are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so avoid placing them near drafty windows, exterior doors, or heating/cooling vents. Cold drafts can cause sudden temperature drops that shock the plants, leading to leaf drop and fruit abortion. Similarly, hot air from heating vents can dehydrate plants and create localized heat stress.

To maintain optimal temperatures, consider using a space heater with a thermostat during colder months to keep temperatures steady, especially overnight. Place containers on heat mats designed for plants to warm the root zone, which can stimulate growth even when ambient air temperatures are slightly cool. During summer heat waves, move plants away from windows that might concentrate heat, use sheer curtains to diffuse intense sunlight, and increase air circulation with fans to prevent heat stress. Monitor temperatures regularly, particularly in extreme weather, to ensure your indoor eggplants remain in their comfort zone.

Houseplant Humidity Humidity

Eggplants prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. This range mimics their natural tropical environment and supports healthy leaf development and fruit production. Indoor environments, particularly in winter with heating systems running, often have humidity levels below 30%, which can stress eggplants and reduce their vigor and productivity.

Low humidity stress in eggplants manifests as leaf curling, browning leaf edges, flower drop, and increased susceptibility to spider mites and other pests. Excessive humidity, though less common indoors, can promote fungal diseases like powdery mildew, appearing as white powdery spots on leaves, or leaf spot diseases showing as dark lesions.

To increase humidity around indoor eggplants, several effective methods include grouping plants together to create a microclimate, placing containers on pebble trays filled with water (ensuring pots sit on the pebbles, not in the water), misting the foliage several times a week (best done in the morning to allow leaves to dry before evening), or using a humidifier near the plants. For pebble trays, use clean, smooth pebbles in a tray slightly larger than the pot, add water to just below the pebble tops, and place the pot on the pebbles. This method provides moderate humidity improvement. Room humidifiers offer the most consistent humidity control but require regular maintenance. Misting provides temporary relief and works best as a supplement to other methods rather than as the primary humidity solution.

HouseplantPropagation Propagation

Eggplants are most commonly propagated from seeds, though cuttings can also be successful. Here’s a detailed guide for seed propagation indoors:

1. Begin by selecting fresh seeds from a reputable supplier, as eggplant seeds lose viability after 3-4 years.

2. Fill seed-starting trays or small pots with sterile seed-starting mix, moistening it thoroughly before planting.

3. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them about 1 inch apart if using trays.

4. Cover the containers with plastic wrap or a dome to maintain humidity and place on a heat mat set to 75-85°F (24-29°C), as warm soil significantly improves germination rates.

5. Position the setup under grow lights or in a bright window, ensuring 14-16 hours of light daily.

6. Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days. Remove the plastic cover once seedlings emerge to prevent dampening off disease.

7. When seedlings develop their first true leaves (beyond the initial seed leaves), transplant them into individual 3-4 inch pots filled with potting mix.

8. Grow the seedlings under bright light, maintaining temperatures above 65°F (18°C).

9. Once plants reach 6-8 inches tall and have several sets of true leaves (typically 6-8 weeks after germination), transplant them into their final containers.

For cutting propagation:

1. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem tip about 4-6 inches long with at least 2-3 leaf nodes.

2. Cut just below a node using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

3. Remove lower leaves, leaving just 2-3 leaves at the top.

4. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional but improves success rates).

5. Plant the cutting in a small pot with moist potting mix, burying at least one node below the soil surface.

6. Cover with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment and place in bright, indirect light.

7. Roots typically develop in 2-3 weeks, indicated by new growth appearing at the top of the cutting.

8. Once established, transplant to a larger container and treat as a mature plant.

Seed propagation has a higher success rate (80-90% with fresh seeds) compared to cuttings (50-70% success rate). The best time to start seeds indoors is 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date if planning to move plants outdoors eventually, or any time of year for permanent indoor growing. New plants typically take 3-4 months from seed to fruit production.

Houseplant Potting Potting

Eggplants need spacious containers to accommodate their extensive root systems and support fruit production. Select pots that are at least 12-14 inches in diameter and equally deep, with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons. Larger containers (up to 10 gallons) will support bigger plants and increased yields. Material choices include plastic (lightweight, retains moisture), ceramic (attractive, provides stability), or fabric pots (excellent drainage, prevents root circling).

Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. For soil, use a high-quality vegetable potting mix or create your own by combining equal parts potting soil, compost, and coconut coir or peat moss, with about 20% perlite or vermiculite added for drainage. A layer of gravel or broken pottery pieces at the bottom of the pot can improve drainage.

Eggplants typically need repotting annually or when they become root-bound, usually indicated by roots circling the bottom or emerging from drainage holes, slowed growth despite adequate care, water running immediately through the pot without being absorbed, or the pot becoming unstable due to top-heaviness. The best time to repot is early spring before the main growing season begins.

When repotting, gently remove the plant from its current container, being careful not to damage the root ball. If the roots are tightly bound, carefully loosen them with your fingers or prune extremely circling roots. Place fresh potting mix in the new container, position the plant at the same depth it was previously growing, and fill around it with additional soil. Water thoroughly after repotting and keep the plant in a sheltered location for a week to recover from transplant shock before returning it to its normal growing position.

Houseplant Pruning Pruning

Pruning Indoor Eggplants: Essential Guide

Pruning indoor eggplants helps maintain plant size, improves air circulation, and increases fruit production by directing energy to fruit development rather than excessive foliage. The best time to prune is early in the growing season for structural pruning and throughout the growing period for maintenance.

Frequency and Purpose

Regular light pruning can be performed every 2-3 weeks during active growth. Major pruning should be done at the beginning of the growing season. Pruning serves to remove non-productive growth, improve plant structure, enhance light penetration, and prevent disease by improving air circulation.

Tools and Preparation

Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors disinfected with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution. Wear gloves as eggplant stems can be prickly and the sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Step-by-Step Pruning Guide

  1. Examine your plant carefully, identifying suckers (shoots growing from leaf axils), damaged or diseased leaves, and non-productive branches.
  2. Remove all suckers growing from the lower 6-8 inches of the main stem to create a single-stemmed plant base.
  3. Prune the plant to maintain 3-5 main productive stems, removing excess side shoots.
  4. Pinch back the growing tips of the main stems when the plant reaches your desired height to encourage bushier growth.
  5. Remove any yellowing, damaged, or diseased leaves, cutting back to healthy tissue.
  6. Thin out dense foliage to improve air circulation and light penetration throughout the plant.
  7. Once fruits begin to form, remove flowers that appear late in the season as they won’t have time to produce mature fruits.
  8. After harvesting fruit, prune back the stem that produced it to encourage new productive growth.

Aftercare

After pruning, water the plant moderately and apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage new growth. Avoid heavy watering immediately after pruning to prevent disease entry through fresh cuts. Monitor the plant for a few days following pruning for any signs of stress.

Special Considerations

For indoor eggplants, maintain a compact form by regular pinching and pruning. Avoid removing more than 30% of the plant at once to prevent shock. In winter, prune more conservatively as growth slows down. Remember that pruning stimulates new growth, so avoid major pruning when temperatures are cool or light levels are low.

Houseplant Blooming Blooming

Eggplants typically bloom 2-3 months after planting, with flowers appearing continuously throughout the growing season as long as conditions remain favorable. The star-shaped flowers are usually light purple to lavender in color, approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter, and self-pollinating. For indoor growing, blooming is optimized when temperatures remain between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and the plants receive 14-16 hours of bright light daily. Each flower remains open for about 2-3 days, with fruit setting occurring shortly after successful pollination.

Houseplant Problems Pests and Diseases

Pests

Common Issues

Spider Mites

Symptoms: Tiny specks on leaves, fine webbing between leaves and stems, stippled or yellow leaves, premature leaf drop.

Treatment: Increase humidity, spray plants with water to dislodge mites, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days for 3 applications. For severe infestations, consider miticides specifically labeled for spider mites.

Aphids

Symptoms: Clusters of small green, black, or white insects on new growth and undersides of leaves, sticky residue (honeydew), curling or distorted leaves.

Treatment: Spray off with water, apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs if your plants will remain indoors with controlled access to outdoors.

Whiteflies

Symptoms: Tiny white insects that fly up when the plant is disturbed, sticky honeydew on leaves, yellowing foliage.

Treatment: Yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce populations, insecticidal soap or neem oil applications, ensuring to coat the undersides of leaves where they typically cluster.

