Peruvian Pepper

Peruvian Pepper Care

Schinus molle

What is the plant

To identify Peruvian pepper, look for a tree or shrub with compound gray-green leaves and small pink or red berries. This species can grow up to 30 feet (10 meters) tall. The fruit can be used as a spicy condiment or in tea but is not commonly used.

Peruvian Pepper (Schinus molle) is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, including other plants such as cashews and poison ivy. The fast-growing, evergreen tree is native to South America, specifically to the Andean regions of Peru, Chile, and Argentina, but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia, where it is often grown as an ornamental plant. It is also known as Californian Peppertree.

You can identify the Peruvian pepper by its oval-shaped, feathery, and compound leaves, with up to 19 leaflets. The bark is light gray to brown and can be smooth or slightly scaly.

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Humidity

Normal

Temperature

15°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 12

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Peruvian Pepper is drought-tolerant and requires moderate watering. Let the soil dry for a while between waterings.
Pruning
Does not require heavy pruning. Remove damaged, diseased, or dead wood before new growth begins, in late winter or early spring.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer appropriate for perennial plants, once a month during the growing period (spring to summer). It is not advised to fertilize during the dormant period (winter). Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for dosage and application.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Prefers full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Can tolerate light shade.
Soil
This greenie can grow in a range of soil types but prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0-7.0 If you are growing it in a container, use a commercial potting mix specifically formulated for container plants.
Propagation
You can propagate Peruvian Pepper with seeds. Sow directly in the container or ground. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination. Germination can take up to several months. It’s best to start them indoors during the winter months.

Another way of propagating Peruvian Pepper is by stem cutting. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still soft and pliable. Cut 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long stem just below a leaf node and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Optionally, dip the cut end of the stem cutting into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Keep the cutting in a warm location with high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed (usually 4-6 weeks).

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Temperature
The ideal temperature range is between 60-80°F (16-27°C), but can tolerate some heat and frost.
Container
Choose a very large and durable container since the plant can reach up to 30 feet (10 meters) high. Use a container with good drainage to allow excess water to drain away and prevent waterlogging.
Fun fact
In traditional South American medicine, fruits of Schinus are used in treating various ailments, such as stomach problems and respiratory issues.