Peperomia verticillata aka Red Log
Taxonomy
Peperomia verticillata, a species of plant in the genus Peperomia of the family Piperaceae, is a fleshy perennial that can grow up to 50cm tall. Its rounded leaves, grey-green on top and red underneath, are arranged in whorls of five along the stems. Native to the Caribbean islands, these plants belong to the pepper family and share a fascinating story of seed dispersal. Their fruits and seeds have managed to travel over 3000 miles, sticking to a bird's feet, to reach an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This unique ability, along with the ease of propagation through leaves, makes Peperomia plants a great choice for sharing with friends.
Common names
Red Log, Paprika, PeppyHow to care for Red Log
Water
Red Log should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Red Log 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 Red Log 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 Red Log. 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 Red Log 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
Red Log’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Peperomia Genus
Peperomia maculosa Spotted Peperomia
Peperomia graveolens Ruby Glow
Peperomia polybotrya Raindrop Peperomia
Peperomia congesta Peperomia Congesta
Peperomia dolabriformis Prayer Pepper
Peperomia peruviana Peperomia Little Tuscany
Peperomia verticillata Red Log
Peperomia involucrata Sodiro
Peperomia velutina
