Piperaceae - Care tips

Piperaceae

The Piperaceae family is a large family of flowering plants that consists roughly of 3,600 species in 5 different genera. Also called the pepper family, most of the species that are known widely in the world are found in the two main genera: Piper (2,171 species) and Peperomia (over 1,000 species). The fun thing about the large Piperaceae family is that there is a Piperaceae plant for everyone! From herbs to houseplants and from small trees to shrubs! Some of the species can flower, and other species can grow fruits. A lot of members of the Piperaceae family are also used for medicinal purposes. They are used in traditional medicinal systems of indigenous population to heal a wide number of different illnesses. How cool is that?!

Piperaceae plant care tips

Light and placement for Piperaceae

The Piperaceae family consists of tropical plants, so the best location is somewhere with medium to bright light in order to keep her foliage as beautiful as possible. Don’t be afraid, but this plantfamily can be a little dramatic if she doesn't get enough light. She will show it to you by dropping her leaves or drab coloration. Don’t take us wrong, you still need to avoid direct sunlight because it can burn your plants' delicate leaves! A warm and steamy environment will help them to grow quickly, even more in the Spring and Summer season.

Water

Most of the Piperaceae have succulent leaves. Succulent means that she doesn't need a lot of water. You can allow the surface of the potting soil to dry completely before watering again. Be aware of soggy soil, because it can lead to root rot and eventually kill your Piperaceae!

Nutrition

Piperaceae are not very hungry plants. So, when we talk about fertilizing a Piperaceae, less is more. Piperaceae are self-sufficient and will thrive really well in their planting substrate. Your future green baby is an independent one!

Piperaceae plant

Propagating Piperaceae

The first thing we can advise you when propagating, is to wait for the growing season: Spring and Summer. Propagating Piperaceae is pretty easy. First, it’s important to use clean and sharp tools like pruning shears or kitchen knives. Cut off an inch of a stem with a leaf from the mother plant. Just after cutting it, you can repot it in a small container, in a bright spot with a lot of indirect sunlight. You also need to water it a lot and prevent the soil from getting dry. After a few weeks, roots will be formed and you can repot your new baby plant in a bigger pot!

Most common pests on Piperaceae

Piperaceae are sensitive to common pests like mealybugs, spider mites or white flies. You can check our PLNTSdoctor page to recognise and eliminate your plant pests if your Piperaceae is attacked. If you are interested in biological pest control, you can take a look at our blog.

Are Piperaceae poisonous for your pets or children?

Another good thing about the Piperaceae? These beauties are totally safe for children and pets! Your furry friend and babies can chew the plant without any danger, but we prefer avoiding the plants than getting hurt, right?

Piperaceae plant for sale

At PLNTS.com, we love Piperaceae for their beautiful look and their easy care! We can introduce you to the gorgeous Piper Sylvaticum and her incredible silver leaves. Otherwise, you can have the choice with the Peperomia Prostrata and the Peperomia Pepperspot to get them as BabyPLNTS and see them thrive in your home or get them as mature plants if you are impatient! If you want something simple, the Baby Peperomia Hope is made for you, but if you want more colors, then the cute Baby Peperomia Caperata Red Luna waits for you to add her in your urban jungle! At PLNTS.com, we cover all your plant dreams!