Chile Pipo Plant Care

Chile Pipo (Capsicum eximium) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Capsicum genus. Chile Pipo is native to the New World, specifically the Andean region of South America. Chile Pipo is also known as Peruvian Wild Chili, Pepper.

Chile Pipo displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Chile Pipo produces small white or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chile Pipo every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chile Pipo thrives in full sun.

Capsicum eximium tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Chile Pipo prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Chile Pipo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chile Pipo every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining, fertile soil with added compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chile Pipo is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chile Pipo can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chile Pipo while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chile Pipo is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chile Pipo can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bell pepper plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chile Pipo is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chile Pipo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Chile Pipo is native to the New World, specifically the Andean region of South America. In cooler regions, grow Chile Pipo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.