Apart from other plants, some of them have a festive look indeed. Ornamental Peppers inarguably fits this definition. Due to having vibrant color peppers, this houseplant is also called “Christmas Pepper Plant”. In addition to this, its scientific name is Capsicum annuum. It is native to North America, South America, and the Carrabians. Also, it belongs to the group “Capsicum”. Emitting bright colors, this houseplant has a lot of types, for example, Bolivian Rainbow, Chilly Chili, and so on.
General Information
Ornamental Peppers generally have bushy, glossy, oval green foliage, relatively thin stems, and fruits with bright colors. Its flower blooms off-white and light purple in summer. But what makes this houseplant interesting is that its fruits’ color changes when maturing over time. These colors are red, orange, yellow, purple, black, and white. When it comes to its height, it could reach up to 1,5 inches (4,5 m). Also, it is one of the evergreen perennials like Flowering Maple and Ponytail Palm. Besides, tomatoes may be grown under similar conditions. As a note, This houseplant’s leaves are toxic to pets, but its fruits are edible. What’s more, its culinary use is quite common.
How to Care for Capsicum annuum
Sunlight
Direct sunlight could harm the plant. For that reason, it should stay in a sheltered location or semi-shade spots. Also, it is vital to get diffused sunlight. Outside of sunlight, artificial lights, for example, fluorescents can be a better option.
Watering
Both dry conditions and soggy soil would affect the plant awfully. So keeping the potting soil moist is crucial. Therefore, roughly 1 inch of water is enough once a week.
Humidity
A medium amount of humidity indoors would suffice. Optionally, you may increase the amount with automated humidifiers, wet pebble trays, and bottled water. In addition, misting the plant with water spray could be another way.
Temperature
The optimal temperature range for Ornamental Peppers may be 70°F – 80°F (21°C – 26°C). This houseplant certainly doesn’t like the cold. So it should be covered from fluctuated air moves and cold drafts. Specifically, a down of 55°F (13°C) could be deadly for this plant. According to the USDA plant hardiness map, it may grow in zones 9 and 11.
Soil Type
A peat-based potting mix could be effective on its growth. Also, the potting soil should absorb the water properly. Therefore, it should be well-draining.
Planter Type
If the plant is in a nursery state, tin can planters may be a great choice. If grown mature, balcony containers that are for vegetables or a garden bed could be other alternatives. SODA CAN PLANTERS
Fertilizer
10-10-10 fertilizers may quicken the growth process. As long as the fertilizer amount isn’t too much, the plant grows better in its growing season. Applying it twice a week would be enough. Also, such fertilizers reinforce flower and fruit development when they appear first.
Propagation
There are two ways to propagate this plant. Starting from seeds is one of those ways. Plant them in 1 inch deep of the potting soil. Approximately two months later, it becomes a seedling. Another way is cutting stems with three leaves. Share them into each pot and acquire Ornamental Peppers Plant more than one.
Repotting
Transplanting may require, for example, outgrown plants, cracked pots, tangled roots, root bounds, and so on. The next pot should be 6 inches larger than the existing pot.
Common Problems
Pale leaves: Less light, poor nutrition, stress are the well-known causes. Due to those negative factors, the leaves of this plant go pale.
Brown leaf tips and edges: Direct sunlight causes this problem. Too long hours of sunlight exposure turn leaves brown. According to the neglect situation, the brown parts could spread more.
Pest infestation: There are a few little harmful bugs destroying plants. Here, those are thrips, whiteflies, mites, aphids, red spiders, mealybugs, and so forth. Particularly, they emerge when the plant goes dry and dehydrated.
Suggestions for problems
Not to let the plant go pale, complete care is necessary. First of all, Ornamental Peppers needs proper lighting conditions. Also, it should have a regular watering routine. Besides, the place of the plant should be the same. Don’t carry another place as possible. Brown leaf and tips show the plant miserably. For that reason, keep out of direct sunlight and cut the brown parts. When it comes to pest infestation, you may use herbal oils, neem oils, pesticides, and alcohol-based wipes.
Suggestions for the beginners
Overwatering is one of the most mistakes. In such cases, roots become rot quickly. On the other hand, putting the plant outside early is also a mistake because they are already a tender plant to cold.