Peperomia flower. Types and varieties with photos. Care and reproduction

Peperomia has gained fame as a very unpretentious house plant. Due to the variety of species, it is perfect for vertical gardening and hanging cultivation. Herbaceous species and shrubs look great in pots and containers.

This plant loves company and with its help you can create real corners of tropical nature indoors by planting dracaena, ivy and philodendron in one container.

Peperomia - species that accumulate moisture

Peperomia stands out for its thick leaves of original colors.
About 30 species of this plant have been bred. And for all of them, decorativeness lies in the beauty of the foliage, and not in more than modest flowering. Succulent species do not require special care, as they prefer to store all nutrients in case of unfavorable conditions. Therefore, it grows slowly, which helps the plant maintain its decorative appearance. The origin of Peperomia is very exotic. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America. Under natural conditions it grows up to 50 cm, giving all its nutrients to powerful shoots and thick, waxy leaves. This plant is an epiphyte, it nests on the tops of the tallest plants to catch some sunlight. It collects nutrients from humus formed in the large forks of the tree.

Peperomia leaves not only have a rich palette of colors, but also vary greatly in shape between different varieties. Such diversity is difficult to imagine.

Reproduction and planting of peperomia

The easiest way to propagate adult peperomia is by dividing the rhizome during transplantation. It is important that the divisions are healthy and large enough. They quickly and easily take root in a new place.

During the year you can propagate the plant by cuttings. There must be at least 1-2 nodes on the shoots. It is best to root peperomia not in water, but immediately in loose soil and at high air humidity. Some bush species reproduce well by leaves using the same principle.

Photo: growandcare.com

Succulent species

Peperomia dolabriformis

A real succulent with very original leaves. They resemble circles folded in half. There are points at the tips. They are attached to a thick trunk, forming a star-shaped rosette. The leaves reach a length of 7 cm, and a width of about 2 cm. A dark green border is formed at the places where the leaves grow together.

The stems are erect, with few branches, reaching a height of 60 cm. But unlike many relatives, it blooms quite gracefully, producing branched inflorescences with small white-greenish flowers.

Peperomia chisel

Peperomia columella (Peperomia columella) - Column

A very interesting species, striking in the uniqueness of its leaves. Many emerald-colored leaves, similar to dragon scales, densely cover the stem. It grows only 20 cm in height, so it is better to plant the flower in groups. When they reach a certain age, the stems begin to bend in an arched manner, and then they can be planted in pots and used as an hanging plant.

Peperomia columella

Peperomia ferreyrae

A striking representative of epiphytic succulent plants. All the beauty lies in the bright green leaves. They seem to have fused in the middle, and the place of this fusion is highlighted in a darker green color. The height of the plant does not exceed 30 cm, and the leaves can grow up to 7-8 cm in length. Since they contain a large amount of moisture, they are very elastic and thick in appearance. The plant loves moist soil, but does not tolerate stagnant water. Be sure to drain excess water from the pan. If the leaves are heavily dusted, you can make a small tropical rain from the shower with warm water, while being careful not to flood the soil substrate.

Peperomia Ferreira

Peperomia graveolens

The modest tropical beauty is one of the succulent species of Peperomia. All the beauty is in the leaves of this plant. Nature has colored them quite bizarrely. The leaves are light green above and ruby ​​or burgundy below. The leaves curl in an arc towards the most upright burgundy trunk. The whole appearance of the plant resembles sea coral, especially when the soil is covered with small sea pebbles. It grows as a small bush, up to 25 cm high. It blooms modestly, with long spikelets with light yellow flowers on long burgundy peduncles.

Peperomia verticillata

A perennial herbaceous plant, evergreen, with ampelous shoots drooping downwards. It has fleshy leaves of a grayish-green color. The whorled form of leaf attachment gives it its corresponding name. This variety is best propagated by cuttings. During the formation of the crown, you can set aside the cut tops for later rooting.

Peperomia whorled

Watering

Watering in the spring-summer period is carried out quite often, as soon as 2-3 cm of the soil substrate has dried. The water should be slightly above room temperature, soft and well purified.

In autumn and winter, watering is reduced and watered only when the entire lump of earth has dried out. The water from the pan must be drained to avoid the occurrence of fungal diseases and mold.

Heavy moisture can lead to rotting and death of the entire plant. Therefore, it is necessary to water carefully and in a timely manner.

Lighting

For Peperomia it is very important to choose a suitable place:

• It should be well lit, but the plant should not be placed in direct sunlight. This will cause burns on the leaves and the succulent will lose its natural appeal.
• The plant should also not be placed in shaded areas without additional artificial lighting. The plant will stretch out, the leaves will become smaller and faded than they should be. This is especially true for variegated forms of Peperomia.

Temperature

This amazing plant practically does not need a winter dormancy period. Peperomia tolerates cold periods well at temperatures not lower than 16 degrees. But even at room temperature the plant feels quite comfortable. In the summer, you can expose Peperomia to fresh air, but not to direct sunlight and avoid harmful drafts. Even a small draft will cause the plant to fall leaves and become diseased. The best place is a closed balcony or a place on the terrace in a place protected from the wind.

Humidity

The fleshy succulent leaves of Peperomia accumulate water well, so there is no point in artificially humidifying the air. However, the plant loves spraying. On hot summer days, you can arrange a small shower, which, in addition to moisturizing, also has hygienic functions: it frees the leaves from dust, since it is difficult to clean the leaves with a sponge. Shower with warm, soft water. Be sure to let the plant dry in the room before taking it out into the fresh air.

The soil

You can use traditional store-bought soil for cacti. You can make your own soil mixture. To do this you need to take in equal parts:

• Garden humus, steamed in the oven;
• leaf soil;
• peat, can be bought at a flower shop;
• coarse river sand, well washed in running water.

Mix all components until smooth, add fine-grained expanded clay, crushed coal and a little zeolite.

Pay special attention to drainage, since Peperomia has a small root system, it is necessary that the drainage occupies 1/3 of the flat pot. Drainage can be made from large expanded clay or broken red brick.

Transfer

The plant is replanted every three years. Peperomia grows quite slowly (meaning succulent species) and there is no need for frequent replanting. Most often, partial replanting is used - change the pot to a wider one, add soil mixture and replace 2-3 cm of old soil on top with fresh mixture.

Succulent species of this plant are perfect for growing in florariums, as they grow slowly and retain their decorative appearance for a long time.

Fertilizer

Fertilize throughout the active growing season. It is enough to buy complex fertilizer for succulents and cacti in the store and apply it according to the instructions along with watering. Fertilizers should be diluted in warm water. And don't overdo it, as strong concentrations can burn the delicate roots of succulent species. With the correct concentration and time of feeding, the colors of the plant become brighter.

