How to Care for an Ornamental Pepper Plant Inside for the Winter

Dig up your ornamental pepper plant if it is in the ground and transfer it to a large pot. Generally, a 2-gallon container works for ornamentals. If your plant is already in a pot, remove the current potting mix, replace it with fresh mix and water well to get rid of any existing bugs in the soil.

Spray an insecticidal soap over every part of the pepper plant and the top of the potting mix until drenched. Leave the solution on for a few minutes and then spray down the plant with water to remove it.

Leave your plant outdoors for one to two days to see if you find any insect activity. If so, repeat the insecticidal soap process until the bugs stop.

Place your ornamental pepper plant in a sunny indoor area that receives a few hours of light a day. If necessary, hang fluorescent lights above the plant to supplement this light requirement.

Water your plant when the soil gets dry. Check by pushing your index finger up to the second knuckle in the mix and see if any soil sticks. If not, hydrate the soil.

Watch for bugs and spray the plant with insecticidal soap if they appear. Although indoors, pepper plants can still be attacked by insects like aphids.

Move your ornamental pepper plant back outdoors when temperatures repeatedly stay about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the last threat of frost is passed. For many areas, this is during the months of March and April, but check the weather report for your particular location to be sure.