This is my only Habanero plant. It seems pretty happy and healthy but I am wondering since some of the leaves naturally rest on the soil should I clip those off? I read that leaves touching soil can introduce soil-born diseases and my leaves are just resting on some Espoma chicken manure 🫣
by fishlore123
4 Comments
A lot of this comes down to preference, but I’d prune what’s touching the soil. It would most likely be fine as-is, but…
I typically prune anything that’s touching the soil because of bugs and moisture damage. Is it hot there? Seems weepy.
From personal experience, soil disease is more prevalent in dirt that has been used year after year. Mixes purchased and used for one season are less likely to transfer any diseases to the pants.
Plant is looking great and is just about to fork. Once that happens it will start to grow faster. I lollipop my plants but you’re too early for that. Generally, avoid taking off leaves, especially the bigger lower leaves because it will reduce the plant’s vigor.
What I would do though is look for any side shoots you can take off. They take energy away from the plant and stop it from growing up.
Once it has forked and then forked again I would consider taking off the lowest leaves but if they are healthy you can generally leave them.