Countless plants withered.
But I don't look back. If I do, I won't be able to keep my sanity...

My name is Suzuki and I've been gardening as a hobby for 14 years.
This is a section that introduces only plants that we have actually grown.

This time we will introduce the captivating "pepper," a plant with a striking pink color, "Piper ornatum."

What kind of plant is Piperu otunatum?

The "Piper" in the name is written as "Piper" in English.
That's right, "pepper" means "pepper."
A genuine pepper of the Piperaceae family, Piper genus.
By the way, "Pepper Potts" from Iron Man has nothing to do with pepper.

Peperomia, a popular ornamental plant, is also a member of the Piperaceae family.
It is classified in the genus Sadaceae.

" Piper ornatum" is also sold at aquarium stores.
In such cases, they are often planted in sphagnum moss.
I think this is probably used to get value from cuttings.

You don't have to worry too much about humidity.
It grows as a vine and can also be grown as a hanging plant.

Pink veins and glossy leaf surface.
And purple leaf undersides.
Anyway, it's a beautiful plant.

For those who know normal humidity

This is about humidity, which I mentioned briefly above.
I searched to see what people overseas are doing growing Ornatum.
I didn't see anyone using sphagnum moss as soil.
There seemed to be a lot of organic soil.

Even those who keep their plants indoors don't seem to live in environments with high humidity. In my house, I humidify the air in the winter to keep the humidity at around 60 degrees.

I have a feeling that the best way to improve it is to let it climb on a moss pole or something similar, rather than hanging it.

Ornatum Complementary Plan

Plants can suddenly wither and die just when you think they're doing well.
I too have become an adult.
I won't be fooled again.

This year I plan to cut the tops while they are still healthy and use them as pitchers.
How many times have I sunk into the abyss of sadness without backing up my data?

Climbing plants often develop roots in pitchers.
So, Ornatum should also root!
For some reason, I think it would be safer to go during the humid season, so I'll go in June.

Plant Gachimeter

Finally, I will give a score to "Piper ornatum" based on my very personal opinion.

-Ease of cultivation: 16 points. So far, it's going well and requires little effort.
But I still don't believe it, so minus 4 points.

・Easy to make: 19 points. Perfect for hanging or climbing.

-Growth rate: 17 points. Grows rapidly from April to September.

・Suitability for Osaka: 18 points Just be careful of the cold!

・Likeness rating: 20 points. This leaf vein is one of a kind. Full marks.

Total score: 90 points

That's all, Editor-in-Chief.

Author: Suzuki