Plant Care Capsicum Frutescens

Capsicum Frutescens

About Capsicum Frutescens

Tabasco Pepper is a multi-branched erect annual or perennial plant that grows in the form of a shrub. The plant is native to Bolivia and West Central Brazil. It was cultivated as a condiment or used in the treatment of some medical disorders since 1200 BC. Tabasco Peppers are rich in vitamins A and C. They are not drought tolerant and need consistent moisture levels.

Taxonomy

Capsicum frutescens
Capsicum
Solanaceae
Solanales

Also known as

Tabasco Pepper, Tabasco Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, chilli and Red Chilli Pepper

How to care for Capsicum Frutescens

💦 Water

How often to water your Capsicum Frutescens

Water needs for Capsicum Frutescens
0.5 cups
every 9

Capsicum Frutescens needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Capsicum Frutescens

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Tabasco Pepper in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Capsicum Frutescens: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Capsicum Frutescens love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Capsicum Frutescens does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Capsicum Frutescens in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Capsicum Frutescens

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Capsicum Frutescens: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Capsicum Frutescens after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Capsicum
💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Capsicum Frutescens is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!

How to Grow Tabasco Pepper →

Benefits of Growing Tabasco Pepper →

Common Tabasco Pepper Problems →

Outdoor Care Guide for Tabasco Pepper →


💦 Water Needs

Capsicum Frutescens prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Tabasco Pepper Water Frequency →

Tabasco Pepper Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Capsicum Frutescens requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Tabasco Pepper Light Requirements →

Tabasco Pepper Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Capsicum Frutescens is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.

Is Tabasco Pepper Edible? →

Tabasco Pepper Toxicity to Cats →

Tabasco Pepper Toxicity to Dogs →

Tabasco Pepper Toxicity to Humans →


💨 Humidity

Capsicum Frutescens doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.

Tabasco Pepper Humidity Needs →


🪴 Soil

Capsicum Frutescens does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Tabasco Pepper →

Best Pots for Tabasco Pepper →

When and How to Successfully Repot Tabasco Pepper →

What Are Healthy Tabasco Pepper Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

Capsicum Frutescens is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

How Much and When to Fertilize Tabasco Pepper →


🌎 Native Region

Capsicum Frutescens is native to the Americas.


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Capsicum Frutescens grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

Tabasco Pepper Lifecycle →

Tabasco Pepper Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Tabasco Pepper →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors
🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Capsicum Frutescens can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

How to Propagate Tabasco Pepper →


🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Capsicum Frutescens, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Capsicum Frutescens

Capsicum Frutescens

Capsicum Frutescens


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

Trending in your area

Similar to Capsicum Frutescens

Discover rare plants