Peperomia care at home

Peperomia are easy to care for; even a novice gardener can handle their maintenance, especially if he chooses the most popular species, which are guaranteed to perform well in an apartment (2).

Priming

Peperomia prefers loose and light soils that do not retain water and allow air to pass through well. Ready-made store-bought mixtures for succulents or ficuses are suitable; the most unpretentious peperomia (for example, peperomia obtufolia and peperomia wrinkled) can also be planted in universal soil for indoor plants, to which it is useful to add vermiculite.

Good drainage is important for peperomia - for this it is best to use expanded clay, which should occupy at least 1/3 of the volume of the pot.

Lighting

Peperomia need bright, diffused light without direct, especially hot, midday sun. The leaves of most peperomia are tender, so the rays can leave burns on them. When grown in a south or southeast window, plants need to be provided with slight shading.

Species and varieties of peperomia with green leaves can grow in slight shade - for example, at some distance from the window. Varieties with red, yellow and variegated leaves require constant bright light.

A sign of lack of light in peperomia is shredding of leaves, loss of brightness, elongation of shoots and slowing growth. According to the observations of flower growers, the lack of light is best tolerated by peperomia obtufolia.

Humidity

Peperomia are generally undemanding to air humidity, although in natural conditions they exist at a humidity of about 60%. For most of the year, the room humidity level is quite sufficient for them, but in winter and late autumn it is advisable to spray the plants daily, since central heating dries out the air very much.

If a humidifier is running in the room, spraying is not required. Succulent species of peperomia (graveolens, chisel-shaped, columnar) more easily tolerate winter dry air in apartments, so they can be sprayed less often.

Watering

Peperomia is one of those plants that “is better to underwater than overwater.” In the warm season, plants are watered only after the soil has dried. Stagnation of water in the pot and tray leads to root rot and death of the plant. In the cold season, watering is reduced to a minimum, no more than once every 1 - 2 weeks.

A sign of a lack of moisture in peperomia is the loss of turgor of the lower leaves and their falling off; this is what you can focus on when determining the watering regime. In the summer heat (at temperatures above 25 °C), peperomia leaves may lose their tone and begin to wither - this is a reaction to high temperatures, and inexperienced gardeners often try to solve the problem with additional watering. This cannot be done: instead of moistening the soil, the plants need to be sprayed frequently.

Succulent peperomia (graviolens, chisel-shaped, columnar and some others) require special care when watering: they are able to store moisture in their fleshy leaves, so excessive watering is especially harmful for them.

Water for watering peperomia should be settled, soft and warm enough (not lower than room temperature). During the cold season, it is not recommended to water peperomia standing on the windowsill in the evening: at night the temperature outside the window drops significantly, and due to the proximity to cold glass, the roots of the peperomia may become hypothermic. Experienced flower growers even recommend placing a board or any other material under pots of peperomia for the winter that will insulate them from the cold windowsill.

Fertilizers

Most peperomia are suitable for universal fertilizers for decorative leafy houseplants. Peperomia graveolens, chisel-shaped and columnar can be fed with them, but on a different schedule, or you can use fertilizers for cacti and succulents.

For all peperomia, it is most convenient to use liquid fertilizers, which are applied along with watering: the root system of peperomia is very sensitive, and dry fertilizers can cause burns to the roots.

Feeding

During the active growing season (from approximately April to the end of September), peperomia are fed 2 times a month, succulent and small-leaved species - once a month. Peperomia do not have a winter dormant period, so in winter it is also necessary to fertilize, but half as often: once a month.

Succulent peperomias do not need to be fed in winter or fertilized no more than once every 2 months.

Trimming

Pruning (pinching out the tops) is used to form bush and ampelous peperomia: this avoids the growth of shoots and stimulates tillering. In peperomia obtufolia, pruning shoots at a height of about 20 cm is especially important, since stems that are too long can lie down and break under their own weight.

Short pruning sometimes rejuvenates and revitalizes shoots that have begun to produce small or too sparse foliage.

The optimal time for pruning peperomia is spring and early summer, during the period of active growth.

Succulent peperomias are usually not pruned.

Diseases and pests

Peperomia suffers greatly from low temperatures and stagnant water.

• The root system is quickly susceptible to putrefactive diseases. If the plant is left for a long time in conditions that are not comfortable for it, it may completely die. Signs of the disease are leaf lethargy and falling off . If the rot has not damaged the entire plant, then you can try to save it by cutting out the diseased areas with a sharp knife and sprinkle with ash or crushed coal;
• Also, with high humidity, the plant can be affected by powdery mildew; it is revealed by a light gray coating on the lower part of the leaf. Pests can enter a plant either when they are in the fresh air or when purchased;
• Most often, the plant is affected by spider mites and mealybugs , less often Peperomia is affected by a nematode. These places must be removed with a sharp knife and sprinkled with crushed coal.

Peperomia diseases

With proper care, peperomia are rarely affected by diseases, and the main cause of possible problems is excessive watering.

Root rot. The main sign of a problem with the root system is wilting of leaves throughout the plant (periodic death of old lower leaves is the norm).

If such a symptom appears, you need to stop watering until the earthen ball dries completely, and then transplant the plant into fresh soil. When replanting, you need to assess the condition of the roots and remove all those affected by rot, and sprinkle the sections with crushed activated carbon. After transplanting into a new container, peperomia can be watered with any fungicide suitable for indoor plants.

Stem rot. Often, excessive watering leads to rot of the stems or petioles: they darken and soften at ground level, the leaves wither and are easily separated from the plant.

If the lesion is small, drying the earthen clod and removing the affected parts helps. In case of severe damage, the algorithm of action is the same as for root rot: peperomia needs to be treated with a fungicide and replanted.

Powdery mildew. It can also appear due to excessive watering. The main symptom is a white coating on the leaves and shoots, similar to mold.

The drugs Quadris, Privent, Strobi or Tiovit Jet will help you fight the disease.

Reproduction

Propagation by seeds, although it produces many seedlings, requires quite a lot of effort and attention:

• The soil for sowing is made from equal parts of leaf soil and river sand;
• The seeds are very small, so you need to try to distribute them evenly and press them a little into the soil;
• The container is covered with glass or plastic film;
• Place in a well-lit place and regularly spray the crops;
• Suitable temperature is 24-25 degrees. You also need to ventilate the greenhouse from time to time;
• After two true leaves appear, the seedlings are planted in another container with 2 cm gaps between plants. When they are thoroughly strengthened, they are transplanted into separate small pots.

The best method of propagation is cuttings:

• From hanging plants, cuttings with two or three internodes are taken;
• They can be placed in a glass of water;
• When a sufficient number of roots appear, immediately plant them in separate pots.

In other cases, you can propagate Peperomia by dividing the bush when replanting:

• Divide a large, strong bush into 2-3 parts, sprinkle the divisions with crushed coal.
• Plant each part in a suitable pot.

In exceptional cases, if you only get one leaf from a plant you like, don’t be discouraged. You need to shorten the cuttings a little and plant them in a peat-sand mixture, cover them with a plastic bag to create greenhouse conditions. As soon as new shoots emerge from the leaf, you need to plant them in a separate pot.

Transfer

Peperomia are loyal to transplants. For young plants, increase the diameter of the pot as they grow: as soon as the roots begin to “peek out” from the drainage holes. For some actively growing species, the procedure must be performed several times a year. Adult plants are replanted as needed, but at least once every two years.

Choosing the right pot and soil

Peperomia prefer slightly acidic, loose and moisture-absorbing soils. To create the optimal mixture, you will need 2 parts of leaf soil, 1 part each of peat, sand and perlite. You can purchase ready-made soil. In this case, it is better to choose a special mixture for peppers or, if there is none, for begonias.

Pots for peperomia are chosen to be tight, so that there is 4-5 cm left from the base of the bush to the side. In larger containers, the green pet quickly loses its decorative effect. When replanting, the diameter of the pot is increased by 2-3 cm at a time. If you immediately transplant the plant into a larger container with a reserve, the risk of developing fungal diseases increases.

Step-by-step transplant process

For a successful transplant, follow these steps:

1. Remove the plant along with the earthen lump from the old pot.
2. Free the roots from the ground and examine them carefully. If rotten or dead areas are found, they are removed.
3. Prepare a new pot: place a layer of drainage on the bottom, fill with fresh soil.
4. Make a hole in the ground and plant the peperomia without digging into the base of the bush.
5. Flush the soil thoroughly and remove excess water from the pan.

After transplantation, it is recommended to keep the plant in a greenhouse for 7-10 days.

Peperomia: types and varieties, cultivation features

A flower called peperomia - Peperomia (dwarf pepper) - most often a small herbaceous plant with thick leaves of different sizes and shapes, colors and structures. Belongs to the Piperaceae (Pepper) family. The homeland is considered to be Tropical America and Asia. The name translated from Greek means: “peperi” - “pepper” and “omos” - “same”. In nature, it can grow on bushes and tree bark, rotting parts of plants, in forests on soils rich in peat, and less often on rocky terrain. Popular names such as “pepper-like” or “plant with a rat’s tail” are common.

It can grow as a shrub, subshrub and sometimes as a hanging crop. Due to this, it is widely used at exhibitions and in floral compositions. The flower is rich in an abundance of shapes and shades, which makes it a welcome guest not only in homes, but also in botanical gardens. Thanks to its wide variety of species, it often serves as the basis for flower arrangements, and variegated varieties often play the role of bright additions and color accents.

Peperomia pests

Peperomia is affected by common pests of indoor plants: spider mites, thrips, mealybugs. Most often, plants that get sick are kept in rooms with very dry air and do not receive proper care and feeding.

Regular spraying is not only a good way to maintain the required humidity, but also a simple prevention of pest damage. If they do appear, washing the plants with laundry or special green soap can help in the early stages of damage.

If there are a lot of pests and the plant is badly damaged, only treatment with Actellik or Fitoverm will help (3).

If affected by thrips, it is also recommended to replace the top layer of soil in the pot.

Peperomia at flowering time

During flowering, peperomia produces numerous spikelet-shaped inflorescences, somewhat similar in appearance to the color of plantain, and inconspicuous small flowers. This is where the name “rat tail plant” comes from. The inflorescence reaches a length of 6-7 cm and is a thin, slightly twisted or bent process. Flowering usually occurs in spring or summer. The appearance of the flowers varies depending on the species and variety. Some flowering species have fragrant inflorescences. At the end of the flowering period, fruits are formed, which are presented in the form of small dry berries, very easily separated from the “cob”.

A photo of a blooming indoor peperomia is offered below for your reference - appreciate the extraordinary nature of the green “pet”:

A beautiful crop for collectors, especially for those who have limited space for plant placement. In addition, it is quite unpretentious, which makes the process of growing it simple. Home indoor peperomia flowers reach a height of 50-55 cm, dwarf varieties - up to 15-20 cm. The plant is distinguished by its great species diversity. The leathery, shiny leaves can be different shades of green and have all sorts of shapes - from small and thin to fleshy and wide with a curled end. The dense, fleshy stems of tall plants can bend under their own weight as they grow.

An interesting feature of this flower is that when you lightly rub the leaf plate with warm hands, you can feel a delicate subtle aroma, somewhat similar to the smell of bell pepper.

Convince yourself of the rich variety of indoor peperomia flowers by looking at the photo below:

The images show several examples of this unusual plant.

general description

Peperomia clusifolia is a plant reaching half a meter in height with characteristic large fleshy stems tending upward.
The arrangement of the leaves is regular - short roots are also characteristic, most often no more than a centimeter.

themselves are obovate- shaped with a notch at the top and a wedge-shaped base - juicy and fleshy, colored in dark tones of green with reddish reflections and a narrow figured border of a royal purple shade running along the edge.

There is no shine on the smooth outer surface of the leaves , and the lower part is red.

The flowering is spike-shaped (occasionally the tip is bent), dense inflorescences are collected from the smallest milky flowers with a slight golden tint.

Varieties and varieties of peperomia: photos, names and descriptions of indoor plants

According to the latest information, there are more than 1160 species of this plant. Conventionally, they can be divided into three varieties of peperomia flowers:

Some types of peperomia flower can be grown as hanging plants in shallow pots. Such varieties are characterized by the presence of downward falling stems up to 1.2-1.5 m long. If necessary, they can be trimmed in the spring if they do not look too thick. This provokes the formation of new side shoots.

The ampelous types include:

• Climbing.
• Creeping.
• Pereskifolia.
• Glabella.
• Round-leaved.
• Bug.
• Rotundifolia.

Below is a description of some of them. Types of hanging peperomia and the names of varieties bred from them with attached corresponding photos are presented below:

Peperomia scandens Variegata (climbing) is a beautiful type of flower, which is characterized by the presence of a compact root system and the accumulation of water in the leaves and stems. The leaf plate is round in shape and beige in color as it grows, stretches up to 5-6 cm and forms a pointed end, while acquiring a green color.

Peperomia serpens (creeping) has an oval-shaped leaf blade with a pronounced pointed end. The color is dark green with a cream edging at the end.

Peperomia pereskiafolia is another species of dwarf pepper with small, dark-colored foliage and pronounced veins. The leaf plates are collected in rosettes of 4-5 pieces.

Species of peperomia glabella (Peperomia glabella) - peperomia head. The shoots grow upward first and droop only when they become too heavy.

