Photo: Florencia GrattarolaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Pepper Tree Plant Care
Schinus engleri F.A.Barkley
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique feather-like leaves that are a vibrant shade of green. Originally from South America, specifically Argentina, Schinus engleri attracts plant collectors with its striking foliage that adds a touch of elegance and interest to any garden or indoor space.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Pepper Tree?
Plant Pepper Tree in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Pepper Tree?
Pepper Tree (Schinus engleri) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family within the Schinus genus. Pepper Tree is native to Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Pepper Tree displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 25 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Pepper Tree produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pepper Tree?
Water a young or newly planted Pepper Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Pepper Tree Need?
Pepper Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pepper Tree Prefer?
Schinus engleri tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Pepper Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pepper Tree?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Pepper Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pepper Tree?
Feed Pepper Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Pepper Tree?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Pepper Tree is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Pepper Tree?
Pepper Tree can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 25 ft (8 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Pepper Tree?
Prune Pepper Tree 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 tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Pepper Tree in Winter?
Pepper Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Pepper Tree?
Pepper Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Pepper Tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pepper Tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pepper Tree?
Pepper Tree 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pepper Tree Need?
Pepper Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pepper Tree is native to Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. In cooler regions, grow Pepper Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Pepper Tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Schinus genus — compare its care with other Schinus species on PlantoScan.
Schinus is part of the Anacardiaceae plant family — browse all Anacardiaceae genera and species.
Pepper Tree thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Schinus engleri F.A.Barkley, family Anacardiaceae (first published in Brittonia 5: 178 (1944)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pepper Tree, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Florencia Grattarola, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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