Peperomia columella

Peperomia columella is a succulent-leaved species native to the dry, rocky slopes of Peru. It grows in areas with high light levels and excellent drainage, often tucked into crevices where roots are protected from extreme heat while the leaves receive full exposure to the sun.

The plant forms short, trailing to slightly arching stems densely packed with overlapping, cylindrical leaves. Each leaf has a translucent window along its upper surface, allowing light to penetrate to the inner tissues for efficient photosynthesis, an adaptation to bright but arid environments. The foliage is mid-green and fleshy, storing water to withstand prolonged dry periods.

Flowering produces slender, upright spikes bearing tiny yellowish-green blooms typical of the genus. In cultivation, it is grown for its distinctive leaf structure and drought tolerance, making it a suitable choice for sunny windowsills or bright greenhouse benches.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright light with some direct sun; can adapt to full sun if acclimatised.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry between waterings; water sparingly in winter.
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity.
• Media: Use a free-draining succulent or cactus mix with coarse particles.
• Fertiliser: Feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a diluted succulent fertiliser.
• Temperature: Maintain between 18–27 °C; protect from frost and temperatures below 10 °C.
• Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container.