Indian Pepper
Kiersten Rankel
Kiersten lives in New Orleans, LA and graduated with her masters degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University in 2019.
She has conducted or assisted on research studies covering trees such as the bald cypress, swamp maple, and water tupelo, as well as important marsh grasses including Juncus, Spartina, and Phragmites.
Kiersten is a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist and regularly volunteers with local community gardens and nonprofits to help restore critical ecosystems along the Gulf Coast.
Also known as
Chiltepin, Chiltepin and Chiletepe
Taxonomy
Capsicum annum 'Glabriusculum'
Capsicum
Solanaceae
Solanales

How to care for Indian Pepper
How often to water your Indian Pepper

every 9
Indian Pepper 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.
Water 0.5 cups every
9
Finding light for Chiltepin in your home

a window
Indian Pepper love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Indian Pepper does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Indian Pepper in your home 🏡.
How to fertilize Indian Pepper

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 Indian Pepper after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
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May have overwatered my big jim? Any day to save this guy? Stalk is firm but plant is drooping. #Capsicum
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I planted 5 basket of fire plants feom seed and they all germinated, what is a good size pot for the mature plant? #Capsicum
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Why’s my chilli plant’s leaves turning yellow this time? #Capsicum #HappyPlants
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My plant leaves have been dropping and have not been producing chilies, anyone know what to do or why this is? #Capsicum #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict
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Surprise pepper-plant stewardship; now what? So several months back I noticed my Stella had a new friend, and now Terra (named today) is taller than both Stella and Stella's two pups (not shown). I want to do right by all parties, but I have never even considered growing my own #Capsicum -- I believe this was a ridealong from Stella's nursery -- and I'm lost. Let them cohabit? Add them to today's repotting queue? Invest in trellis futures? All advice very welcome.
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How often do you water a chilli pepper that is outside if you get lots of sun #Capsicum
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My indoor ornamental Peperomia plant was a foot from an east window. When Greg told me to give it a half cup of water this morning I saw all the leaves wilted! What should I do? I’m afraid it will die. I’m following their instructions. #Capsicum
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The plant’s leaves look curly in the edge, and in a weird shape. Any ideas? #Capsicum
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Should I bring this inside for winter? How do I keep it healthy throughout the year? #Capsicum
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Does anyone know what’s this black stuff is on the leaves of mu pepper plant? #Capsicum
Indian Pepper 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.
☀️ Sunlight Needs
Indian Pepper 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 🏡.
🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
💨 Humidity
Indian Pepper 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.
🪴 Soil
Indian Pepper 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!
💩 Fertilizer
Indian Pepper 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.
🌎 Native Region
Indian Pepper is native to the Americas.
🧐 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 Indian Pepper
Indian Pepper
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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Greg’s plant care information is derived from first-principles biology and physics and supported by peer-reviewed research, academic institutions, and industry experts. We are committed to providing the highest-quality plant care information available, so if you have any concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to our support.
- Plants for a Future. “Plant Database.” pfaf.org. N.p., n.d. Web.
- Encyclopedia of Life. “Encyclopedia of Life.” eol.org. N.p., n.d. Web.