Pepper plants, of the genus Capsicum, belong to the nightshade family Solanaceae. Some of these species are cultivated for their pungent, edible fruits, while other varieties are grown as ornamentals. These plants are native to tropical America, particularly South and Central America. They are considered drought-resistant plants and can be prone to overwatering.
Signs of an overwatered pepper plant
One of the most evident signs of an overwatered pepper plant is leaves that are turning yellow. The leaves will also appear limp, and this is an indication that root rot is likely to set in. Lack of oxygen in the soil affects the roots’ absorption of nutrients, and root rot will develop if the roots are deprived of air for too long. Indoor pepper plants are at a higher risk of developing root rot.
Another sign of overwatered plants is the appearance of a light gray film on top of the plants. If this happens, scrape off the mold with a toothpick and run a small fan in the direction of the plants for better air circulation.
Aside from yellowing leaves, the leaves may wilt, turn brown or fall off, and the plants may experience stunted growth.
Here are some other signs of overwatered pepper plants:
- Wilting
- Puffy stems and leaves
- Brown spots on leaves and leaf tips
- Leaf edema or blisters on the leaves
- Powdery mildew
- Presence of soil gnats and other pests
How to save overwatered pepper plants
- Hold off watering your plants temporarily, and improve the soil drainage.
- Check for, identify and treat root rot immediately.
- Change the pot and the soil to promote better drainage, and for the soil to dry faster.
- Increase the ventilation and temperature, but provide lower humidity.
When is the best time to water pepper plants?
The best time to water pepper plants is during the morning hours. At this time, the sun or the heat from grow lights will evaporate some of the excess water. Do not water pepper plants in the evening, since wet plants sitting overnight are more prone to fungi and disease. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
If you intend to add fertilizers, add them during the evening so that the nutrients can trickle into the soil. If fertilizers are added in the morning, the water may evaporate and leave the salty nutrients behind, which could damage the plants.
How often should you water pepper plants in pots?
You should only water pepper plants in pots if the soil is already dry to the touch. The frequency of watering will depend on current weather conditions and the size of the pots. You can feel the soil to ascertain whether it is dry enough to water. Stick a finger into the soil and check whether the top two inches are dry. If it is dry enough, you can water your plants; if not, wait a few days and check it again.
What are the causes of overwatering?
- Watering the plants too often
- Poorly-draining soil
- Watering too much for the type of plant
- Watering too much for the current temperature
- Incorrect container size
- Insufficient drainage holes in the container
- Watering too much during the plant’s dormant period
- Humidity
How to treat root rot
- Wash or wipe off any moldy soil from the roots, taking extra care not to break the healthy roots.
- Prune away any decaying brown or black roots and leave only the healthy white portions. Trim away yellowing or damaged leaves.
- Trim or cut off the top growth in proportion to the number of roots that were removed, since the remaining roots will not be able to service the whole plant.
- Sterilize the cutting tools before and after use, as well as the containers previously used for the plants.
- Rinse the infected soil off the roots and transfer or repot the plants in a new, sterilized container with fresh and dry soil.
- Water and drain well to remove excess moisture.
Conclusion
Pepper plants are widely cultivated in containers for their edible fruits that are used as spices. These drought-resistant plants are also often grown indoors and may be prone to overwatering. Common signs of an overwatered pepper plant include yellowing leaves and puffy stems and leaves. Other common symptoms include brown spots on the leaves, leaf edema, root rot and the presence of pests.
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