Peperomia columella aka Columnar Peperomia

Taxonomy

Peperomia columella is a unique and fascinating plant that belongs to the Piperaceae family. This species is endemic to Peru and grows in dry areas such as steep cliffs and sandy soil. It forms snake-like stems that carry closely packed, succulent, bright green leaves. The leaves are U-shaped in cross-section, truncated, and have epidermal windows on top. This plant is a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts as it has received the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. Peperomia Columella is an excellent addition to your terrarium and requires a nutritious and porous mixture to grow well. It prefers filtered but bright sunlight, and a small quantity of fertilizer during the growing season. This shade-loving plant originates from the desert of Peru and is also known as Columnar Peperomia or Pearly Peperomia. The plant is named after the Latin word "Columella," which means little columns, as the leaves grow very close to each other, hiding the stalk. The stems grow upright in the beginning and later become pendant, making them perfect for cascading in hanging baskets. Peperomia plants belong to the pepper family, along with black peppercorns. Interestingly, their fruits and seeds have traveled over 3000 miles to an island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, while stuck to a bird's feet. This plant can be easily propagated by leaves, making it super easy to share with friends. Overall, Peperomia columella is a beautiful and unique plant that is sure to impress any plant lover.

Common names

Columnar Peperomia

How to care for Columnar Peperomia

Difficulty

Columnar Peperomia presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

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

Soil

Columnar Peperomia 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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Columnar Peperomia prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Columnar Peperomia. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Columnar Peperomia should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Columnar Peperomia’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia