Peperomia aka Pepper

Taxonomy

Peperomia is a diverse genus of plants belonging to the family Piperaceae, with over 1,000 known species found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Some species are adapted to specific environments, such as epiphytes, lithophytes, and xerophytes, while most are compact perennial shrubs or vines. The genus name was coined by Spanish botanists after their travels in Peru and Chile. Peperomia plants are sometimes called radiator plants and are known for their love of bright, dry environments. One of the most beautiful members of the Peperomia family is Napoli Nights, with its amazing silver foliage. It's a slow-growing plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and should be kept away from droughts. Interestingly, Peperomia plants belong to the pepper family, along with black peppercorns, and their fruits and seeds have even traveled over 3,000 miles to an island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean while stuck to a bird's feet. They are also easily propagated by leaves, making them a great choice for sharing with friends.

Common names

Pepper, Peperomia Rubella, Rubella, Peperomia Diamond, Peperomia 'Ecuador'

How to care for Pepper

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Pepper, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Pepper should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Pepper loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Pepper plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Pepper does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Pepper has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Pepper’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia