What's wrong with my habanero chili plant? Why are the leaves wrinkling?

2 days ago by Günther Unlustig 🍄 to c/gardening

It's not a nutrient issue, I tested the pH and EC.

I also doubt it's dehydration or suffocation, because it's in an optimal hydroponic environment.

So, there's only three options left I guess.

Option 1: wind damage.
It was quite stormy about one or two weeks ago. Maybe it got root damage (unlikely, small plant), or it bend too much?

Option 2: temperature fluctuations.
At the same time of the storm, the night temperatures dropped quite a bit (lowest: 12°C). And now, it raised to 40°C just a few days after.
Or,

Option 3: sunburn.
It's under a shaded cloth, and gets direct sun only at afternoon, if at all.
All other plants (e.g. pepino) do very well and have no light stress.

Or is it something different?

It also lost a few pollinated buds. Is that a very bad sign?

New growth this week has appeared wrinkled as well.

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nerv 7 points 2 days ago

Heat shock. I know those leaves from afar.

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Guenther_Amanita 1 point 2 days ago

Makes sense. Is it the temperature or the light part?

For heat, I can do nothing about.

But I can give it some shade. It's already under a shade cloth, but gets full (side) sun from 15-19 o clock. Should I shield it from that? From what I know pepper plants LOVE heat and sun, the more the better. But is it too much?

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nerv 3 points 2 days ago

Temperature. You had really low temperatures followed by a sharp hike. That induced thermal shock. Are you having cooler nights with some humidity?

And you are right; those are in the nightshade family; they enjoy full sun.

They seem to be getting sun burn; I'd change the watering schedule to the late evening and allow the plants to get more sun gradually, especially in the morning.

Give the plants a supplement to encourage new foliage development.

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Guenther_Amanita 1 point a day ago

Very helpful, thanks a lot! 🌞

Then I'll give it more shade and see how it reacts.

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