Peperomia rotundifolia (round-leaved) is a type of houseplant called peperomia that has small, round leaves that are light green in color and have a delicate texture that is pleasant to the touch.

Peperomia angulata (peperomia beetle) has dark green leaves growing in pairs with light stripes.

Peperomia rotundifolia (peperomia rotundifolia) has creeping stems up to 30 cm long. Rounded, flat leaves of a dark shade of green reach 2 cm in diameter.

The hanging shoots of the variegated variety " Variegata " of snake peperomia ( Peperomia serpens ) are excellent hanging plants.

Varieties of peperomia

Let's look at what types of peperomia there are.

The popularity of peperomia for breeding at home is dictated by the wide variety of its varieties; scientists have identified more than 1200. Some varieties and subspecies may differ significantly from others. Among the domestic varieties of peperomia, there are about 50 varieties.

Peperomia Tupolifolia

Peperomia of this variety is a shrub with tall, straight stems, slightly forked towards the top. All shoots have rounded leaves, reaching 12 cm in adult specimens.

The shoots themselves are dark red or brown, and the leaves of peppermonia are green, fleshy with a high content of juice.

The subspecies of Blunt-leafed peppermonia, Variegatna, has special decorative properties. Along the edges of the heart-shaped leaves there is an openwork light green cream edging. Thin veins appear in the center, which gives a unique exotic color.

Peperomia Lilian

It belongs to the subshrubs and has unique decorative characteristics. The leaves are thick, heart-shaped, with swollen veins. They are located very compactly, so the bushes of Peppermonia Lilian seem lush and dense.

At the beginning of June, vertical flower stalks form, they stretch to the top, and at the end they form beige inflorescences with a dark shade, similar to lily buds.

Peperomia Rosso

The plant has tall stems connected in a large bunch, sometimes reaching a height of 25 cm. The flower is in demand among gardeners because of its unique color. The outer side of the leaves is emerald or light green, the inner side has a rich burgundy color.

In nature, the Rosso subspecies blooms in July-August, at home - in early autumn. When constantly grown indoors, flower stalks appear very rarely.

Peperomia Magnolifolia

The flower differs from other varieties in the ampelous branching of its shoots, with a burgundy surface. The leaves are smooth, thick, located almost on the shoots, and can reach 20-25 cm in size. When constantly exposed to the sun, specks of a silver or yellow hue form on them.

Peperomia clusifolia

The voluminous shrub has erect, fleshy stems. They grow large semicircular leaves, up to 20 cm long. They have a rich green color, with burgundy openwork lines along the edges. Various shapes, balls, and squares are well formed from this species.

Peperomia whorled

Peperomia flower of the Whorled variety is a herbaceous perennial. It differs from other varieties in the ampelous arrangement of stems. The shoots are thin, completely covered with semicircular or diamond-shaped leaves of emerald color.

They do not grow from petioles, like all peperomia, but on nodes located immediately on the branches. Abundant flowering occurs in the first half of summer.

Peperomia Pereskifolia

This type of plant is characterized by its large size. In young specimens, shoots begin to grow directly from the root, over time they lengthen and hang down to the bottom. The oval leaves are collected in bunches of up to 5-6 pieces, reaching a size of 3-5 cm. The top is covered with semicircular veins with pink or silver streaks on a green background.

Previously, we talked about aglaonema and bromeliad plants.

Types and varieties

Let's look at the names of some types of Peperomia.

• Clusiifolia, otherwise Clusiifolia , is a herbaceous perennial with fleshy dark brown stems, on which dense green leaves with a slight purple tint are alternately attached. Along the edge they are bordered by a thin purple stripe. The base of the leaf blades is wedge-shaped, and the apex is obtuse. They are large in size - up to 15 cm in length and up to 8 cm in width. Based on the species, an interesting variegated variety was developed - Variegata ;
• Caperata, twisted, wrinkled or shriveled , otherwise Caperata is a thick graceful bush, reaching a height of no more than 15 cm and covered, as if corrugated, with glossy leaves.

They are densely covered with concave and convex veins, which is why a kind of wrinkling is formed . The color of the velvety foliage is very interesting - a chocolate-brown pattern of many veins on a dark green background.

It blooms from mid-summer with attractive snow-white thin spikes on long peduncles. The variety has many varieties with varied leaves of rare beauty ; Magnoliaefolia, otherwise Magnoliaefolia , is a variety with highly branching shoots of a reddish hue growing from the lower nodes of the stems. Fleshy and juicy obovate leaves, sitting on short petioles, are quite large in size, reaching a length of 15 cm . Their color is most often light green, sometimes there is foliage decorated with light spots ;

Marble , otherwise known as Marmorata , is a compact low bush with heart-shaped oval leaves of brownish-green or silver-variegated color.

Compared to other low-growing Peperomias, it adapts most easily to indoor conditions and feels great even with artificial lighting;

• Whorled or Verticillata is a vertical variety with stems reaching a height of 30 cm. It has a peculiarity - its leaves are collected whorled, that is, several pieces in one node. Begins to bloom in June with thin light spikelets;
• Pereskiaefolia , also known as Pereskiaefolia , is a large bush with erect stems, which over time, as they grow, become lodging. The leathery leaves collected in small rosettes have an elliptical shape with a pointed tip . They are painted bright green; three arched veins are clearly visible on the leaf blade ;
• Creeping or Serpens is a perennial epiphyte with erect, but often reclining shoots with green or variegated leaves. They are ovoid in shape, heart-shaped at the base and with a slightly pointed tip;
• Silver or Sanders, differently Argyreia - a very spectacular bush with shortened and abundantly branched shoots with basal leaves growing like rosettes. Round-oval, fleshy and leathery, they grow on long red petioles and are unusually decorative.
  The upper leaf plate is decorated with a rare pattern - on the glossy leaf plate, green arched veins alternate with silvery stripes.

  The foliage reaches 12 cm in length. The plant blooms with thin and long cylindrical cobs, sitting on several peduncles; Heady , otherwise Peperomia glabella , is an ampelous variety with creeping shoots about 20 cm long and with wide and oval bright green leaves. This is an unpretentious representative of the flora, preferring light partial shade;

  Tupolifolia or Obtusifolia is a terrestrial or epiphytic variety with obovate-shaped foliage up to 12 cm long and about 4 cm wide.

  Peperomia obtufolia is often confused with magnolia folia.

