Peppers add a variety of tastes, textures, and zing to meals. Peppers are a staple in the diets of citizens of many countries; they carry many health benefits and flavors.
Pepper plants are lush green plants that grow colorful fruits commonly known as bell peppers.
The pepper plant is a must in any vegetable garden due to its vibrancy and tasteful fruits. This article will tell you all about harvesting a pepper plant and related problems such as pepper plant leaves curling.
The most important part about growing a pepper plant is the temperature; one must develop pepper plants in warm temperatures ranging between 21-32 degrees celsius. Either place them in a sunny place or use a warm mat to maintain temperature.
Why Are My Pepper Plant Leaves Wrinkled?
There are few reasons why the leaves of your pepper plant may be wrinkled or curled. The most common reasons behind the wrinkling of pepper plant leaves are pests and environmental stress.
Some pests and viruses can curl the leaves of your pepper plant due to their eating habits. Check for the presence of insects and pests on your plant and use pesticides if found.
Environmental stress and scorching temperatures can also be the cause behind the wrinkling of pepper leaves. During hot days the leaves curl in themselves to protect themselves from the sweltering heat.
Also Read: 13 Easy Vegetables to Grow All Year Round
What Causes Pepper Plant Leaves Curling Inward or Upward?
Leaves of a pepper plant that curl inward or outwards can be a sign of some underlying problem. Let’s look at the possible causes
High heat
Excessive sunlight and brightness make the leaves shy away and turn in on themselves. It is a reflex mechanism and essentially a protective action to shield the plant/fruit from high heat.
Watering problems
Both underwatering and overwatering can prompt the leaves of the pepper plant to curl. Both situations are not ideal for the plant and can cause problems. Check the dampness of the soil before watering each time and allow the top two inches of the soil to dry before watering again.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes, as drainage is of immense importance.
Plant Edema
Plant edema is a phenomenon caused by irregular water retention by the plant. Excessive plant edema can lead to the curling of leaves. Signs of plant edema include bumps on the leaves, white build-up under the leaf, bumps, blisters, etc.
You can treat plant edema by using well-drained soil, avoiding over-fertilization, and ensuring proper light is received by the plant.
Also Read: Chilli Flowers Dropping Off | Plant Not Fruiting
Calcium deficiency
Calcium is not only required for strong bones but is also needed in pepper plant growth to make strong cell walls. Calcium deficiency weakens the cell walls, and thus, the leaves get easily curled or bent.
Other signs of calcium deficiency include brown spots or yellow discoloration of the leaves. Calcium and magnesium can be provided as secondary minerals to ensure healthy cell growth and strong walls.
Insects
Insect damage and their eating habits make the pepper leaves curled. Curled and bubbled leaves are a sign that insects have been feasting on them. However, insect infestation generally happens on a single leaf and not the whole plant.
Insects like spider mites and thrips can cause problems for the plant. To effectively manage this problem, handpick the infected leaves and burn them to prevent insects from flying away.
Spray neem oil regularly to keep away pests and introduce insect-eating creatures like- ladybugs. Ladybugs feed on insects and not pepper plants, thus ensuring good care.
Also Read: How to Get Rid of Ants in Vegetable Garden?
Bacteria
A bacterial infection can also be the underlying cause, and brown spots and discoloration can recognize this along with curled leaves.
Also Read: What Not to Plant With Cucumbers?
How to Care for a Pepper Plant?
Pepper plants are an excellent addition to any garden; they are beautiful, colorful, vibrant with lush fruits. For a splash of color in any monotonous kitchen garden- the paper plant is the answer.
Growing a pepper plant is not very challenging. However, proper knowledge is imperative and will go a long way. Let’s see how to grow and take care of a pepper plant to avoid problems like the curling of leaves.
#1 Temperature
Temperature is the most crucial factor while growing a pepper plant. Start early and plant the seed in warm environments. As mentioned earlier, pepper plants need temperatures ranging between 21-32 degrees celsius to grow.
