health My Serrano isn’t doing so hot. Help me figure out what’s wrong?

[ProjectileTeeth]

Okay, so this summer I had a serrano and a habanero plant in containers on my porch, and both did pretty well, as far as I could tell (first year doing this). I brought them both in when it started getting cold, and I chopped up the habanero down to its stalks, and it has recovered nicely. I bought a cheap-ass grow light on Amazon, as you can see. Ive watered the plant with fish fertilizer diluted in the watering can, and Ive spread bonemeal on the surface of the soil before watering. Ive kept the grow light on for about 18 hours a day, in our south-facing window. We live in a highly populated area with houses close together, so it only gets a few hours of sunlight a day, if were lucky and its not cloudy. I havent had much airflow on the plant (next to zero) but I didnt think a lack of wind (even artificial) would be detrimental to its health.

So I ask you, o pepper-sages, what is wrong with my plant? Also, is it dead? Can I chop this bad boy down like I did with my habanero, and it will bounce back by the last frost, or is all hope gone?

Ive pretty much given up on the serrano, but if I can salvage it, I will be happy.

So that said, I am going to start seedlings indoors, soon. First time doing that, too. I dont completely trust that this $30 light isnt going to screw up my seedlings, or provide enough light for the 11x22 tray Ill be growing them in. Curious if I should buy another light to supplement this one, or just get an entire new light for the large tray Ill be using.

Editing multiple times to make sure my photos are right-side-up...

 

[willard3]

What do the roots look like?

 

[ProjectileTeeth]

No idea, should I uproot it and take photos? Seems fucked whether I do or don't.

Also, any idea if this light will do the trick for 96 some seedlings?

 

[Powelly]

Doesn't look dead but doesn't look too happy
Sometimes you need to consider if the work to fix it is worth the effort compared to growing a new plant
 
May as well overwinter it and let the pepper gods decide it's fate

 

[ProjectileTeeth]

So I chopped up the serrano, and when I did, a few gnats were roused from their hiding places. Any idea what these bugs are, and what consequences they might have for my habanero plant thats doing alright, or the seedlings Im about to plant? Do I need to bust out the been oil? Been afraid to, because our cat has an annoying habit of nibbling on the leaves from time to time.