Drooping leaves on habanero plant?

Question

I recently planted a very (or seemed) to be healthy and fruiting habanero plant outdoors about a week ago, Its been in the 90's and very hot and the plants leaves although large and very green seem to be drooping. Could this be soil conditions or the heat and direct sunight? I also feed it quite often once a week and have food sticks in the ground around it since I was told they are heavy feeders. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steven

Answer 1

I agree with the "hardening" of the plants.  However, I'm concerned about the "feeding" with the food sticks as well as other fertilizer.  You may be causing root damage with too much fertilizer.  Try using only dilute water soluble feeding according to the directions.  Keep the plants well watered.  If the soil has heavy clay, then the roots could be water logged.  I would wait until the plants start flowering to resume feeding the plants.

Answer 2

Peppers love heat so I doubt it is that - it sounds like they need more water if the leaves are drooping.  I feed my peppers miracle grow 1-2 time per week.

Answer 3

they are thirsty. water them twice a day. once in the morning before it gets hot.  and then at dawn. right when it's cool and not to hot.

Answer 4

It's probably a "hardening off" issue.  

That is, greenhouse grown plants have not faced wind nor extreme heat due to their highly regulated environment.  Planting them outdoors immediately after purchasing them, can stress the plant because wind is needed to strengthen the stems and they are not adapted to very high heat yet.

The remedy is really to take it slower, for a week or so after purchasing put the plant outdoors for longer and longer stretches of time each day.... and then plant it.  This is referred to as "hardening off."  

Not having done so is really not that big of a deal...a few leaves may yellow but after a couple weeks it should start to rebound and will be good as new soon.  Just make sure it has plenty of water and maybe lay off on the feeding until the plant is slightly more established.

Answer 5

You should have transplanted it earlier in the year. It needs to establish a root system before it starts getting hot. The plant will probably die and all that fertilizer will not help. It will burn it. Fertilizer should be used sparingly. Next time transplant earlier in the year depending on your location. June is too late, especially where the temperature is in the 90s. Also setting it outside for a while during the day is a good idea before you put it in the ground.