Peperomia

Origin

Peperomia (also called ornamental pepper) is an evergreen plant belonging to the pepper family (Piperaceae) and is native to subtropical regions in Central and South America as well as Africa. The genus, also called dwarf pepper, is very large and comprises approximately 1500 species.

Appearance

The species of this genus are low-growing perennials or shrubs that do not grow taller than 30 cm. The leaves are arranged in various ways; some are alternate, others opposite or spirally arranged. The inflorescences are long, partly branched and spike-like. The flowers are yellow, white or brown.

Care

Location: Choose a bright location. Direct midday sunlight should be avoided, as should temperature fluctuations. Morning and evening sun are not harmful.
Substrate: A mixture of cactus and succulent soil and mineral components is suitable as a substrate. The substrate should be loose and permeable so that water does not stagnate in the soil, but can drain well.
Watering: Water sparingly; the substrate should neither dry out nor be too wet, so allow the substrate to dry out superficially before each watering. Peperomia likes higher humidity; if the air is too dry, there is a risk that the plant will be infested with pests.
Fertilizer: During the growing season, you can fertilize approximately once a month with cactus and succulent fertilizer. Succulents do not need fertilizer during their dormant period.
Summer/Winter: In summer, the plant can be placed outside, but care should be taken to ensure that it is not in direct sunlight. In winter, the temperature should be around 15°C. A bright and cool, but not cold, location should be chosen. No fertilizing is necessary in winter; watering should be reduced to a minimum.

Popular species

Peperomia dolabriformis `Green Spark´: Because of its leaf shape, which resembles hands folded in prayer, it is also called the prayer peperomia. The leaves are arranged in rosettes on stems that can grow 10 to 60 cm tall. Here you can find a blog article with more information about this succulent.
Peperomia asperula: This succulent has two-toned leaves; the underside is dark green, the upper side is light green. It can reach a height of up to 30 cm.

Note: Peperomia is generally not poisonous, however, no guarantee can be given for its compatibility with animals.