How to Fix Common Problems With Peppers Plants

Pepper plants are easy to grow and it’s very rare to have unexpected issues with them if you maintain them well. That being said, there are problems that could arise and it’s important to know how to identify them and the best solutions.    

What are the most common problems with pepper plants? There are numerous diseases and even bugs that could attack a pepper plant, including slugs, aphids, blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew, and more. Sun scorch is another common problem with pepper plants that are planted/growing in the full sun, rather than growing in partial shade.

Read on below to learn the main characteristics of the most common problems with pepper plants and how to solve them!

Identifying and Fixing Common Problems with Pepper Plants

While sunlight and water are basically everything a pepper plant needs to grow (so long they are planted in healthy soil with plenty of organic matter and nutrients in it), there are a number of problems that you need to be aware of.

Problems With Pepper Plants (and Solutions)

Here is a list of the main problems you may encounter while growing pepper plants, and how to solve them:

1. Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a very common bacterial disease in pepper plants. It starts with yellow spots on the leaves, which later turn brown and enlarge causing the leaves to drop. If left unchecked leaf spot can spread and infect your entire plant (and the ones near it).

Solution

There is no cure for this disease. However, using copper fungicide and removing the infected leaves will prevent the disease from spreading. 

2. Blight

Blight is a fungal disease very common in hot climates. When affected by blight, the stems rot and the pepper plant eventually wilts and dies.

Solution

Rotation of vegetable crops and growing disease-resistant varieties of pepper could prevent these things from happening. Unfortunately, the disposal of the plant is the only real solution for pepper plants with blight.

3. Slugs

You will find little holes on the leaves that will indicate that slugs are feeding on the pepper plant. If left unattended slugs can kill a small plant. 

Solution

Slugs thrive in shady conditions, moving the plants to sunnier places will solve the problem. If it’s not possible to move the plants, you can fill a small pot with a few inches of beer and put it near the plant. Slugs love beer and end up drowning in it.   

4. Scorching (Sun Scalding)

If pepper seedling starts inside, you will have to gradually introduce the plant to outside conditions. Otherwise, they will experience droopiness due to sun exposure. As a result of sun scalding the plants will stop growing and could eventually die. 

Solution

Moving the plants to shaded places and enough water will help the plants recover from sun scalding. 

5. Aphids

Aphids suck fluids from the stem and leaves of the pepper plants. This infestation is very rare in pepper plants grown outside, where mostly the predators keep aphids in check. 

Solution

If you overwinter pepper plants, you should spray the steam, the leaves, and the soil surface with insecticidal soap to prevent an aphid infestation.

6. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease in which the undersides of the leaves turn white. It can be transmitted to other plants by wind, water, and insects. 

Solution

Fungicides will help control the disease if treated as soon as the symptoms are visible. To prevent powdery mildew it is advisable to plant pepper plants in full sunlight and separated from one another.

Suggested Reading: How to Grow Peppers: Gardening Guide