peperomia
American Heritage Dictionary:
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pep·er·o·mi·a
(pĕp'ə-rō'mē-ə) 
n.
Any of numerous succulent tropical herbs of the genus Peperomia, having simple, entire, palmately veined leaves and numerous minute, unisexual flowers densely grouped in cylindrical spikes.
n.
Any of numerous succulent tropical herbs of the genus Peperomia, having simple, entire, palmately veined leaves and numerous minute, unisexual flowers densely grouped in cylindrical spikes.
[New Latin Peperomia, genus name : Greek peperi, pepper; see pepper + Greek homos, same; see homo-.]
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Peperomia
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Peperomia (radiator plant) is one of the 2 large genera of the Piperaceae family, with more than 1000 recorded species. Most of them are compact, small perennial epiphytes growing on rotten wood. More than 1500 species have been recorded, occurring in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world, though concentrated to Central America and northern South America. A limited number of species (around 17) are found in Africa.
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Description
Though varying considerably in appearance (see gallery below), these species generally have thick, stout stems and fleshy leaves, sometimes with leaf windows. Peperomia flowers typically come in yellow to brown conical spikes. Research indicates that Peperomia species contain poisonous elements associated with alkaloid leaves and the stems.
These tropical perennials are grown for their ornamental foliage.They are mostly natives of tropical America. They are compact and usually do not exceed 12 inches (30 cm) in height. They vary considerably in appearance. Some have threadlike, trailing stems and some have fleshy, stout stems. The leaves are smooth and fleshy and may be oval with the leafstalk at or near the center of the leaf blade, or they may be heart-shaped or lance-shaped; their size may vary from 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) long. They may be green or striped, marbled or bordered with pale green, red or gray, and the petioles of some kinds are red. The tiny flowers are unnoticeable and they grow in the form of cordlike spikes
Horticulture
Peperomias are grown for their ornamental foliage and sometimes for their attractive flowers (Peperomia fraseri). Except for the succulent species, they are generally easy to grow in a greenhouse. Different species (e.g. Peperomia caperata) and cultivars are found in the trade.
Propagation
These plants are usually propagated by seeds. They are also commercially propagated by cuttings. Peperomia cuttings root easily.
Plants can be divided at potting time. They are removed and separated into smaller pieces, each with a few roots attached. Leaf or stem cuttings can also be taken in the spring or summer. The lower leaves of the shoots are removed and a cut is made below the bottom node (joint). They are then laid on a bench for an hour or two to allow a protective corky skin to form over the cuts. They are then inserted in a propagating case with bottom heat of 70-75 degrees F. It is best not to seal the top completely, as the plants are semi-succulent in nature and excessive humidity is detrimental. When enough roots have formed, cuttings can be planted in 3-inch pots or in hanging baskets.
Gallery
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Peperomia argyreia, watermelon peperomia
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Peperomia blanda
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Peperomia camptotricha
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Peperomia caperata
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Peperomia caulibarbis
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Peperomia claviformis
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Peperomia clusiifolia "Jely"
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Peperomia columella
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Peperomia cookiana
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Peperomia flexicaulis
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Peperomia galioides
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Peperomia glabella
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Peperomia griseoargentea
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Peperomia hirta
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Peperomia hoffmannii
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Peperomia hylophila
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Peperomia incana, a large herb
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Peperomia leptostachya
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Peperomia macrostachya
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Peperomia magnoliifolia
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Peperomia meridana
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Peperomia myrtifolia
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Peperomia nitida "Variegata"
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Peperomia nivalis ssp./var. crassa, a xerophyte
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Peperomia obtusifolia
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Peperomia obtusifolia
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Peperomia obtusifolia
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Peperomia orba "Variegata"
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Peperomia pellucida
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Peperomia perciliata
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Peperomia pereskiifolia
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Peperomia prostrata, a hanging or creeping succulent
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Peperomia puteolata
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Peperomia quadrangularis
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Peperomia rotundifolia var. rotundifolia
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Peperomia rubella
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Peperomia sandersii
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Peperomia serpens
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Peperomia sincorana
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Peperomia tetragona
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Peperomia trifolia
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Peperomia tuisana
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Peperomia vinasiana
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Peperomia weberbaueri
See also
External links
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American Heritage Dictionary
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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