Family: Piperaceae

This extremely large genus of mainly succulent perennials is found in the tropics worldwide.

Many species come from Central and South America. Mostly low-growing or creeping, they have rounded, decorative, waxy leaves, sometimes variegated, and spikes of green or whitish flowers. Some species with succulent leaves have 'windowed' strips on the leaves, allowing light to the tissue deep within the leaves. They are attractive as house plants, in hanging baskets and terrariums.

Species

P. argyreia, watermelon peperomia, a popular ornamental to 20 cm (8 in), has thick, silver-gray leaves with dark green veins and reddish leaf stalks.

P. bicolor has deep green leaves, purplish underneath, and silver-gray veins. It grows to 25 cm (10 in).

P. caperata 'Emerald Ripple', is a handsome species, with small, heart-shaped, crinkly leaves and whitish, branching flower spikes. It grows to 15 cm (6 in).

P. dolabriformis, a succulent, has fleshy leaves and the characteristic, windowed mar-gins.

P. glabella, to 15 cm (6 in), has trailing, red stems and oval, veined leaves. Cultivar 'Variegata' has leaves variegated with cream.

P. obtusifolia, pepper face, is a popular perennial upright species, to 15 cm (6 in) or more, with large, fleshy, dark green leaves with purple edges, purplish stems and white flowers on red stems. Several cultivars have been produced from this species, including 'Green and Gold' and 'Variegata'.

P. scandens is a trailing type, to 60 cm (24 in) or more, with heart-shaped leaves. Cultivar 'Variegata' has yellow-margined leaves and pink leaf stalks.

Cultivation

Grow as house plants, or in a warm greenhouse or conservatory. Grow in small pots, or plant trailing species in hanging baskets. A soilless potting compost is suitable. Plants need good light (but shade from direct sun), and a humid atmosphere in spring and summer. Do not apply too much water in the growing season and in winter, keep the compost only slightly moist. Those with very thick, fleshy leaves are fairly drought-tolerant and take drier conditions. Propagate from seed in spring, or from leaf or stem cuttings iii spring and summer. Provide bottom heat for all. Divide clump-forming species in spring.

Climate

Tropical only.