Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Creeper, Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Herbaceous perennial with a trailing growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Thick, fleshy leaves are heart-shaped with entire leaf margin. Leaves are mostly light green with an irregular, cream-coloured to pale yellow border. |
| Flowers | Tiny, green flowers are borne on spike inflorescences that resemble rat tails. |
| Taxonomy | Previous name of Peperomia scandens 'Variegata' often misapplied in horticultural trade. |
| Cultivation | This cultivar is slow growing, but easy to grow. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and allow the soil to dry before re-watering. It does not tolerate waterlogging, so grow plants in pots In wet tropical locations, like Singapore. This cultivar grows well when slightly rootbound, so delay re-potting until the roots grow through the drainage holes. Plants should be placed in bright, filtered light. They lose their variegation and become solid green when grown in shady conditions. An easy method of propagation is to place stem cuttings in water. The cuttings will root in about 2 weeks. |
| Etymology | The genus "Peperomia" means resembling pepper and is derived from the Greek words homoios (similar to) and peperi (pepper). |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Suitable for Hanging Baskets |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Rootbound Conditions, Low Humidity / Aircon, Disease / Pest Resistant, Easy to Grow |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Yellow / Golden, Cream / Off-White |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Thick |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Green |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1029 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2323 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
