Travel Theme: Texture

 

Travel theme: Texture

                                             Texture is a way to describe the way an object looks or feels. It can describe a fabric, rocks, clothing, or any other object. In geology it is used to describe the feel of a rock, and includes not only its feel but structure as well.

This little plant was a gift from a friend. Actually, it was a re-gift. She had been given this Peperomia plant and I commented on how beautifully green it was. I had had one like it when I was up north and it had done real well. I often made cuttings. When she heard that, she gave me the plant saying that she kills every plant she’s given. She knows I grow orchids as a hobby. 

She said, “I’d like to give it to you. When you’ve made some cuttings you can give one to me.”

I was so very happy. A gift for no reason is always so much better and appreciated then an obligatory one. Sadly, it didn’t make it. Several months after I had received it the poor little fella decided he didn’t like being among my many pretty orchids. It shriveled up and died. I was devastated. I had been handed a responsibility that I destroyed. When I told my friend about my poor gardening skills with that particular plant, she laughed hysterically. Eventually, I did, too. It has been a fun thing to talk about from time to time.

I’ve added care instructions below for anyone who would like to grow these successfully.         Enjoy  ……

This orchid doesn’t really show texture but it bloomed yesterday. If you look at the very end there is still one more to open. It has another branch that hasn’t pened at all. I suppose I’d better stick to this gardening.

Peperomia Caperata

Botanical Name: Peperomia caperata

A member of the Piperaceae family, this compact plant has short stems covered by heart-shaped, deeply ridged leaves. The leaves are green, sometimes with a blush of red, and dark green veins. In summer or fall, it may produce slender flower spikes that look like rat’s tails.

 

Peperomia Care Tips

Peperomia is easy to grow and usually trouble-free.

Don’t overwater. The only thing that really bothers this plant is soggy soil. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water sparingly in the winter. Wilting leaves is likely because drainage is poor and its roots are not getting enough oxygen.

Repot in spring, only when the plant has outgrown its pot. Move it into a container that’s only slightly larger, because a container that’s too big will hold too much water and may cause root rot. Also, be sure to use a container with a drainage hole.

Leaf drop may be caused by a build-up of salts in the soil from soft water or too much fertilizer. You can see accumulated salts as white crusty deposits on the surface of the soil. Fortunately, it’s easy to flush out excess salts.

How to flush out salts: Pour plenty of room-temperature water over the soil, drenching the soil and allowing the excess water to drain out of the drainage holes for several minutes. Then pour more water. Empty the drainage tray.

Its textured leaves and low-growing mound of foliage make it an ideal addition to a dish garden or a terrarium.

Ailsa from Where’s my backpack? Has created another challenge: Travel Theme -Texture   To join in go here  - http://wheresmybackpack.com/2012/09/14/travel-theme-texture/

 

 

 

 

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