Round-leaved pepper grass, also known as watercress green, green-leaved jasper, is a perennial evergreen herb of the family Piperaceae. It is native to the West Indies, Panama, northern South America, etc. Because of its wide and thick leaves with oily green luster, it is named.
The plant size of the round-leaved pepper grass is small, the leaves are thick, the leaf color is dark green and shiny, and it has high ornamental value. It is suitable for potted or hanging potted plants, and can be used for interior decoration and air purification.
Cultivation method of round-leaved pepper grass
Soil: Round-leaved pepper grass prefers loose, breathable, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It can be mixed with humus, garden soil and river sand in a ratio of 2:2:1.
Temperature: Round-leaved pepper grass likes a warm and humid semi-shady environment, is not cold-tolerant, and avoids high temperature and strong light. The suitable temperature for growth is 18 27, and the temperature in winter is not less than 10.
Lighting: Round-leaved pepper grass prefers semi-shade and grows well under scattered light. In summer, avoid direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves will burn.
moisture: Round-leaved pepper grass likes moisture, but is not waterlogged. Watering should be dry and wet, and keep the potting soil moist. The number of watering can be increased appropriately when the temperature is high in summer, and the watering frequency should be controlled in winter.
Fertilization: Round-leaved pepper grass does not have high requirements for fertilizer, and thin liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growth period.
Trim: Round-leaved pepper grass grows quickly and can be pruned as needed to maintain a beautiful plant shape.
The propagation method of the round-leaved pepper grass
Round-leaved pepper grass can be propagated by cuttings, branching, sowing and other methods.
Cuttings: Cuttings are the most commonly used propagation method for Rotunda rotunda. It can be done in spring and autumn. Select a sturdy leaf, cut off a section with a petiole and insert it into loose and breathable soil, keep the soil moist, and take root in about 2 weeks.
Branches: Dividing can be carried out in spring. Remove the mother plant from the pot, shake off the soil around the roots, divide it into clusters, and plant them separately.
Sowing: Sowing can be done in the spring. Seeds are evenly sprinkled in loose and breathable soil, covered with a thin layer of soil, and the soil is kept moist, and germination can occur in about 15 days.
Pest and disease control of Roundleaf Pepper Grass
Common pests and diseases of Pepper Grass are:
Leaf spot disease: Leaf spot disease is a common fungal disease of peppergrass rotundifolia. At the beginning of the disease, brown or black spots appear on the leaves, which gradually enlarge, and in severe cases, the leaves will fall off. Prevention and control method: It can be sprayed with 800 times of 50% carbendazim wettable powder.
Scale insects: Scale insect is a common insect pest of Peppergrass rotunda. Scale insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Prevention and control methods: You can wipe with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or dish soap solution, or you can spray with 1000 times of 50% protophos emulsion.
Round-leaved pepper grass is a kind of foliage plant that is relatively easy to maintain, suitable for novices. As long as you master the correct breeding method, you can make it grow healthily and be evergreen all year round.