Peperomias are perfect for growing at home, offering a comfortable size and an undemanding list of attentions. If the species catches your attention, take advantage and write down what we will explain about it.
Peperomia is a versatile plant with an impressive ability to tolerate temperature variations, despite having a preference for some conditions. The species belonging to the family Piperaceae is compared to succulentsdue to the fleshy appearance of its leaves.
Inside the house it is good to have these shrubs, since they the size lends itself to put on shelves, tables or hang them and make them look more striking. Outside the home, they can still be used, only they need a discreet point of light, because too much sun could harm them. Let’s learn more about it.
Peperomia: a plant of distinguished attributes
Peperomias are called “radiant plants” because of their predilection for warm air and light. They correspond to the second genus with the largest number of specimens within the family Piperaceae, since it contemplates more than 1000 accepted species; the majority in the tropics and subtropics of Central America and northern South America.
They are loaded with essential oils, so they emanate aromas. Peperomias bear small pendulous flowers, strung on a spike, or gathered in upturned clusters. The meatiness of its leaves takes center stage due to the floral minutiae.
The plant is slow growing and captivates by its foliage in different colors and shapes. Contrary to certain species to grow indoors, peperomias are not toxic, so you will save your pets and curious children from any unfortunate incident.
This is how peperomia is cared for
Some peperomias easily adapt to any environment, but there are also those that only tolerate illuminated interiors and those that demand outdoor light. In any case, consult nurseries or specialized herbariums what type of vegetable you will take home.
This information is crucial to offer personalized care according to the species.
However, all peperomias respond to a series of basic attentions and they are the ones that we expose below:
- Little fertilizer: these products act as fertilizer. Give them the liquid format once a month, mainly in the spring-summer season, because it is their growth period.
- Shelter: a minimum of 10 °C is what peperomias ask for. They are located in areas with temperatures ranging between 18 °C and 25 °C, distanced from air inlets and with the exception of protecting them from frost.
- Drained and aerated substrate: what is sought is to prevent waterlogging and excessive humidity. As a recommendation, supply substances that contain perlite or peat, as they are materials that benefit drainage.
- concealed lighting: Although they are plants that like light, it is better that you keep them away from direct sunlight. It is convenient that they receive bright light indirectly. But if it is a Piperaceae with very fleshy leaves, then it is permissible that they have a little more lighting.
- Moderate hydration: do not water until the substrate is sufficiently dry. Too much liquid turns the leaves yellow and tends to rot the roots. There are several irrigation methods and one of those suggested for these plants is immersion, that is, submerging the pot so that the roots “drink” the water they need.
We tell you what kind of peperomia you can have at home
The range of options is wide when choosing a peperomia. With the idea of simplifying the decision a bit, below we will tell you about 6 kinds of this plant that you could grow at home.
1. Hope
The Peperomia tetraphylla Hope results from a mixture between the peperomias quadrifolia y deppeana. Evidence leaves in ovals and, being epiphytic, It can be hung when it exceeds the appropriate size for a table or the floor.
2. Caperata
This variety of peperomia, as the University of North Carolina Garden Extension comments, It has almost purple and heart-shaped leaves, with pointed inflorescence in cream tones. It multiplies by cuttings or by stem tips, it is quite bushy and widely decorative.
3. Angled
The stems of these peperomias are thick and green leaves sprout from which a couple of darker and elongated spots protrude. The height is not more than 35 centimeters. They look for them to decorate corridors, considering that they shine on tall and narrow tables.
4. Prostrate
“Turtle chain” is another nomenclature for the prostratessince its leaves simulate the shell of this animal. They are of the hanging and vine type, although they also fit into pots in containers or terrariums. and they like moist soil, but not too much, as the University of North Carolina Garden Extension explains.
5. Dolabriformis
Is a Peperomia Peruvian who is also known as “peperomia de la oración”. The leaves are dark green in the center and light in the rest.
They show a small fold towards the top and are one of those that appreciate a little more natural light. In turn, this plant has benefits associated with calm.
According to a study published by Naturist medicine, the essential oil of the Peperomia dolabriformiscombined with aromatherapy and mindfulnessreduced levels of anxiety and academic stress in a group of college students. Then it might be worth trying meditation techniques with an aroma diffuser containing essence of prayer peperomia.
6. snowballs
It is one of the smallest peperomias and with tiny leaves, perfect to put on your desk. It reaches a maximum of 5 centimeters high, although its creeper could reach 30 centimeters long. In such a case, the corresponding thing is to move it from place.
How to choose the best peperomia for the house?
Knowing that there are several types of these plants, it is easier to select the peperomias by color, texture and shape. Another key to having the best one at home is to know, before buying it, where you will locate it.
Although the dimensions of these shrubs are “manageable”, It is not the same to want a copy to decorate the desk than to look for one for the central table of the room or for a showcase. Therein lies the secret: first specify the piece of furniture or space in the house that will house the plant and consider whether that area offers the conditions for its development.
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