Peperomia

Peperomia (radiator plant) is one of the two large genera of the family Piperaceae. Most of them are compact, small perennial epiphytes growing on rotten wood. More than 1500 species have been recorded, occurring in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world, though concentrated in Central America and northern South America. A limited number of species (around 17) are found in Africa.

Peperomia
Peperomia with flower spikes in Costa Rica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Magnoliids
Order: Piperales
Family: Piperaceae
Subfamily: Piperoideae
Genus: Peperomia
Ruiz & Pav.
Species

Over 1000, including:
Peperomia abnormis
Peperomia acuminata
Peperomia alata
Peperomia albovittata
Peperomia aphanoneura
Peperomia arenillasensis
Peperomia argyreia
Peperomia blanda
Peperomia borbonensis
Peperomia buxifolia
Peperomia camptotricha
Peperomia caperata
Peperomia choritana
Peperomia clivigaudens
Peperomia clusiaefolia
Peperomia columella
Peperomia cookiana
Peperomia corcovadensis
Peperomia crassifolia
Peperomia crispa
Peperomia dauleana
Peperomia discifolia
Peperomia disjunctiflora
Peperomia dolabriformis
Peperomia espinosae
Peperomia fagerlindii
Peperomia fraseri
Peperomia galioides
Peperomia glabella
Peperomia glandulosa
Peperomia graveolens
Peperomia guttulata
Peperomia griseo-argentea
Peperomia hederaefolia
Peperomia incana
Peperomia inconspicua
Peperomia involucrata
Peperomia johnsonii
Peperomia kamerunana
Peperomia lehmannii
Peperomia leptostachya
Peperomia leucanthera
Peperomia leucorrhachis
Peperomia litana
Peperomia lyman-smithii
Peperomia maculosa
Peperomia maxonii
Peperomia micromerioides
Peperomia millei
Peperomia mitchelioides
Peperomia nivalis
Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia pachystachya
Peperomia paradoxa
Peperomia parvilimba
Peperomia pellucida
Peperomia peploides
Peperomia pernambucensis
Peperomia persuculenta
Peperomia persulcata
Peperomia petraea
Peperomia pichinchae
Peperomia porphyridea
Peperomia prostrata
Peperomia pululaguana
Peperomia puteolata
Peperomia rhombea
Peperomia rossii
Peperomia rubella
Peperomia rotundifolia
Peperomia rubella
Peperomia rubropunctulata
Peperomia rupicola
Peperomia salangonis
Peperomia sandersii
Peperomia scutellariifolia
Peperomia septentrionalis
Peperomia stenostachya
Peperomia subdiscoidea
Peperomia tablahuasiana
Peperomia tetraphylla
Peperomia thienii
Peperomia thomeana
Peperomia tuberculata
Peperomia udimontana
Peperomia urvilleana
Peperomia valladolidana
Peperomia velutina
Peperomia wheeleri
Peperomia wibomii

See also List of Peperomia species

Description

Though varying considerably in appearance (see gallery below), these species generally have thick, stout stems and fleshy leaves, sometimes with epidermal windows. Peperomia flowers typically come in yellow to brown conical spikes.

These tropical perennials are grown for their ornamental foliage. They are mostly natives of tropical America. They are compact and usually do not exceed 12 inches (30 cm) in height. They vary considerably in appearance. Some have threadlike, trailing stems and some have fleshy, stout stems. The leaves are smooth and fleshy and may be oval with the leafstalk at or near the center of the leaf blade, or they may be heart-shaped or lance-shaped; their size may vary from 1–4 inches (2.5–10.2 cm) long. They may be green or striped, marbled or bordered with pale green, red or gray, and the petioles of some kinds are red. The tiny flowers are unnoticeable and they grow in the form of cordlike spikes. The fruit is a berry that eventually dries out and shows the pepper-like seed.

Horticulture

Peperomias are grown for their ornamental foliage and sometimes for their attractive flowers (Peperomia fraseri). Except for the succulent species, they are generally easy to grow in a greenhouse. Different species (e.g. Peperomia caperata) and cultivars are found in the trade.

Propagation

These plants are usually propagated by seeds. They are also commercially propagated by cuttings. Peperomia cuttings root easily.

Plants can be divided at potting time. They are removed and separated into smaller pieces, each with a few roots attached. Leaf or stem cuttings can also be taken in the spring or summer. The lower leaves of the shoots are removed and a cut is made below the bottom node (joint). They are then laid on a bench for an hour or two to allow a protective callus tissue to form over the cuts. They are then inserted in a propagating case with bottom heat of 70–75 degrees F. It is best not to seal the top completely, as the plants are semi-succulent in nature and excessive humidity is detrimental. When enough roots have formed, cuttings can be planted in 3-inch pots or in hanging baskets.

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See also

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