Columnar Peperomia

Family

Piperaceae

Origin

Peru

Description

Peperomia columella is a succulent with fleshy ascending stems densely covered with alternately arranged leaves. It grows to about 20 cm in height. The stem is covered by the alternately arranged leaves. The leaves are fleshy, thick, arranged in five spiral lines, shaped like a horseshoe, bright green in color. The leaves store water and then use it during drought periods. The leaves are composed of window tissue a transparent tissue extending from the epidermis down into the leaf which allows light penetration to the interior photosynthetic tissue.

Blooming occurs during the spring and buds are borne at the top of the stem. The flowers are tiny, tail-like and light green in color.

Environment

Keep in indirect sunlight. Any window besides South facing ones should work well. Generally an easy care plant, the Peperomia can become leggy if not given enough sun

It needs plenty of air around the roots, hence a relatively loose soil with good drainage would be ideal.

Landscape Uses

Kitchens, Bathrooms , Greenhouse & Terrarium

Note

One unique aspect of Peperomia is that all their foliage purifies the air, according to NASA research