Capsicum frutescens aka Chilli

Taxonomy

Capsicum frutescens, also known as the tabasco pepper, is a wild chili pepper closely related to the cultivated Capsicum chinense pepper. This plant can be either an annual or short-lived perennial, and its flowers are white with greenish white or yellow corollas that are pollinated either by insects or self-pollination. The berries of Capsicum frutescens are typically erect, growing to be 10-20 millimeters long and 3-7 millimeters in diameter, and are usually small and pungent. The fruit starts off pale yellow and matures to a bright red, although it can also be seen in other colors. Although Capsicum frutescens has a smaller variety of shapes compared to other Capsicum species, it has been bred to produce ornamental strains with large quantities of erect peppers growing in colorful ripening patterns. The tabasco pepper, a type of Capsicum frutescens, is a multi-branched erect annual or perennial plant that grows in the form of a shrub and is native to Bolivia and West Central Brazil. With its rich, glossy oval, pointed green leaves and long peppers that grow in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, and red, it is a popular houseplant worldwide. Tabasco peppers are not drought-tolerant and require consistent moisture levels. The plant is not only eaten in cuisines around the world, but its edible peppers are also used as a spice and in sauces. They are rich in vitamins A and C and have been cultivated since 1200 BC for use as a condiment or in the treatment of some medical disorders.

Common names

Chilli, Tabasco Pepper, Cayenne Pepper

How to care for Chilli

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Chilli is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

Chilli 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

Chilli requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Tabasco Pepper is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Chilli to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Chilli. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Chilli as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Chilli’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia