ornamental pepper

Ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum cv.) plants should be watered about every 5-7 days. The amount of water will depend on the plant's current soil moisture level. Water deeply until the soil is moist throughout the pot, but not soaked. Let the top inch of the soil dry out between watering sessions. For particularly hot or dry climates, more frequent watering may be necessary.

Ornamental pepper is a tropical plant that thrives in full sunlight, meaning it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. If placed outdoors in the summer months, it should receive full sun from late morning until late afternoon. In the winter months or if kept indoors, it should receive 14 to 18 hours of artificial light per day from fluorescent or LED grow lights.

Ornamental peppers are best pruned in late winter or early spring, when the plant begins to show new growth. Pruning should be done to remove any dead, weak, or damaged branches, and to shape the plant. To maintain a neat shape, the top of the plant should be pruned back to a height of 8 to 12 inches. Also, any branches that rub against each other or are overly dense can be removed to improve air flow. Pruning will help to encourage branching and blooming, resulting in more productive growth. Ornamental peppers also benefit from a light trim after blooming, to help keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth.