Also known as Apple Chile · Chamburoto · Chile
Tree pepper (Capsicum pubescens) is a perennial shrub-like pepper known for its fuzzy leaves and ability to produce fruit for many years.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit production. Can tolerate some shade.
Consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging
50% intensity
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Reduce in cooler months.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-25°C. Protect from frost; it is not frost-tolerant.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate feeding during growing season
50% intensity
Use balanced fertilizer during growth, switch to high P/K for fruiting. Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Capsicum pubescens prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler months or when the plant is not actively fruiting to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid issues.
Prune Capsicum pubescens to maintain its shrub-like form and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pinching back young plants promotes branching.
In late winter or early spring, you can prune to shape the plant and remove old wood to stimulate new growth for the season.
Propagate Capsicum pubescens from seeds sown in spring. Soak seeds for 24 hours before sowing in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Maintain warm temperatures (20-25°C) and consistent moisture.
Germination can take 2-4 weeks. Cuttings can also be taken from mature plants and rooted in moist soil or water.
Repot young Capsicum pubescens plants annually in spring, moving them to a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound.
Use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Tree Pepper (Capsicum pubescens)
Where Tree Pepper (Capsicum pubescens) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Capsicum |
| Species | Capsicum pubescens |
Similar in genus Capsicum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
