Care of the indoor plant Peperomia dolabriformis or Prayer pepper |
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The genus Peperomia, family Piperaceae, includes more than 1000 species of perennial plants native to tropical regions around the globe. Some species are: Peperomia dolabriformis, Peperomia angulata, Peperomia caperata, Peperomia argyreia, Peperomia obtusifolia, Peperomia orba, Peperomia magnoliifolia, Peperomia polybotrya, Peperomia axillaris. Common names: Prayer pepper. This species is native to Peru. They are tropical bushy plants that reach 60 cm (23.6") in height. The curious fleshy leaves are bent upwards and are bright light green with darker central line. They produce long, whitish-green inflorescences that are not very decorative. Prayer pepper is used in pots as indoor and greenhouse plants; in spring and summer it can be located outside without direct sun. Peperomia dolabriformis needs a very bright exposure but without direct sun. It does not resist temperatures below 15 ºC (59 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for indoor plants with some coarse sand and peat. Transplant in spring, renewing the substrate. Water moderately with lime-free water all year long, waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. Fertilize once with mineral houseplant fertilizer in early spring. Prune off wilted flower stems. Peperomia dolabriformis is a quite resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to drafts and excessive watering. Prayer pepper is propagated fairly easily by stem cuttings in spring. |
Images of the indoor plant Peperomia dolabriformis or Prayer pepper |
 Peperomia dolabriformis  Peperomia dolabriformis |