Bush-pepper Plant Care

Bush-pepper (Maerua cafra) belongs to the Capparaceae family within the Maerua genus. Bush-pepper is native to Africa and Asia. Bush-pepper is also known as Cape Maerua.

Bush-pepper displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Bush-pepper produces small white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bush-pepper every 7–14 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.

Bush-pepper thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Maerua cafra tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Bush-pepper prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bush-pepper to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bush-pepper every 6 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 to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bush-pepper is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

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.

Bush-pepper can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Bush-pepper 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.

Bush-pepper is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bush-pepper can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to namibian bottle tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Bush-pepper is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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.

Bush-pepper grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Bush-pepper is native to Africa and Asia. In cooler regions, grow Bush-pepper as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.