Method of cultivating Peperomia columella
Let's share some content about the succulent plant Peperomia columella, including its cultivation methods. Let's take a look together.
Peperomia columella, also known as Tower Peppergrass, belongs to the Pepper Family's Peperomia genus, and is also called Green Tower. It is native to the tropical regions of South America.
Peperomia columella is a perennial evergreen succulent herb, with a矮小 stature, growing 5-8 cm tall. The entire plant is succulent, with thick, horseshoe-shaped leaves that are opposite or alternate, with short petioles. The leaf edges curl slightly upwards, creating a shallow groove in the center of the leaf surface, while the back is ridged. The leaf surface is glossy, and the edges may turn red under strong light, with the leaves slightly transparent. The inflorescence is club-shaped and green, blooming in late spring and early summer.
Peperomia columella requires a sunny and cool, dry environment, is tolerant of semi-shade, but dislikes waterlogging and humid heat. It has the habit of growing in cool seasons and dormant in high summer and low winter temperatures. The growing season is from September to December and March to July every year (the growing period varies depending on the environment of the plant enthusiasts). Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch, with a long distance between leaves, making the plant loose and the stems weak. Plants growing in full sunlight are shorter and stockier, with leaves closely arranged, and Peperomia columella does not grow very fast.
The Tower Peppergrass cultivated by Kite is kept in a sunlit greenhouse. During the growing season, the soil should be kept slightly moist, avoiding waterlogging. The soil used by Kite is a mixture of coal slag, peat, and a small amount of perlite, in a ratio of about 6:3:1. Peperomia columella can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 degrees Celsius when the potting soil is dry, which is the indoor temperature, not outdoors. Watering is mostly stopped during the entire winter, with a gradual reduction starting below 5 degrees Celsius. Keeping the temperature above 0 degrees is essential, as the plant is very frost-sensitive and may freeze to death if the temperature is too low.
When the temperature exceeds 35℃ in summer, the plant's growth basically stops. During this time, watering should be reduced to prevent root rot caused by excessively moist potting soil. Improved ventilation, appropriate shading, and avoiding direct sunlight are necessary throughout the summer. It is important to note that during the summer, Kite does not completely stop watering; a small amount of water is given to prevent the old leaves from drying out. Watering is done at the edge of the pot, about twice a month, between 7-9 PM when the sun has set, which does not affect the plant's roots.
During cultivation, avoid long-term rain exposure, as it can cause stem rot. Peperomia columella grows relatively slowly, and repotting every 2-4 years is sufficient. Repotting is done before the first watering in early spring.
The plant shape of Peperomia columella will not be too large, with branching. Propagation can be done by cutting the top for stem cuttings and dividing the plant. Stem cuttings are simple; healthy old branches are taken and dried, then planted in slightly moist sandy soil. In a shaded and well-ventilated area, roots will typically form in more than 20 days. Do not water frequently during propagation to avoid stem rot. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for stem cuttings.
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