You don’t need to be a gardening expert to grow beautiful ornamental peppers. In fact, these plants will do fine inside with a little TLC. Plus, they can make a nice addition to your decor. Below are four tips to help you care for these plants so you can enjoy seeing their colorful fruits.

Maintain Ornamental Pepper Plants With These 4 Pieces of Advice

1. Water Evenly

Slowly water the plants when you notice the soil is drying out. Watering at a lower speed helps the plant better absorb the moisture. Make sure to water the entire container evenly to ensure all the roots have access to hydration.

2. Encourage Drainage

Ornamental peppers can be susceptible to wilt diseases and leaf spots, which are round blemishes caused by parasitic fungi and bacteria. To prevent these potentially fatal gardening issues, plant your peppers in a pot that has at least 6 inches of room on all sides of the plant. Ensure the container offers ample drainage by adding a layer of gravel or rocks at the bottom and placing at least one hole in the bottom where excess water can drain out.

3. Fertilize Until They Fruit

Some houseplants require year-round fertilization. Peppers, however, are not one of those species. Instead, it’s wise to add fertilizing to your spring gardening routine, feeding them a liquid houseplant solution every two weeks. Once the peppers grow, you can cease fertilization, as the plant no longer needs extra nutrients.

4. Avoid Insect Issues

Ornamental peppers can experience insect issues, whether they grow in a greenhouse or a regular home. Aphids and spider mites are particularly interested in these colorful plants and like to take up residence on the underside of leaves or in the flower pollen. Control infestations by spraying your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. These options will kill off the bugs without harming the plant.

If you’re interested in purchasing ornamental pepper plants or learning more gardening tips, contact the knowledgeable team at Northgate Greenhouses in Cincinnati, OH. This award-winning company features 17 greenhouses full of top-quality annuals and perennials for indoor and outdoor gardens. To learn about their year-round inventory of beautiful plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and herbs, call (513) 729-1134. Visit their website for information on their seasonal plants and other offerings like fairy collectibles, fertilizer, soil, and mulch. You can also find them on Facebook.