Capsicum chinense aka Habanero

Taxonomy

Capsicum chinense, commonly known as a "Habanero-type" pepper, is a species of chili pepper native to the Americas. It is believed to be the ancestor of the C. frutescens species and is also a member of C. annuum complex. C. chinense varieties are renowned for their unique flavors, and some are exceptionally hot, with scores of over 2 million on the Scoville Heat Unit scale. Examples of this species of pepper include the Carolina Reaper, a cross between a Naga and a red Habanero from St. Vincent, the Trinidad Scorpion and the Bhut Jolokia. Habanero peppers are popular houseplants, which are easy to grow and thrive with regular watering and direct light.

Common names

Habanero, Carolina Reaper, Yellow Squash Pepper, Scotch Bonnet

How to care for Habanero

Difficulty

If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Habanero will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.

Water

Habanero should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Habanero loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Habanero requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Scotch Bonnet will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Habanero does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Habanero’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia