Product Overview
Piper Sylvaticum is a highly sort after member of the Piperaceae, pepper family, native to North East India, and the subtropical rainforests of the the Himalayas.
A natural climbing or trailing plant, chosen for its easy care and highly attractive patterned leaves Piper Sylvaticum is a stunning plant to add to your collection.
Piperaceae are all generally fleshy leafed, semi-succulent, drought tolerant plants with strongly patterned leaves. They have great decorative value and are considered by NASA to be highly effective at removing toxins from the air, particularly formaldehyde. Most originate from the sub tropics, in warmth and shade, and are some of the easiest plants to keep as they can tolerate bouts of dryness, so a great choice if you tend to forget to water your plants sometimes.
Secrets of success:
As with most tropical jungle plants they are best kept in bright, indirect light. Strong direct Sun will burn the leaves. Too little light will lead to weak, leggy growth.
Water from below, preferably with harvested rainwater, or tap water that has been allowed to stand for 24 hours. This helps to avoid excess moisture on the top of the compost, which can lead to problems with the fleshy stems rotting. Approximately once a week in Summer should be ok. Just make sure that the top couple of inches of compost dries between watering. They don`t like to be constantly soggy.
Fertilise once a month through Spring and Summer with a diluted half strength liquid feed as per instructions.
Average room temperatures between 18-24c are ideal.
During the hotter months, and Winter months of centrally heated air, increase humidity around the plant, either with a tray of moist gravel, or an occasional misting.
Avoid direct heat sources, and cold draughts.
Minimum Temp: 16c
Aftercare:
In Winter when temperatures are lower, and growth is slow keep slightly drier, check for water every 2 weeks.
Do not fertilise.
Peperomia are best kept slightly pot bound, to reduce the risk of having too much compost, and too much moisture around their roots.
Re-pot in Spring approx. every 3 years, using a good quality free draining houseplant compost and only a slightly larger pot.
Warnings:
Considered toxic.
Best kept out of reach of children and pets.
