Piper sp. Kalimantan 'Watermelon'

Background of Piper sp. Kalimantan 'Watermelon'

This collector Piper is associated with Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, but its exact species and collection site are unknown. The regional name therefore cannot identify one particular habitat. Indoors, provide warmth, high humidity, bright filtered light and gentle airflow, with loose potting mix that remains lightly moist.

Caring for Piper sp. Kalimantan 'Watermelon'

Light

Place this Piper in bright, diffuse light to keep the pale venation clear against the deep green blades. Shield the velvety leaves from hot direct sun and increase artificial or window light gradually.

Water

Water when the upper mix starts to dry, then empty all runoff. Check the roots before watering because a compact container can move from moist to dry quickly.

Potting mix

Use a fine, open mix with small bark and pumice or perlite distributed through moisture-retentive material. Keep the stem base airy and the lower stem joints above waterlogged mix.

Temperature and humidity

Warmth and high humidity help the textured leaves open fully. Combine humidity with gentle circulation so water does not remain in the depressions between the pronounced veins.

Feeding and repotting

Feed at very low strength while new leaves and stems are developing. Repot by one small size after roots have filled the container, keeping the stem base at its original level.

Training the compact climbing stems

Provide a slim support while the climbing stems are still flexible and guide new growth upwards. Tie below the stem joints without pressing the leaf stalks, and leave enough space for the broad leaves to open without touching wet walls or glass.

Propagation

Take a cutting with at least one healthy stem joint and root it in warm, humid conditions with regular fresh air. Keep the stem joint just in contact with lightly moist mix and leave the patterned leaf above the surface.

Signs of stress in Piper sp. Kalimantan 'Watermelon'

Leaf contrast becomes subdued

Let newly opened foliage harden before judging it. If several mature leaves become plainer and smaller, check the filtered light and whether the roots are firm. Extra fertiliser will not strengthen the vein pattern.

Compact climbing stems lose lower leaves

Low light, cold, a dry spell or root damage can leave bare sections behind the climbing tip. Check those conditions, secure new growth loosely to its slim support and shorten a bare stem above a healthy stem joint only after the plant starts growing strongly again.

Textured margins become crisp

Dry potting mix, a sudden drop in humidity or fertiliser salts can mark the edges. Check below the surface, water thoroughly if needed and run plenty of plain water through the mix if feeding has been frequent.

Leaves yellow while the roots become soft

A pot that stays waterlogged can damage the fine roots. Remove decayed roots, replace compact mix with fresh open potting mix and allow a slight drying at the surface between thorough waterings.

Leaf folds conceal thrips or mites

Inspect depressions, undersides and the folded bud for silvering, black specks, stippling or webbing. Move the plant away from others, clean the folds and leaf depressions gently, and repeat the chosen treatment as directed.

Keep Piper sp. Kalimantan ‘Watermelon’ away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

How did Piper get its name?

Piper is Latin for pepper.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Piper in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 28.