  It can be distinguished from the latter by its more rounded leaves and inflorescences formed from small greenish flowers;

• Green gold is a variety bred on the basis of P. obulifolia. This is an ampelous bush, characterized by a marbled leaf pattern, in which there are light green, dark green and golden-cream shades;
• Ampelous or round-leaved , otherwise known as Peperomia rotundifolia , is a spectacular small-leaved form with hanging long shoots reaching 1 m in length. It is also distinguished by small round light green leaves with a diameter of no more than 1 cm. They densely cover the plant, forming a luxurious bush;
• Watermelon , otherwise Watermelon , is a variety with heart-shaped foliage of original color. Alternating light green and dark green stripes merge into a pattern reminiscent of watermelon stripes;
• Velvety or Peperomia velutina is an erect species characterized by burgundy, slightly hairy shoots.
  Light veins stand out on the velvety surface of the foliage;
• Variegata - variegated varieties of Peperomia, which can be found in its several species - blunt-leaved, clusifolia and magnolia-leaved. These are very decorative plants, full of a wide variety of shades.

Types, varieties, names with photos

Peperomia Silver or Watermelon / Peperomia Argyreia

It grows in the tropical forests of South America in terrestrial form and as an epiphyte. Large oval foliage is located on burgundy petioles. The texture is glossy. The color is green with a silver tint, reminiscent of the colors of a striped watermelon. Against the general background, even, milky-colored veins are clearly dazzled.

Peperomia Rubella

This type is one of the most decorative. The red stems are covered with small elliptical leaves, one side of which is red and the other green.

Peperomia Velutina

The plant is native to Ecuador. It has a straight, pubescent stem of brownish-red color. The leaves are small, round, velvety, bright green.

Peperomia Marmorata

This species arrived in European homes from Brazil. The miniature bush is strewn with heart-shaped leaves. The leaf blades are dark green, cut with creamy veins.

Peperomia Clusiifolia

Tropical South American plant. Large, wedge-shaped foliage is dark green with a red tint. The edge of the leaf plate is framed by a purple stripe.

Peperomia Pleasant / Peperomia Blanda

Perennial from South America with densely pubescent stems. The foliage is oval, small. The lower part of the leaf blade is red and the upper part is green.

Peperomia Maculosa

This type of peperomia grows in the foothills of South America. Green stems are strewn with brown spots. A feature of multispotted peperomia is the absence of petioles - the leaves grow directly from the stem. The leaf blade is quite large, ellipsoidal, glossy. The foliage color is green with light veins.

Peperomia Incana

One of the largest species of peperomia comes from Brazil. The height of the bush reaches half a meter. The stems and leaves are covered with silvery hairs. The foliage is oval, fleshy, green.

Peperomia Serpens

This species is also native to South American rainforests. Thanks to its long, climbing shoots, it is grown as a hanging plant. It has very curvy shapes. Strewn with small, bright green, rounded foliage.

Peperomia Caperata

Miniature shrub up to ten centimeters high. The leaves grow on pink petioles and form a rosette. The small leaves have a raised texture - their brown veins against the main green background seem to be pressed into the leaf plate and form tubercles. This plant also has prized flowers, which are shaped like white spikes and sprout on tall peduncles from the center of a small rosette.

Peperomia Obtusifolia

In nature, this species grows in Mexico and has taken root well in the Florida climate. Decorative, evergreen bush with rich lush foliage. Smooth texture, perfect oval shape, rich green color and unpretentiousness have made this species a favorite among indoor peperomia.

Peperomia Caperata Rosso

A very beautiful species from South America, called the “ rat tail plant ” for the unusual shape of its flowers. In nature it grows on tree trunks as an epiphyte. The foliage has an elongated shape with pointed tips. The leaf blade is wavy. Its upper part is deep green, and its lower part is scarlet.

Peperomia Pereskiifolia

South American tropical plant with long shoots. Due to the peculiarity of lowering adult stems downwards, it is grown in an ampelous form. The leaves are medium sized, oval in shape. Green leaf blades are strewn with pink spots.

Peperomia Verticillata

The cascading shoots have made this plant a godsend for vertical gardening in home interiors. The small foliage, shaped like elongated ellipses, is a solid, bright green color. The above-ground part of this plant has interesting properties - at high air humidity, the stems and leaves have a slight silvery pile. But the drier the air in the room, the thicker the pubescence becomes.

Peperomia Lilian / Peperomia Lilian

A very beautiful blooming species. Formed into a miniature spherical bush measuring 30x30 centimeters. The leaves are small hearts of dark green, with raised veins that have a deeper dark tone. In spring, a pink peduncle emerges from the center of the rosette, which opens into white flowers similar to lilies.

Peperomia Magnoliaefolia

Brazilian 30 centimeter bush. It has a very discreet appearance and fits perfectly into interiors decorated in a minimalist style. The entire above-ground part has an even green color with a tint and a smooth texture. The leaves have the shape of a perfect oval.

Peperomia Caperata

This type of Peperomia is very popular among gardeners for the abundance of varieties bred on its basis:

Lilian or P. caperata Lilian is one of the most popular varieties of P. caperata, which can be recognized by its dark green wrinkled leaves, painted with lighter-colored veins, and cute unusual inflorescences reminiscent of a lily flower.

Needless to say, all types of Peperomia are beautiful and amazing in their shape and color of leaves.

In order not to make a mistake with your choice, add several types of plants to your flower collection - and you will fill your home with comfort and extraordinary beauty.

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Benefits and harms

According to experts, peperomia is considered a fairly friendly plant and is well suited for people in conflict situations or conflicting family relationships.

The reader can also find on our website useful information about the following types of peperomia: “Lilian”, “Magnolia-leaved”, “Wrinkled”, “Bullet-leaved”.

General information about the plant

The genus Peperomia belongs to the Pertsev (Pepper) family. Among its representatives are annuals and evergreen perennials, subshrubs and herbaceous forms.

Name and its origin

Translated from ancient Greek, the name of the plant sounds like “like (similar) to pepper.” If you rub a leaf of the plant, you will notice a characteristic peppery smell.

Motherland

Under natural conditions, Peperomia grows in the tropical forests of South America and India. About 17 species are found on African lands.

Description

The underground part of the plant is represented by a long creeping rhizome or tubers.

Stem: in some representatives it is erect, in others it is lodging or drooping, shortened, thick and fleshy. The structure of the shoot determines the diversity of Peperomia forms:

Leaves: Fleshy, often with grooves of contrasting color. Based on their location on the shoot, they are distinguished:

• rosette, with tightly adjacent leaf blades;
• alternately or whorled.

The shape and color of the leaves are varied

Wide oval leaves are typical. There are forms with heart-shaped, rounded and lanceolate leaves.

The leaf blades are colored in all shades of green, sometimes spotted or have stripes and stains of contrasting color. Their surface can be smooth or wrinkled, velvety.

Flowering: in many species of Peperomia it lasts all year round, accompanied by the formation of paniculate inflorescences, cobs or spikelets, consisting of small and inconspicuous flowers, colored white or cream, sometimes with a greenish tint.

Externally, the Peperomium inflorescence resembles a plantain flower

Fruits: in place of the inflorescences, small dry fruits are formed - berries, separated at the slightest touch to the plant.

The Peperomia genus is not only diverse, but also numerous. Some species are adapted for growing indoors. Among them there are bush-like and ampelous options, succulents.

Indoor Peperomia

Description of the plant

Peperomia belongs to the Pepper family (Piperaceae) and is a genus of evergreen, perennial shrubs, subshrubs, herbs and vines.

The Latin name comes from the Greek "peperi" and "omos", which can be translated as "pepper-like". Peperomia is native to the tropical zones of South America and Asia.

The species diversity of plants is amazing and numbers more than a thousand species, but no more than a dozen turned out to be suitable for cultivation.

Peperomia grow in shaded areas and can take root on rocky terrain, rotten trees and swampy peat soils.

The characteristics of a plant depend on its species, each of which can differ greatly from each other in shape, color and size. However, regardless of the type, peperomia has compact dimensions ranging from 10 to 50 centimeters. Foliage can be of different textures, both solid colors and variegated. The plant blooms profusely and bears fruit with berries that contain seeds.

Peperomia Caperata

In culture, peperomia is used as an ornamental plant for indoor landscaping and design. The spectacular leaves and stems of the flower are used by florists to create bouquets.

Types for indoor growing

Peperomia shriveled

A low (up to 10 cm) compact plant with a short shoot and heart-shaped rosette leaves located on ribbed, light pink cuttings. The surface of the leaves is velvety and wrinkled. Its upper part is dotted with concave, and the lower part with convex brown veins.

In summer, flower stalks appear above the rosette of leaves, bearing an inflorescence of ears

Among the wrinkled Peperomias there are varieties with red foliage.

Peperomia "Schumi red"

Peperomia "Luna red"

Peperomia watermelon

Peperomia obtufolia

Originally from the South American tropics, where it grows both on the ground and on trees (epiphyte).

It has petiolate, alternately arranged dark green, leathery, fleshy, ovoid leaves

Peperomia velvety

Leaves are attached to the shoots with short (up to 1 cm) petioles: round-oval, green, often pubescent. From the base of the leaf to its top there are 5 to 7 light green veins. Inflorescence spikelets.

Peperomia roundifolia

Its creeping shoots are light chestnut in color and strewn with small, bright green, round leaves.

Peperomia silver

Peperomia clusifolia

This species is distinguished by tall (50 cm) fleshy shoots bearing leaves of variegated shades: from dark green to mixed green, cream and ruby.

Peperomia are unpretentious and very patiently tolerate disturbances in care or lack thereof. Plants are ideal for those who cannot pay much attention to green pets.

Choosing a location and lighting

The lighter the color of Peperomia leaves, the greater their need for light:

• variegated species love bright but diffuse lighting;
• Perennials with dark green foliage and succulents prefer partial shade to partial shade.

Air temperature

Peperomia do not have a rest period. They can be grown year-round at the same air temperatures, which is very convenient.

The optimal temperature is 17–18 °C. At values ​​below, the plant becomes overcooled: its leaves turn yellow and then fall off.

Attention! This plant does not tolerate drafts.

Air humidity

Peperomia is not picky about air humidity, but it has been noted that it develops better in conditions of moderate or even slightly (50–60%) high humidity.

The plant will benefit from spraying 2-3 times a week during the summer or heating season.

Attention! It is better not to spray species with large leaves, but to wipe them with a soft cloth.

Watering

Peperonia does not like waterlogged soil, so it is watered moderately after the top layer of soil dries out.

Attention! Succulent forms of Peperomia are watered rarely and only in summer.

Irrigation water should be soft, slightly warmer than the surrounding air.

Important! Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Soil requirements and fertilizing

Peperomia love loose soil that is permeable to air and water.

It is made up of leaf soil and peat (2:1), humus and sand (1:1).

For species with small leaves, add a small amount of sphagnum to the soil.

In spring, summer and autumn, 2 times a month, plants are fed with complex fertilizers for decorative foliage forms, reducing the recommended concentration by 2 times.

Bush formation

To give the plant splendor, pinch off the upper part of the shoots of Peperomia. The exception is compact species: they are not cut or pinched, only removing dried leaves.

Transfer

Up to 3 years, plants are replanted annually in April.

Adult forms are transplanted only when the roots emerge from the drainage holes. Typically this happens every 3 or 4 years.

Important! For planting Peperomia, use tall, medium-diameter pots with good drainage (2–3 cm) compartment.

Possible problems during cultivation

In case of severe and prolonged violations of care, Peperomia can “express” dissatisfaction, signaling the owner to take certain measures:

• yellowing of leaves is evidence of low air temperature or excess moisture;
• leaf falling occurs when the plant is overcooled and there is a lack of moisture;
• drying of the tips of the leaves occurs due to sudden changes in temperature or the presence of a draft;
• rotting of shoots and leaves is a consequence of excessive watering;
• Wrinkling of leaves occurs under the influence of direct rays of the sun.

Pests and errors when growing peperomia

Reproduction

Peperomia reproduce well vegetatively, using cuttings and dividing the bush.

Propagation by leaf cuttings

In spring, the leaf along with the petiole is carefully separated from an adult plant. It is treated with any stimulant for root formation and rooted in a peat-sand mixture, creating greenhouse conditions.

Once every 2–3 days, the cuttings are ventilated and moistened with a spray bottle.

After 1–1.5 months, rooting will occur. The sockets that have gained strength are transplanted into separate containers.

Propagation by stem or apical cuttings

Cuttings are cut in the spring, separating shoots with 2–3 internodes. Rooting is carried out in water or a substrate composed of a mixture of sand and leaf soil. A polyethylene cap is built over the cuttings and the container is placed in a warm (25 °C) place. Periodically (once every 2–3 days), the cuttings are watered moderately.

Rooting will occur in a month or a month and a half. Plants are planted in separate pots and cared for in the same way as adult forms.

Dividing the bush

It is appropriate to carry out this method in combination with a transplant. The bush removed from the pot is divided into several parts, each part being planted in a separate container.

Seed propagation

Unlike vegetative, it is more labor-intensive.

In March-April, sowing is carried out using bowls or containers filled with a mixture of sand and leaf soil.

The container is covered with an airtight material and placed in a warm place (at least 25° C). Seedlings are regularly ventilated and watered using a spray bottle.

When the second full leaf appears, the seedlings dive, placing them in a wooden box with a similar substrate at a distance of 2–3 cm. The container is placed in a bright place, avoiding direct rays of the sun.

After 3 weeks, young plants are transplanted into separate containers with a diameter of no more than 7 cm.

How does peperomia reproduce?

