Peperomia fraseri (Flowering Peperomia)

Scientific Name

Peperomia fraseri C. DC.

Common Names

Flowering Peperomia

Synonyms

Peperomia resedaeflora, Peperomia resediflora, Peperomia treleasei, Trigonanthera resediflora

Scientific Classification

Family: Piperaceae
Subfamily: Piperoideae
Genus: Peperomia

Flower

Color: White
Bloom Time: Summer

Description

Peperomia fraseri is unique because of its distinct white flower spikes. It has upright stems bearing large, rounded to heart-shaped, glossy green leaves with incised venation. The inflorescence consists of a 2 feet (60 cm), reddish, branching peduncle topped with slightly fragrant, white bottle-brush flowers.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

This plant is well suited for planting in containers or hanging baskets. Drainage is critical, so make sure the container has a drainage hole in the bottom. Peperomia grows in any good-quality, regular commercial potting soil or a homemade mixture containing ingredients such as compost, loam or peat moss. A handful of sand or vermiculite promotes drainage.

Watermelon Peperomia thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Although most types of Peperomia thrive in bright light, too much light fades the bright colors of the variegated foliage. Indoors, a window with an eastern exposure provides excellent light. Outdoors, grow the plant in light shade or filtered light.

Water the plant deeply when the top of the soil feels slightly dry. Let the pot drain completely and never allow the plant to stand in water. Check outdoor plants daily during warm weather. In fall and winter, water sparingly and allow more time between each watering so the soil has time to dry a bit more than usual. If the air is dry in summer, increase humidity by setting the container on a humidity tray… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for a Watermelon Peperomia

Origin

Peperomia fraseri is native to rainforests of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Links

• Back to genus Peperomia
• Plantopedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone or Origin

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