Why does my plant look like it's on the verge of death?

Asked by jca (36062

) February 4th, 2016

My mom gave me an ornamental pepper plant a few months ago. It was gorgeous – tiny red peppers about two inches long and green foliage in abundance. There are about 5 different plants and they were in a small pot.

In order to give them more room, I transplanted them. 4 into a larger pot and I left one in the small pot. I used potting soil. The two pots are in my office window, facing bright light but indirect sun. I have a window unit heater which I can turn on and off at whim, and I usually like it fairly warm.

I keep the soil reasonably moist but there have been times when it’s not always damp.

The leaves are curling and looking droopy. Two days ago I cut the dead peppers off and just left ¼ inch stumps. I thought that maybe the peppers were draining the plants of energy.

Any Jellies know about plants?

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

3 Answers

Ornamental pepper plants are annuals that grow best in warm areas., so I would guess that your plant has borne fruit and lived it’s life, or

“Ornamental pepper plants are susceptible to leaf spot and wilt diseases, especially when grown in wet soil and in areas with poor air circulation. Once a plant is infected, it is best to remove and destroy it to prevent the spread of disease. Do not replace the plant with another ornamental pepper.”
Same source.

ibstubro (18804

)“Great Answer” (1

) Flag as…

Sounds like over watering to me. My indoor plants especially in winter get watered only once a week and I take care to not over soak the soil. Did you add any fertilizer ever? Bearing fruit takes a lot of energy for plants and it may be saying “feed me”!

Cruiser (40449

)“Great Answer” (0

) Flag as…