Naga Jolokia Pepper

Naga Jolokia Peppers are drought-tolerant and require low levels of moisture—but be sure to never let them totally dry out. Allow the surface of the soil to become slightly dry before you water again. When in doubt, go easy on the water and provide a thorough but infrequent drink. Over-watering is one of the most common causes of stress and death for pepper plants, so be sure to never saturate them.

Naga Jolokia Peppers enjoy bright and sunny conditions, they thrive in full sun, but can tolerate partial or full-shade as well. Place your plant in an area with plenty of bright light, preferably near a south- or east-facing window. The plant should be rotated every few weeks, or whenever the light source switches, so that all sides receive an equal amount of light.

Optimal temperatures for this pepper are between 70 and 86°F (21–30°C) during the day and between 50 and 70°F (10–21°C) at night. Avoid placing them near drafts, heating, or air-conditioning units as fluctuations in temperature can be stressful to the plant.

Humidity is very important for the proper growth of these pepper plants. They thrive in very moist environments—ideal conditions are around 80 percent humidity. If your home is on the drier side, misting your plant once or twice a day is necessary. A pebble tray or a humidifier can also be added to raise the air’s moisture levels.

Naga Jolokia Peppers prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of around 6.0. A high-quality cactus soil mix is best, but a blend of potting soil and roughly equal parts of perlite and sand should also work just fine.

Fertilize your Naga Jolokia Pepper every two weeks to one month with a high-nitrogen fertilizer during its growth period. Heavier applications should be done during its blooming period. Avoid using a fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of more than 7:7:7, as this can burn the plant. When the pepper starts to ripen, switch to a high-potassium fertilizer such as a 5:7:5 blend.

Caterpillars, aphids, thrips, and spider mites can be a pest to Naga Jolokia Peppers. To prevent infestation, regularly inspect your plant and prune away damaged foliage. If pests are already present, use neem oil as an organic pest control. Natural solutions like diluted isopropyl alcohol or garlic oil can also help get rid of pesky bugs. To ensure that the majority, if not all, of the pests are gone, physically remove them and treat the soil with insecticidal soap or horticultural oils.

Naga Jolokia Peppers should be repotted every 2 – 3 years when the plant becomes root-bound. Repotting will ensure that it receives enough space and nutrient-rich soil to continue to grow and produce fruit. When repotting, avoid using a pot that is too big, as this can cause excess moisture retention and stunt growth.

Pruning is not necessary for Naga Jolokia Pepper plants, but it can promote healthy growth and active fruiting. Prune away dead or diseased stems, as well as any shoots that are growing too close together. Regularly remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves for optimal light penetration.

Mulch around the base of the Naga Jolokia Pepper to help conserve water and keep temperature and humidity levels high. Organic mulch such as berries, dry grass, wood chips, or straw works great and helps to add natural nutrients to the soil.

Naga Jolokia Peppers can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings, and root divisions. Sow the seeds in nutrient-rich soil, and keep the soil warm and moist. For stem cuttings, take a 4-inch (10 cm) tip and place it directly in a moist soil, water, and wait until the cutting takes root. With root divisions, choose a healthy, parent plant and gently remove it from the pot to reveal its roots. Divide the roots gently into two or more sections, and replant each division into a pot of its own.

Naga Jolokia Peppers do not require any support to hold up their foliage, but staking or caging can be beneficial when heavy fruit or stem growth occurs.

Naga Jolokia Peppers do not require any specific rest period. Once the plant has grown and matured, it will still require cyclic, infrequent watering and light exposure.

Naga Jolokia Peppers do not present any toxicity and are safe to keep around households with pets.