A Great Houseplant – Peperomia
There are over 1,000 varieties of peperomia, many of which have become popular houseplants. Peperomias belong to the pepper family, Piperaceae. The genus name Peperomia means pepper-like.
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Most peperomias are native to tropical Central and South America and few species occur naturally in Florida. In nature, peperomias grow either in the ground or epiphytically, that is, rooted on another plant.
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Like their epiphytic cousins Orchids, their many different shapes, colors, textures and sizes have made them popular with collectors. Despite their diversity, the proper care for all peperomias is rather similar.
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Depending on the species, peperomias can be grown in pots or hanging baskets. Because of their small root systems, they do well in shallow pots or where several plants are grouped together
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Most varieties stay small and compact, making them ideal tabletop or windowsill plants.
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Most peperomias prefer bright indirect light, a west window or an east window shaded by a transparent curtain is ideal. In winter, peperomias should be positioned close to a bright window.
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During warmer months, strong summer sunlight should be avoided. Most peperomias do best with high humidity and room temperatures between 50o and 88o F. In low humidity and very warm rooms, place pots on trays of moist pebbles
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Misting the foliage once a week will also help give your peperomia the humidity it needs
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All peperomias are semisucculents with thick, juicy stems and leaves that hold water in reserve. The greatest threat posed to indoor grown peperomias is over -watering, which will cause plants to rot off at the base
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The thick, fleshy leaves of most species enable them to withstand short periods of drought. Allowing your peperomias to dry out between waterings and good drainage will keep your plants healthy.
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In 1985, Briscoe White opened The Growers Exchange in an abandoned Texaco station on a busy urban street corner in Richmond, Virginia.
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In 1987, Briscoe opened a nursery in Charles City County, 25 miles east of Richmond along the shores of the historic James River.
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Currently there are 5 distinct growing environments with 5 acres under cover and
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it allows him to grow a variety of plants: herbs, perennials, annuals, fresh flowers and produce.