If you live in a tropical country, plant the seed during early summer and always within the house. Let the seeds soak the warm indoors and germinate. Germination should start in a couple of weeks.
If you have doubts regarding your house being warm enough, place a warm mat under the tray and cover it with a plastic wrap after watering to create the right conditions. Before placing the pepper plant outdoors, ensure that there is no frost.
#2 Mulch
Good mulching will go a long way in planting peppers. Black mulch and ground clippings work well in keeping the soil warm and the pests away. Remember, the warmer the temperature, the better it is for the pepper plant.
#3 Watering
Pepper plants do well in warm temperatures but can die in sweltering weather. Also, pepper plants need good drainage, so choose a pot with drainage holes and let the topsoil absorb water before removing the excess.
Gardeners living in hot environments may water the plant twice every day if the temperature is too high and the peppers are dry. Underwatering will spoil the taste of peppers by making them bitter.
Overwatering will clog the roots leading to waterlogging, which prevents the roots from absorbing water required for photosynthesis. Water the plant carefully by gauging the temperatures and water needs of your plant. Pro tip- look for dampness in the soil.
Also Read: Tomato Seeds Sprouting Inside Tomato
#4 Sunlight
Pepper plants need sunlight and don’t do well indoors. Keep the pepper plants outside, and if the area is too sunny, use a cloth to provide shade, do not keep the plant indoors unless it is a heatwave.
#5 Pests
Keep a close eye on the pepper plant for the possible infestation of pests and viruses. Pests eat away the leaves giving them a curled and unhealthy look. Pests can also eat away the pepper fruits and destroy your spoils of gardening.
Regularly spray natural pesticides and insecticides to keep away mites.
#6 Fertilize
Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to fertilize the plant regularly. A balanced and low-nitrogen fertilizer would keep the soil health without adversely affecting the fruit growth.
Also Read: How to Grow Turnips from Scraps?
Benefits of the Pepper Plant
#1 Health benefits
The pepper plant, which grows bell peppers, has a long list of medicinal benefits such as reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration (eye-related problems), cancer, being high in antioxidants, promoting healthy skin, and more.
The High presence of antioxidants in the pepper plant makes it a very healthy option as they are associated with reducing the risk of heart diseases. The pepper plant is also rich in iron and thus prevents anemia, especially in women who are prone to it.
The presence of rich nutrients like C, E, and beta-carotene, polyphenols, and lutein in pepper plant helps in reducing the risks of chronic illnesses related to sedentary lifestyles.
#2 Weight loss
Pepper plants contain barely any calories and are very rich in fiber and water. Pepper makes for an excellent snack or a salad addition as it is very low on calories but full of flavor. The pepper plant accelerates weight loss by being low on calories and yet filling in taste.
The presence of a variety of nutrients and vitamins in the plant ensures that no deficiencies occur.
#3 Healthy skin
The pepper plant is rich in antioxidants which are scientifically proven to promote healthy and clear skin. Antioxidants prevent damage to the skin that free radicals might cause. Antioxidants are widely used in skincare products like serums, sunscreens, and more.
#4 Blood sugar
The pepper plant is also believed to lower blood sugar levels and keep them in check; this makes it a good gardening option for diabetic individuals. Studies show that pepper plants can help in glucose level management and encourage an overall healthy body.
#5 Gut health
Pepper plants are excellent in ensuring gut health. Bell peppers are rich in fiber and water, thus preventing constipation. Peppers also ease gastrointestinal issues.
Tips to take care of your pepper plant
- Place it outdoors
- Shade the plant if the sun is too bright
- Warm temperature is appreciated
- Mulch well
- Water carefully-neither too much nor too little
- Low nitrogen fertilizer should be used
Conclusion
Pepper plants are lush, green plants that prefer sunlight and warm temperatures. Curling of pepper plant leaves can be for several reasons like- insects, bacterial infection, too much light, water problems, etc.
Find the root cause and effectively treat it in a timed manner.