Peperomia obtusifolia

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Peperomia obtusifolia
Peperomia obtusifolia 3-OB9.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Magnoliids
Order: Piperales
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia
Species:
P. obtusifolia
Binomial name
Peperomia obtusifolia

Peperomia obtusifolia, the baby rubberplant or pepper face, is a species of flowering plant in the family Piperaceae, native to Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean.[1] The specific epithet obtusifolia means "blunt-leaved".[2] The plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]

Description[]

It is an evergreen perennial growing to 25 cm (10 in) tall and broad, with cupped leathery leaves and narrow spikes of white flowers up to 12 cm (5 in) long, which grow in a shiny, winding manner and constitute the main decorative value of this plant.[4]

Peperomia obtusifolia is often confused with , and some earlier botanists considered these two names merely synonyms for the same species. As dried specimens the plants can look highly similar, although the difference can be seen more easily with living plants: P. obtusifolia leaves are waxy while P. mangoliifolia leaves are considered fleshy. But because of the confusion plants in collections or being sold might continue to be falsely labelled. [5]

Cultivation[]

With a minimum temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), it must be grown indoors in most temperate regions. Although it needs high humidity, it does not require much care, it is enough with good lighting (without becoming excessive) to maintain the bright and intense colour of the leaves, these together with the stem are fleshy, so they do not need a very abundant or frequent watering. Direct light causes discoloration of its leaves, its average lighting is enough. A popular houseplant, numerous cultivars have been developed, some of which show leaf variegation.[6]

Pests and diseases[]

In general, it is a resistant plant, although it can have problems with aphids and mealybugs. As with most houseplants, excessive watering can cause root rot.[7]

Gallery[]

  • Variegated form

  • Flower

  • Leafy stem

  • Variegated leaves closeup

  • Shrubby setting

References[]

  1. ^ "Missouri Botanical Garden - Peperomia obtusifolia". Retrieved 2013-05-25.
  2. ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
  3. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 75. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  4. ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 978-1405332965.
  5. ^ "Peperomia obtusifolia". Flora of the Guianas. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  6. ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Peperomia obtusifolia". Retrieved 25 May 2013.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ Dawid Longman: Nurturing house plants . Warsaw: PWR and L, 1997. ISBN 83-09-01559-3
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