There are many different types of peperomia on the market, so it is not surprising that gardeners are rushing to replenish their indoor gardens with new varieties. We suggest you understand how this strange plant reproduces, as well as familiarize yourself in detail with the basic methods.

Cuttings

First you need to prepare the soil in which you will place the seedling. You can make it yourself by combining sand, peat and humus in equal proportions, or buy it at a specialty store. For propagation, both stem and apical cuttings are used. Your task is to choose a powerful shoot that has at least one node. Gently pinch it off and then place it in water for a few days to allow it to take root. After this, you can safely plant the cuttings in the ground. The container with seedlings should be covered with glass and placed in a well-lit place; the room temperature should not fall below 20°C. Carefully monitor the cuttings, do not forget to water them in a timely manner, and within a month they will take root. After this time, you can transplant them into individual flowerpots.

Peperomia propagation by cuttings goes through four stages: cutting the cutting, treating the cut with a disinfectant, rooting in water, planting in a pot.

Leaf cuttings

Leaf propagation is one of the simplest methods. Take a good look at the bush, select a few strong leaves, and then use a utility knife or sharp blade to cut them off. It is important that the leaf blades are healthy and free of damage and signs of parasite infection. Leave a small petiole at the base of the leaf, and then place it in settled water. Rooting will take place faster in a warm room. By the way, once every 2 days the water must be changed to clean, otherwise the seedling may rot. As soon as roots appear on the leaf (3-4 weeks), transplant it into a separate pot and care for it as if it were an adult plant.

Propagation of peperomia by leaf cuttings

Seeds

Let us immediately warn you that growing peperomia using this method will require spending a lot of time and effort. Experts recommend sowing seeds in a container filled with a moistened substrate of leaf soil and sand. The best time for planting is from March to April. The container with seeds must be covered with glass and moved to a warm, well-lit room. Do not forget to open the seedlings several times a week for ventilation, and also spray the soil with clean water. After 2 true leaves appear on the seedlings, they are planted. The optimal distance between seedlings is 2-3 centimeters. The temperature in the room where the box with seedlings is placed should be maintained at 20°C. Try to protect it from direct sunlight and drafts. When the seedlings gain strength and become stronger, transplant them into small pots with a diameter of 7 centimeters.

When growing peperomia from seeds in the first stages of seedling growth, it is necessary to create a greenhouse effect, you can use a bag or film

Dividing the bush

This method allows you to replenish the garden quite quickly, because at the end of the procedure you will receive an already mature plant. The method is used when the bush has grown too much. Please note that the procedure should be carried out in the spring (March-April). Remove the plant from the pot, lightly shake off the soil and inspect the bush. Place the peperomia on the table and carefully separate the root into two parts. All manipulations must be carried out manually, without resorting to cutting tools. Next, all you have to do is plant the resulting bushes in individual flowerpots and water them generously with water and fertilizer.

The principle of propagation by dividing the bush

Reproduction of peperomia

This is a very easy to propagate indoor plant, which, like all herbaceous perennial ground covers, easily allows you to separate adult bushes and get several younger plants with almost every transplant that can quickly take root and begin to grow.

In addition to division, peperomia is also propagated:

• rooting of leaf and stem cuttings (cut in spring and summer, rooted under a cover in the substrate without pre-treatment with growth stimulants, but maintaining a temperature of at least 25 degrees Celsius);
• sowing seeds (germination requires high temperatures, bright lighting, stable humidity and picking immediately after the release of the first or second leaves).

Landing

When the cuttings have taken root, you can plant the peperomia.

Preparing the soil mixture

Fill the pots with soil. The soil for peperomia should be:

• light;
• loose;
• rich in nutrients;
• slightly acidic, preferably with a pH of 5.7-6.8.

A well-loosened substrate will allow water to flow freely, with excess water flowing out through the drainage holes.

Soil for peperomia is prepared from:

• 4 parts rotted compost soil;
• 2 parts regular garden soil;
• 1 part peat.

If it is not possible to prepare a substrate, peperomias are planted in ordinary universal soil for potted flowers. The soil is also suitable for cacti and succulents. At the bottom of the pot it is necessary to pour a drainage layer of small pebbles and expanded clay.

Choosing a pot

Peperomia are plants with a shallow root system; in very large pots they are too free to grow. Excess soil will make the plant unable to cope with so much water and nutrients, which promotes putrefactive processes. You need to choose smaller, shallow pots. Plants do not need frequent replanting.

Erect

This group is represented by rather tall specimens (40-50 cm length of their stem) with thickened, fleshy shoots.

Peperomia obtufolia

In nature, this species is found in the Antilles, Suriname, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. The name Peperomia obtufolia is due to the shape of the leaves - oval, reminiscent of an egg.

Shiny, they are sometimes plain, dark green, and sometimes decorated with golden-yellow spots. In April-July, flowers appear in the form of short, dense spikelets resembling a small cylinder.

Peperomia magnoliafolia

If you look at this view from afar, you won’t be able to immediately decide on its color – it is both scarlet and blue. Its stems are red, erect, fleshy, their height is 35 cm.

The oval-shaped leaves reach a length of 15 cm. On their smooth, shiny green surface, a pattern of the same color, but of a different intensity, clearly stands out. Sometimes it is even golden, which makes the plant unusually elegant.

Peperomia clusifolia

This species is distinguished by very short (maximum 1 cm) petioles. But the leaves are large (15 cm long and up to 8 cm wide). They are located at the lower nodes of the fleshy stem and create a rich, lush cap. Their color is dark green, slightly reddish, and the main decoration is a purple edging.

There are also variegated specimens, they are designed in green, red and yellow tones. Decorative effect is ensured by high soil fertility.

Peperomia pereskifolia

This is a small-leaved indoor flower - the length of the leaves is up to 5 cm, and the width is up to 3 cm, collected in whorls of several pieces. The shape resembles an ellipse or diamond, thick green in color, very hard. Relatives of this species are found in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, and Colombia.

Peperomia ferreira

Ferreira is well adapted to life both in the wild and in a pot on the windowsill. It is classified as succulents (crops capable of storing water in stems and leaves) and epiphytes that choose support for themselves in the form of some other plant.

As for water, with all its love for moist soil, Ferreira is sensitive to excessive watering and stagnation of water ; it can get sick and die.

She has amazing, seemingly folded leaves in dark and light shades of green. Located on an erect stem, they stretch upward and form a beautiful star.

Peperomia graveolens

Experts see in this plant a resemblance to sea coral. The leaves are long, slightly curled, green on top (usually light), and ruby, scarlet, red, burgundy below, as if repeating the shades of silks that were offered to Captain Gray in the shop to sew sails for his ship.

In addition to such beauty, graveolens also pleases its owners with light yellow, spikelet-shaped flowers. The height of the plant reaches 25 cm.

