This slow-growing, woody perennial flowering vine takes about four years to reach blooming and fruiting size.
in which case it will remain much smaller.
Note though that indoor plants usually don’t produce fruit.
If you don’t want the plant to sprawl on the ground, install a trellis.
Peppercorn plants grown as houseplants can be planted at any time.
Light
When growing peppercorn plant as an indoor houseplant, give it the brightest light possible.
The vines need the sun’s energy to produce flowers and fruit.
However, in a greenhouse or outdoors, partial sunlight is adequate for healthy growth.
Soil
Peppercorn plants need humus-rich soil that retains moisture.
However, the soil must have good drainage, andheavy clay soilscause root rot.
Use alight potting mixamended with compost or leaf mold.
The ideal pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Temperature and Humidity
Peppercorn plants grow best in temperatures between 55 and 90F.
They will stop growing when temperatures drop below 50F and don’t tolerate frost.
Peppercorn plants require a tropical, humid climate to thrive.
A heated greenhouse is ideal.
Fertilizer
Peppercorn plants need a moderate amount of fertilizer.
Discontinue feeding in the fall and winter months.
However, like many variegated plants, peppercorn albo vines are less vigorous than the standard cultivar.
Tip
Not all plants in thePipergenus produce peppercorns.
AnotherPipervine, thePipersarmentosum, commonly called lolot pepper, is valued for its edible leaves.
The immature plants look the same as peppercorn plants, with heart-shaped green foliage.
Pruning
Pruning peppercorn vines isn’t necessary for plant health.
Propagating Peppercorn Plants
To propagate a peppercorn plant.
bury part of a low-lying stem under the soil, a technique known as layering.
Within one growing season, the buried part of the stem will produce roots.
Cut it from the parent and replant it in a new location.
Enclose the moss with plastic food wrap and secure the ends with electrical tape.
Allow three months for sufficient roots to develop before removing this new plant from the parent.
Take a mature (red) peppercorn berry from your vine.
Soak the berry overnight to hydrate it, and plant it just beneath the soil surface.
Keep in a warm room between 75 and 85F; use a heated germination mat for best results.
Germination will occur in about 30 days.
Potting and Repotting Peppercorn Plants
Peppercorn vines are slow-growing perennial vines and seldom need repotting.
As a young plant, the peppercorn vine makes a handsome specimen forhanging basketsfor about two seasons.
As it continues to grow, it will get too big and heavy to maintain it this way.
A healthy vine in a tropical greenhouse setting grows 8 to 13 feet long.
Common Pests
Outdoors, peppercorn plants attract pepper weevils and pepper flea beetles.
Indoors, monitor your plant foraphidsandmealybugs.
Harvesting Peppercorn
The fruits of the peppercorn plant are harvested at three different ripening stages.
Black peppercorns have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, gastro-protective, and antidepressant properties.
activities of black pepper.
What Do Peppercorn Plant Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The flowers are tiny and yellowish-green and grow in pendulous spikes up to 6 inches long.
The resulting fruits are drupes, appearing in immature green bunches, similar to grapes.
How to Get a Peppercorn Plant to Bloom?
The leaves of the peppercorn plant secrete a sugary substance that over time turns black into tiny crystalline balls.
Do not venture to remove them.
Root Rot
In cool and wet conditions, the plant may develop root rot.
Peppercorn is neither a tree nor a bush but a perennial vine.
What Are the Health Benefits of Black Pepper?Cleveland Clinic.