Fungus Gnats

Symptoms: Small black flies hovering around soil, tiny white larvae in the soil, slowed growth, yellowing leaves.

Treatment: Allow soil to dry between waterings, apply diatomaceous earth to soil surface, use sticky traps for adults, and apply beneficial nematodes or hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% H₂O₂ to 4 parts water) for larvae.

Diseases

Common Issues

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White powdery spots on leaves and stems that eventually spread to cover entire surfaces, yellowing and dying leaves.

Treatment: Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove and dispose of infected leaves, apply fungicides containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate, or use a mixture of 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon mild soap, and 1 gallon of water as a preventative spray.

Verticillium Wilt

Symptoms: Yellowing and wilting of lower leaves that progresses upward, often on one side of the plant first, browning of vascular tissue visible when stem is cut.

Treatment: No cure once infected; remove and dispose of affected plants, do not reuse the soil for solanaceous crops, disinfect containers before reusing.

Blossom End Rot

Symptoms: Dark, sunken, leathery patches at the blossom end of developing fruits.

Treatment: Maintain consistent soil moisture, supplement with calcium (crushed eggshells in soil or calcium spray), and ensure proper pH (5.8–6.8) for optimal calcium uptake.

Leaf Spot Diseases

Symptoms: Dark, circular spots on leaves, often with yellow halos; spots may grow and merge, causing leaves to yellow and drop.

Treatment: Remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage when watering, apply copper-based fungicides for severe infections.

Houseplant Features Special Features

Indoor eggplants offer several unique benefits beyond their ornamental value. Their glossy purple fruits provide fresh, homegrown produce year-round regardless of climate, with flavor superior to store-bought options. Many varieties display striking ornamental characteristics with their purple star-shaped flowers and variously colored fruits ranging from classic deep purple to striped, white, or even orange varieties. Compact cultivars like ‘Fairy Tale’ or ‘Patio Baby’ serve dual purposes as both decorative container plants and food sources. Additionally, growing eggplants indoors provides educational value, offering an opportunity to observe the complete plant life cycle from flowering to fruiting, making them excellent teaching tools for children learning about plant biology and food production.

Houseplant Benefits Plant Benefits

Eggplants provide several health benefits when consumed. They’re rich in antioxidants, particularly nasunin in the skin, which helps protect cell membranes from damage. They contain significant amounts of fiber, vitamins (including B vitamins and vitamin K), and minerals like potassium, manganese, and copper. The phenolic compounds in eggplants have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest that certain compounds in eggplant may help regulate blood sugar levels and aid in weight management due to their low calorie and high fiber content. While not used medicinally in their raw form, eggplant extracts have been studied for potential applications in treating high cholesterol, hypertension, and have shown some antimicrobial properties in laboratory studies.

Houseplant Benefits Additional Information

When growing eggplants indoors, hand pollination is essential for fruit production. Use a small, soft paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen between flowers, or gently shake flowering branches to distribute pollen. Dwarf varieties like ‘Fairy Tale’, ‘Patio Baby’, and ‘Little Fingers’ perform best in indoor settings due to their compact growth habit. Harvest fruits when they’re firm and glossy for the best flavor—waiting too long results in bitter, seedy fruits. With proper care, indoor eggplants can continue producing for 2-3 years, though they’re most productive in their first year.

Houseplant Lifecycle Life Cycle

Eggplant is a warm-season perennial that’s typically grown as an annual, with a complete life cycle of about 100-140 days from seed to harvest when grown indoors. The life cycle begins with germination, which occurs within 7-14 days when seeds are kept at optimal temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Seedling development follows for approximately 3-4 weeks, during which the plant develops its first true leaves and establishes a root system. The vegetative growth phase extends for 4-6 weeks, characterized by rapid stem and leaf development.

Flowering typically begins 60-70 days after planting, with self-pollinating purple or lavender star-shaped blooms appearing that require manual pollination in indoor environments. Fruit development follows successful pollination, with fruits taking about 20-35 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety. When properly maintained with consistent light, warmth, and moisture, indoor eggplants can remain productive for up to 1-2 years, though production often declines significantly after the first fruiting cycle. Plants require a minimum of 14-16 hours of bright light daily, temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C), consistent moisture without waterlogging, and regular feeding to support their energy-intensive fruit production.

Houseplant ToxicityAre Eggplant Poisonous, Toxic

Eggplant plants contain solanine, primarily concentrated in the leaves, flowers, and unripe fruit, making these parts mildly toxic to humans and pets. Humans, dogs, cats, and other mammals can be affected if large quantities are consumed. Symptoms of toxicity include gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, drowsiness and respiratory difficulties may occur. Toxicity is generally mild to moderate, with serious poisoning being rare. If ingestion occurs, contact a poison control center or veterinarian immediately. Remove any plant material from the mouth and provide water to dilute the toxins. Keep plants out of reach of pets and children, and ensure proper education about which parts of the plant are edible (ripe fruits only).

Houseplant FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Can eggplants grow indoors year-round?

Yes, eggplants can grow indoors year-round with proper lighting, temperature, and care. They need 14-16 hours of bright light daily (natural or supplemental), temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C), and consistent moisture. Dwarf varieties are best suited for indoor cultivation.

What size container do I need for growing eggplant indoors?

For indoor eggplants, use containers that are at least 12-14 inches in diameter and equally deep, with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons. Larger containers (up to 10 gallons) will support bigger plants and increased yields. Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes.

How do I pollinate eggplant flowers indoors?

Indoor eggplants require hand pollination. Use a small, soft paintbrush or cotton swab to gently transfer pollen within and between flowers. Alternatively, you can gently shake the flowering stems during midday when pollen is most viable. Pollinate every other day during flowering for best results.

What are the best eggplant varieties for indoor growing?

Compact or dwarf varieties are best for indoor growing. Good choices include 'Fairy Tale,' 'Patio Baby,' 'Little Fingers,' 'Hansel,' 'Gretel,' and 'Bambino.' These varieties stay relatively small and produce well in containers, making them ideal for indoor cultivation.

How much light do indoor eggplants need?

Indoor eggplants need 14-16 hours of bright light daily. Place them near south-facing windows for maximum natural light, and supplement with full-spectrum LED grow lights positioned 6-12 inches above the plants. Without adequate light, eggplants will produce few or no fruits.

How often should I water my indoor eggplant?

Water indoor eggplants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 3-5 days depending on environmental conditions. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, but avoid waterlogging which can lead to root rot. Consistent moisture is especially important during flowering and fruiting.

How do I know when my indoor eggplant is ready to harvest?

Harvest eggplants when the skin is glossy, firm, and has reached the expected size for the variety. The fruit should slightly yield to gentle pressure but spring back. If the skin appears dull or the seeds inside are brown, the fruit is overripe and may taste bitter. Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a short stem attached.

What temperature do eggplants need to grow indoors?

Eggplants thrive in warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and no lower than 65°F (18°C) at night. They are sensitive to cold; temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can stunt growth and cause flower drop, while extended exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage or kill the plants.

How do I control pests on my indoor eggplant?

Monitor plants regularly for common pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Increase humidity and spray plants with water to deter spider mites. For most pests, insecticidal soap or neem oil applications work well. Yellow sticky traps can help monitor and reduce flying insect populations. Maintaining good air circulation and optimal growing conditions helps prevent pest problems.

Why are my indoor eggplant's leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on indoor eggplants can indicate several issues: overwatering or poor drainage leading to root problems, nutrient deficiencies (particularly nitrogen), insufficient light, pest infestations (check leaf undersides for spider mites or aphids), or natural aging of lower leaves. Check moisture levels first, then examine growing conditions and inspect for pests to determine the specific cause.

Can I grow this plant in my indoor spaceCan I grow Eggplant in my indoor space

Difficulty

Intermediate

Size

Medium

Light

High

Water

Medium

Flowering

Yes

Pet Safe

No

Air Purifier

Low

Can I grow this plant in my indoor spaceSolanum melongena botanical details

Common Name

Eggplant

Other Common Names

Aubergine, Brinjal, Garden Egg, Melongene

Botanical Name

Solanum melongena

Native Area

India and Southeast Asia

Family Name

Solanaceae

Plant Type

Perennial vegetable (typically grown as an annual)

Genus

Solanum

Kingdom

Plantae

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Houseplant Toxicity Plant Puns and Jokes

Why did the eggplant stop going to the gym? Because it was already in great shape!



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