I have this reaper plant that was started over the summer in a qt size pot, by the fall it needed a larger size so I transfered it to a bit of a larger pot but not 5 gal. The roots were taking up the whole pot when it was moved and I did not disturb them at all so when it got into this bigger pot it grew more on the top, it's now top heavy and falling over, can I trim the top off and not hurt the plant? I do have 2 other plants which are doing very well indoors so I won't be without a plant. Any suggestions?
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top heavy carolina reaper
- Thread starter laserbeam
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You "can" trim it down to almost any node on the main trunk, as long as it's as healthy as it looks and you're leaving a small number of leaves to keep the plant alive and regenerating.
It is NOT to say that you should, but I have done so for virtually every overwinter I have grown. Yes, I have lost a plant here and there for various reasons, but most survive and thrive: they need less water and care through the winter, and in a lot of cases you'll be amazed at the robust result.
If you were to do that, it's not a bad idea to replant it in fresh soil, wash and consider a trim to the rootball, and don't freak if it goes dormant for a time. My overwinters have never demanded direct sunlight, but good lighting is a must.
Disclaimer: There are guys here WAY better than I at this stuff, they taught me everything I pretend to know.....
It is NOT to say that you should, but I have done so for virtually every overwinter I have grown. Yes, I have lost a plant here and there for various reasons, but most survive and thrive: they need less water and care through the winter, and in a lot of cases you'll be amazed at the robust result.
If you were to do that, it's not a bad idea to replant it in fresh soil, wash and consider a trim to the rootball, and don't freak if it goes dormant for a time. My overwinters have never demanded direct sunlight, but good lighting is a must.
Disclaimer: There are guys here WAY better than I at this stuff, they taught me everything I pretend to know.....
Forgot to add, at the top of the page:
http://thehotpepper.com/topic/25596-the-comprehensive-guide-to-over-wintering/
Good luck!
http://thehotpepper.com/topic/25596-the-comprehensive-guide-to-over-wintering/
Good luck!
you could cut it back a bit and also stake it up so it`s got good posture for next spring. 
A good trick, is to cut it down to a node where you still have good growth going on - but maybe not where you want to really trim to. After you trim it to the "temporary" node, wait for new terminal buds to appear, let them sprout some real leaves, and then go back for what you would have liked to trim down, in the first place.