Peperomia watermelon

The leaves of this plant resemble watermelon rind in their combination of colors, their shape is ovoid, and their length ranges from 5 to 8 cm. The stems are reddish in color. The height of the plant does not exceed 12 cm, so in its natural growing environment it is a ground cover, lining the soil of the tropical forest.

At home, watermelon peperomia can be used in approximately the same capacity: to create a composition with larger representatives of the flora or to close earthen voids in flower pots.

Peperomia caperata lilian

This species has beautiful large leaves dotted with light veins. The shape of the snow-white flower is not tubular, which is typical for this culture, but opens, like the petals of a lily.

Peperomia happy bean

The name of this species translates as “lucky bean”. The shape of the leaves is actually very similar to the pods of legumes - elongated, they curl inwards, creating the illusion of beans or peas. However, of course, there is no content inside the “pods”. How to explain the presence of the word “happy” in the title?

Fans of indoor flora believe that this plant, like no other, evokes a smile and admiration, thanks to the witty solution that nature itself came up with for Happy Bean.

The plant comes from Mexico and really appreciates good light, but does not like direct sunlight .

Peperomia chisel (dolabriformis)

Peperomia Dolabriformis is one of the thrifty succulents; its very succulent stems begin to become woody with age. The leaves look very unusual, resembling a circle folded in half.

On the stem they form a rosette that takes on the shape of a star. The stems are capable of stretching to a height of 60 cm. The flowers, although small, look beautiful, elegant, their color is white with a greenish tint.

Growing conditions, care

Peperomia are tropical species; they need special growing conditions - temperature, lighting, air humidity.

These are fragile plants, so it is better not to touch them unless necessary; the leaves break off easily. If you need to clean the plant, do it with a dry soft cloth.

When the peperomia blooms, you can leave the flowers, but it is better to remove them so that it does not spend unnecessary effort on feeding them.

How much light do you need?

Growing peperomia in a pot at home can cause some problems; the plant is capricious. It is important to choose the right place for peperomia; it should be illuminated by the sun, but not too much. The light in the place where peperomia is grown should be diffused, so it is better not to place the pot directly on the windowsill.

Both very strong solar radiation (for example, the windowsill of a south window) and a dark place will be unfavorable for plants.

When peperomia are too dark, the internodes become unnaturally elongated, the shoots become sluggish, and the leaves become small. Then moving the plant to a more illuminated place - to an east or west window - will help.

Varieties with heterogeneous colors require a little more light; in the shade, their color can fade significantly.

Watering, fertilizing

Most peperomias have thick, succulent leaves. Plants store water in their leaves and stems, so they do not need too frequent, abundant watering.

Excessive watering of peperomia causes many problems; the roots and bases of shoots can quickly rot in the plant. Therefore, peperomia is watered quite rarely:

• in summer – weekly;
• in winter - once every 2 weeks.

Between subsequent waterings, the top layer of soil in the pot should dry out. Water for irrigation must be without the smell of chlorine; it is advisable to keep it for at least 1 day at room temperature or boil it.

It is better to pour water onto a stand under the pot so as not to soak the leaves and stems of the plant. Place the pot in water for 10-30 minutes. When the ground gets wet, drain the excess water from the stand. During this time, the plant itself will take the required amount of water. It is especially recommended to water densely grown plants this way. Less dense plants can be watered from above, being careful not to drown the leaves.

Once every 3-4 weeks from spring to late summer, add liquid fertilizer for indoor plants to the water. Care must be taken not to overdose the fertilizer; the plant is sensitive to excessive salt concentrations.

Air humidity and temperature

Peperomia requires moist air, so it grows best in the kitchen. You cannot place the plant next to the battery. If the air is too dry, shallow trays of water placed near the plant will help. The evaporating water will humidify the air around. An even better option is to place the peperomia pot on a wide stand filled with pebbles or expanded clay. Enough water is poured into the stand so that the pebbles are damp, but so that the water does not leak into the pot standing on the pebbles. Thanks to pebbles, the surface area for water evaporation increases.

Peperomia should not be sprayed with water; its leaves are easily affected by fungal diseases. Therefore, we rely only on the water evaporating from the stands.

For very dry apartments, you should consider purchasing a humidifier. The air humidity does not have to be very high, 50% is enough.

Signs of microclimate disturbance:

• If the leaves of the peperomia wrinkle and their tips dry out, the air is too dry.
• When the leaves begin to fall, the room temperature is too low.

Optimal temperature for growing peperomia:

• during the growth period (from spring to autumn) – 18-22 °C;
• in winter – coolness is necessary, but not lower than 10 °C.

Attention! Some species cannot withstand temperatures below 16 °C. Such heat-loving species include Peperomia Sandersa.

Be careful with drafts when ventilating apartments in winter so that frosty air does not damage the plants. They are sensitive to significant temperature fluctuations, especially changes below 18 °C.

Common problems in growing peperomia

• loss of attractiveness of leaves, appearance of light or brown spots, growths due to dampness;
• wilting of leaves due to excessive watering;
• yellowing of leaves and the appearance of rusty spots due to excessive fertilizing;
• dropping leaves when the drought is too long;
• drying of the tips of the leaves or falling of the leaves due to sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts;
• wilting and wrinkling of leaves in direct sunlight.

Peperomia. © floradania

Bloom

Peperomia bloom most often in spring or summer, forming long, spike-shaped inflorescences reminiscent of the flowering shoots of plantain. Flowers are formed only in conditions of short daylight hours (less than 12 hours) .

Attention! To preserve the lush crown of the perennial, it is recommended to remove flower stalks at the formation stage so that the plant does not waste energy on flowering.

If you leave the flowers, then after flowering the bush becomes less dense, begins to shed leaves and lose some of the stems. Peperomia seeds do not ripen in room culture.

Botanical description and photo

Peperomia clusiifolia belongs to the Pepper family, genus Peperomia . This is a large perennial herbaceous plant with dense stems up to 40 cm long, ascending and rooting at the lower nodes.

The leaves are alternate, obovate in shape with a blunt or notched apex, slightly elongated at the base, large up to 15 cm, with short petioles, dark green with a reddish tint and a narrow dark purple border along the edge, elastic and matte. Small flowers are collected in elongated inflorescences of small sizes.

Reference. The first description of this genus is found in the three-volume work “Peruvian and Chilean Flora,” published in Madrid in 1794 after an expedition to the South American continent. The authors of the fundamental study were Spanish botanists Hipolito Ruiz Lopez and Jose Pavon y Jimenez.

The homeland of Peperomia clusifolia is called the tropical rainforests of Venezuela and the Antilles, where this perennial grows on the moss cushion of rock ledges and on rotting trunks of old trees.

Photos of Peperomia lusifolia are presented below.