La Peperomia polybotrya, also known as a man's heart, is characterized by being a plant that is part of the family Piperaceae, which in turn is composed of approximately a dozen not only genera, but also species.
These types of plants are usually distinguished by have bright and succulent stems, as well as its small and fleshy leaves that have a heart shape. If you want to learn more about it, we invite you not to miss this post.
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This plant has its place of origin within the tropical regions of South America, as well as in subtropical areas globally and usually stands out for having a certain peculiarity in relation to other plants, and it is that both its leaves and its stems are known to be the same as those of succulents.
Likewise, stands out for being a fairly suitable plant to grow indoors, since it does not usually grow much, so finding a place in the home will not cause any inconvenience, since it is possible to place it almost in any space. In addition, it is characterized by being a plant that has a fairly high ornamental value, which is why it is usually usual to get it in nurseries and / or also in numerous plant businesses.
Features Peperomia polybotrya
Before talking about its characteristics, we can say that this beautiful plant with large foliage, has managed to gain immense popularity lately among lovers of indoor plants.
And it is that these are plants that have thick leaves and a dark green tone, with a heart shape and a charming white point located exactly in the center. While the fine and simple flower stalks, usually sprout by the time the plant reaches a height of 8 inches, and they continue to bloom for several months.
It is also characterized by being an extraordinary indoor plant that is very easy to care for; and thanks to its ability to store moisture inside its fleshy leaves, special care must be taken during watering, since it does not require as much water as many might imagine.
In relation to its flowering, we can say that the Peperomia polybotrya it has really interesting flowers, not only due to their peculiar appearance (in the shape of a white spike), but also because of the smell they usually produce. It should be said that although they are not truly ugly, it is not possible to consider them as spectacular either.
In addition, it is usually a bit difficult for them to flourish when being indoors, although not in all cases; Either way, it is advisable to appreciate and enjoy your flowers, since they usually last a few days. In the same way, it must be said that although it has a somewhat delicate appearance, the truth is that it is a fairly resistant plant which is even capable of tolerating environments where it does not have direct exposure to the sun.
Medicinal benefits or properties
The plant called heart of man, also stands out for the great medicinal benefits it has, since optimizes the digestive process, favors inflammation, relieves coughs and colds, and is even suitable for heart conditions, etc.
In various parts of the world, numerous scientists have studied this plant with the purpose of knowing what are its medicinal properties, and have indicated that apart from its previously mentioned properties, it is also used to relieve abdominal pain and headache, colic, fatigue, pain in rheumatic joints and even kidney disorders.
Care
When the care required by the Peperomia polybotrya in question, it is convenient to take into account the following:
Lighting design
This plant requires indirect exposure to the sun to be able to stay strong and healthy, but can also endure being in places without great access to natural light; so it can be located almost anywhere.
Temperature
It is quite sensitive to cold and, of course, also to frost, so it is best to make sure it is in spaces where the temperatures are not lower than 10 ° C.
Fertilizer
To increase your vitality, it is best to make sure you pay it using fertilizer specially directed to green plants, and applying them throughout the hottest months of the year, since it is during this time that it develops. Both liquid and stick compost can be applied monthly throughout the spring and also during the summer to provide the nutrients it requires to stay healthy and grow properly.
Irrigation
As we have already mentioned, this plant stores water inside, both in the stems and in the leaves, reason why it is necessary to provide moderate irrigation; but when do you have to water it? Keep in mind that it is quite easy to water it excessively, so it is usually best to do it only when you notice that the soil is completely dry.
Do not forget that, especially throughout the summer, make sure to offer a medium humidity, which is possible to achieve by spraying the leaves, placing it near a humidifier or inside a plate full of stones and water (taking care that the pot and the water do not have direct contact).
Reproduction
La Peperomia polybotrya reproduces through seeds; although it usually does the same using commercial cuttings, becoming rooted with great ease. It is possible to divide it when placing it in the pot, for which it must be removed and separated into small pieces that have few roots.
Similarly, you can choose to cut leaves and / or stems during spring; In this case, the oldest leaves must be removed from the stems and cut just below the node, then placed in wet sand for a couple of hours in order to promote growth. development of a corky cuticle around the cuts.
Once time passes placed in pots at a temperature of 21 ° C and it is provided with good watering; when enough roots grow they can be transplanted into the definitive pot. In case of working with seeds, it will be necessary to wet them previously.
Diseases and pests
It stands out for being a very generous plant which, in general, it is not usually affected by the presence of diseases that tend to usually affect other indoor, for example, the mealybug y the aphid.