Here is a second picture just in case it helps.

Sorry double post

This post was edited by Hilary123 on Wed, Aug 7, 13 at 13:05

wow. you gotta give us some more info. how long have you had it, what region do you live in, etc.

it's a thai pepper, right?

I am in the northeast of England and have owned the plant for approximately a month. The plant was labelled British Chilli Plant.

If it helps I have only been watering it when the soil under the topsoil is dry and feeding it a diluted tomato feed every second or third time.

Sorry I am brand new to gardening and apparently I have a black thumb. :(

Hard to tell whats going on here but just a guess.. I would have to say the plant is root-bound in that small clay pot and that salt circle for the slugs seeped into the roots harming the plant altogether. If you have slugs I would suggest a shallow plate or bowl with a little beer in it, the slugs take a drink and drown in it - maybe they get drunk I don't know but it's a lot safer for the plant.
You maybe able to save it just yet, top the plant 6 inches from the soil line remove from the pot loosen and remove the soil by soaking it in a bucket of water and transplant into a new larger pot with some well drained soil. Give it time it just may surprise you.
Hope this helps.
-Eric-

Okay. This is trouble. It might be too late and since you have pods, replanting might be risky now that we're in the latter part of the season.

However, it does depend on your region as mentioned above.

I have had plants drop leaves, lots, but managed to get a recovery.

Here's what I did:

The way I see it, the root system is in trouble. As stated, I had a similar situation this year on one plant - though not as dire. It recovered well and happy. You also might not have any choice but to uproot and clean the root ball. That means carefully unraveling the roots that are bound to the side of the pot. Any rusty, dead looking roots should be clipped.

The size of the plant makes it difficult So having someone support the plant while you do the surgery might be required. It's important the roots are wet throughout the operation.

It's best to have your soil ready in the new pot so the plant doesn't have to wait around too long. Same sized pot is okay. Make sure the replanting soil is prepared not too soggy, but moist to the point where it is sticky, kind of like instant mashed potatoes when you haven't added enough water.

Replant and hope. No matter what, you will still lose leaves. The idea is to not save them, but get a new generation of shoots starting to replace them.

When I did this though it was much earlier in the growing season and I would hesitate doing it in mid-August. Re-establishment is always nerve racking because sometimes many days go by without any noticeable change in affairs. But when those new shoots start growing in earnest it is very satisfying.

Ok I just ran out to take a picture of the roots. Is this root bound? Regarding the slugs, the plant is now in the conservatory so there is no further problems. I ill remember the beer though in the future.

Wow that is definitely root-bound!

Is the soil dry or moist?

Thank you all so much. I've never heard of root-bound prior to this. Even though I don't seem to be making headway with my plants I am learning so much. I am going to try and replant the chilli tomorrow. If nothing else it will give me the opportunity to practice for the future. I'll keep you informed of the plants progress.

The soil is a slightly damp (more dry than wet). It was watered this morning.

This post was edited by Hilary123 on Wed, Aug 7, 13 at 22:14

I just wanted to update everyone on my plant. It has now been just over 24 hours since transplanting it to its new larger home. Although you can't really tell in the pictures, the color has vastly improved. There is also a few tiny new leaves forming which is giving me hope. The peppers on it continue to ripe as well. I used one last night with dinner, and they are hotter than ever. Eek! :)

I just wanted to say a huge THANKS!!!

I am glad it has responded quickly for you. Often they come back slow and your patience gets a real test for days on end.

R