Plants of the Peperomia family are great for beginner flower growers. All members of the family are unpretentious in care, undemanding. But on the other hand, they look just gorgeous. Our peperomia obtusifolia (blunt leaf peperomia) has a magnificent appearance: rich leaves of rich green color, thick shoots, dense vegetation. All this is combined with a high ability to survive.
In this article, we will tell you what peperomia obtusifolia is and how to care for it at home.
Peperomia Obtusifolia Botanical description, origin and Habitat
The genus Peperomius includes almost a thousand varieties. Peperomia obtusifolia is Latin name of blunt leaf peperomia. This plant came to our region from the tropical forests of Central and South America, sometimes found in Brazil, India, Asia, and Ecuador. The plant became a home plant around the end of the 18th century.
peperomia obtusifolia External structure: description and photo of obtusifolia
Reference! In addition to external signs, peperomia obtusifolia has another characteristic feature – it emits a smell similar to that of pepper. If you rub the leaves vigorously, they can emit a very noticeable pungent smell.
- The leaf plates are very fleshy, dense, growing on petioles. End with a blunt end.
- The colors of the leaves can be very diverse: from deep green to pale cream. It all depends on the variety of Peperomia blunt-leaved. Sometimes a yellowish border is found along the edges.
- In addition, the sheet also shines due to the fact that it is covered with a waxy coating.
- On the foliage there is a pronounced venation, it has the shape of an arc.
- The flower arrow is characterized by a spike-shaped inflorescence.
- The beginning of the growth of shoots is always upright. Further, these stems begin to branch out and creep along the surface of the soil.
Often, flower growers use this plant in the form of an ampelous or pendant flower. They are usually hung on balconies in the summer. Such Peperomias are very fond of fresh warm air.
peperomia obtusifolia chemical composition of the plant: benefits and harms
Air purification is considered a positive property of peperomia obtusifolia. There are many phytoncides in this plant, they perfectly disinfect the air, destroying pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, experienced florists are advised to place it in those rooms in which people live, prone to frequent colds. This plant has a beneficial effect on the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, mammary glands, and gallbladder.
Sometimes the plant can be harmful to allergy sufferers.
peperomia obtusifolia (blunt leaf peperomia) Care
- Lighting . peperomia obtusifolia will withstand a lot of light, but prefers partial shade more. Direct sunlight is completely detrimental to the condition of the leaf plates.
- Temperature . This flower prefers an air temperature of 22-25 degrees Celsius, but not more. It is advisable to avoid sudden and noticeable temperature changes.
- Watering . Dull-leaved will grow and develop well only in moist soil. To do this, you need to regularly water and spray the plant. But do not bring the matter to stagnation of moisture. In the summer they are watered often and abundantly, in the winter – less often and in a smaller volume. The main sign of a lack of moisture is darkening and falling foliage.
- Substrate and flowerpot . peperomia obtusifolia requires soil that will allow air and water to pass through well. The acidity should be at a neutral level. To prepare the soil mixture yourself, you need to take in equal proportions turf and humus soil, peat and coarse river sand.Do not forget about the drainage layer, as moisture stagnation harms not only the root system, but also the entire appearance. There must be holes in the flowerpot for the plant. Choose a pot that is not very large and small, since the root system in peperomia is not very developed.
- Fertilizers . It is necessary to purchase ready-made mineral complexes. It is better to choose a concentration two times less than the specified rate. Fertilizers should be applied twice a month. It is recommended to do this only during the summer period.
- Transplant . Change residence for peperomia obtusifolia in the spring. To renew the plant, cuttings are chosen, which will have at least three leaves and one or two internodes.
- Pruning . The flower grower must remove dry and diseased branches in time. To prevent long heavy branches from breaking off under their own weight, they must be removed in time. All cuttings, the length of which exceeds two tens of centimeters, are subject to removal.
peperomia obtusifolia propagation methods
The most common and easiest way to get new offspring:
- Young shoots are chosen so that they have at least three or four leaves. In this case, the sheet plates should not be damaged or defective.
- The shoots are placed in moistened sand or a mixture of sand and peat.
- After 30 days, the grower will see small roots, but this will only happen if heat and humidity are observed. After this time, the young plant is transplanted into a separate flowerpot.
Reference! New roots can be achieved not only by placing them in the sand. Simply place the scions in purified water at room temperature.
peperomia obtusifolia Blooming period
peperomia obtusifolia usually bloom in the summer. Long inflorescences are very similar to spikelets, sometimes they are compared to plantain flowers.
peperomia obtusifolia pests and diseases
Most often, peperomia obtusifolia are attacked by weevils, aphids, spider mites, slugs and mealybugs. In most cases, the plant copes with pest attacks on its own with the help of a specific scent that is emitted. If the flower itself does not cope with parasites, it is worth treating it with insecticidal preparations.
In order not to bring the root system to decay (the whole plant suffers from this), it is important to ensure that the water does not stagnate in the flowerpot. After spraying, it is worth wiping the leaf plates with a dampened cloth. The main thing is not to leave drops of water on the leaves, as this can lead to scalding of the surface.
Similar plants to peperomia obtusifolia (blunt leaf peperomia)
- Ficus is a popular houseplant. The main advantage of ficus is its decorative leaves. All the variety of species can be divided into trees, bush and ampelous forms. Among them are evergreen and deciduous species. By pruning, you can form a crown.
- Peperomia is multi-arm . The leaves are conical, dark green, more like water lilies. Flowers are similar to plantain, only white or beige.
- Magnolia -leaved Decorative – a type of bush peperomia with thick fleshy pagons up to 30-40 cm in height. Ovate leaves are shiny with a waxy bloom, 5-9 cm in size.
The secret of Peperomia’s popularity among gardeners, both amateurs and professionals, lies in its original attractive appearance, thanks to which it stands out against the background of other plants.
