Water
Capsicum pubescens needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler, less active periods.
Also known as Apple Chile · Chamburoto · Chile
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to pets. See toxicity details.
Tree Pepper (Capsicum pubescens) is a perennial chili pepper known for its distinctive purple flowers, black seeds, and thick-walled, often very spicy fruits. It is a pop
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Requires full sun, at least 6-8 hours daily.
100% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
100% intensity
During active growth
Well-draining, fertile loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
50% intensity
Thrives in warm conditions, ideal between 18-28°C.
100% intensity
Outdoor, Greenhouse, Indoor
50% intensity
Feed regularly during growing and fruiting seasons.
100% intensity
Every 2-4 weeks
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 1/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The fruits contain capsaicin, which causes a burning sensation and can be an irritant to skin and mucous membranes, especially eyes. While not systemically toxic, ingestion by pets can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Capsicum pubescens needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler, less active periods.
Pruning is beneficial for Capsicum pubescens to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and improve air circulation, which helps prevent diseases. Pinch back young plants to promote branching.
Remove any dead, diseased, or weak branches throughout the growing season. Light pruning can also be done to manage plant size and direct energy towards fruit production.
Propagate primarily from seeds. Sow seeds in warm, moist conditions (around 25-30°C) for best germination. Cuttings can also be rooted, though less common. Ensure consistent warmth and humidity for successful rooting.
Repot young plants into larger containers as they grow, typically once a year for container-grown specimens. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.
Refresh the soil with a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Identify plants like this with ePlant
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Tree Pepper (Capsicum pubescens)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Solanales |
| family | Solanaceae |
| genus | Capsicum |
| species | Capsicum pubescens |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data