Pepper elder - Peperomia pellucida (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Pepper elder

Also known as: Clearweed, Rat-ear, Shiny bush

Pepper elder (Peperomia pellucida) is a perennial flowering plant that blooms all year. The entire pepper elder plant is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Scientific classification

Species

Pepper elder (Peperomia pellucida)

Pepper plants, birthworts, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Black

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Pepper elder

Distribution of Pepper elder

Distribution Map

Pepper elder is native to a broad range of tropical and subtropical regions, including areas across Central and South America, parts of Africa, and some islands in the Caribbean. Extensively spread, pepper elder has been introduced to various regions within Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It thrives in moist, shaded environments and has been noted for its adaptability to diverse ecological settings beyond its original habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Shaded woods, around nurseries, greenhouses, coastal plain

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Pepper elder is found in tropical herb gardens, although the annual also makes an excellent container plant. As an ornamental plant, it is prized for its glossy green leaves that add texture to gardens. Its trailing stems also allow it to be used for ground cover in shade and flower gardens.

Symbolism

Luck

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Weed Control

A weed that is native to the tropical Americas, pepper elder has been introduced throughout much of the tropics around the world. Pepper elder is usually planted as an ornamental and kept as a houseplant. However, it is considered invasive in 29 countries and islands. It is a weed in areas including roadsides, agricultural fields, and other disturbed areas. It grows rapidly and is known to inhibit other plants, including crops, through the toxins released by its roots. Herbicides have been found to be an effective way to control populations of pepper elder.

How to Control It

The best time to remove pepper elder is during late spring or early summer, before it starts to flower and spread its seeds. Here are a few organic methods to control this plant:

Hand Pulling: The simplest and most effective way to remove pepper elder is by hand. Ensure to pull out the entire root system to prevent it from growing back.
Mulching: Cover the garden bed with a thick layer of organic mulch to prevent pepper elder from getting the light it needs to grow. This can also enhance your soil's fertility.
Solarization: During the peak of summer, cover the infected area with clear plastic sheeting. The heat will kill the pepper elder as well as its seeds. Make sure the area gets enough sunlight for this method to work.
Biological control: Introduce natural enemies of pepper elder, like certain types of insects or birds, into your garden. This should be carefully managed to avoid upsetting the ecosystem.
Using a Weed Killer: If all else fails, use a non-selective organic weed killer. These often contain ingredients like acetic acid or citric acid which will kill all kinds of plants, so be sure to only apply to pepper elder.

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Care Guide for Pepper elder

Twice per week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Pepper elder prefers consistent moisture and high humidity, thriving in warm conditions similar to its tropical native habitat. It should be watered twice a week and grown in well-draining soil to prevent root rot, making it ideal for indoor cultivation where humidity can be regulated.

Propagation: Pepper elder propagates easily by sowing in spring. Successful propagation is indicated by emerging sprouts. To ensure optimal growth, maintain consistent moisture levels.

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Images of Pepper elder

Distribution of Pepper elder

Culture

Weed Control

Care Guide for Pepper elder

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