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Piper ornatum – Exotic Climber with Striking Veined Leaves

Piper ornatum is a rare, climbing plant from the humid tropical forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its heart-shaped leaves are its standout featu

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Piper ornatum

€89.50

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Vat Included

Available Sizes


Piper ornatum comes in following sizes:


Baby Plant – is approximately 10–15 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 6 cm pot.


M – is ca 30 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 9 cm pot

Piper ornatum Quick Guide

Name: Piper ornatum N.E.Br.
Type: herbaceous evergreen
form: scandent chamaephytes
Family: Piperaceae
Native Range: Sulawesi
Zone: 13
Habitat: tropical forests, scandent
Height: to 15m
Spread: 30 cm
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: High
Leaf: Evergreen
Tolerate: Semi Shade Taxon identifiers: NCBI taxonomy ID : 288673 USDA PLANTS ID : PIOR Global Biodiversity Information Facility ID : 3086329 ITIS TSN : 506525 EPPO Code : PIPOR Tropicos ID : 25003424 IPNI plant ID : 682494-1 Plants of the World online ID : urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:682494-1 IRMNG ID : 10212695 iNaturalist taxon ID : 431467 Biodiversity ID : 365328 CAB ID : 245904 Freebase ID : /m/09ghsdr Synonyms: no synonyms recorded

Piper Varieties and Genus Info


Piper Care and Insights


🌱 Master the art of Piper plant care by visiting our Piper Varieties and Genus Info page in the Genera Information Catalogue.


💡 Eager to dive deeper? Check out our Blog for a collection of plant care FAQs, fun facts, and expert advice to help your Piper thrive.

Essential Plant Care


📦 After Purchase – What to do when you receive your plant.



🪴 Plant Genera Info and Care – Information and care tips for specific plant varieties.



📝 On our Blog – Exciting plant facts and expert care advice.


What to Expect: Size & Appearance


Please Note:


Curated Selection: We hand-pick only the most beautiful plants, ensuring you receive a high-quality specimen.


ℹ️ Representative Image: The plant photo is for reference only. Each plant is unique, so variations in leaf count, shape, and variegation are natural.


ℹ️ Size Information: Sizes are based on pot diameter and overall height (from the pot’s base to the tallest point).


ℹ️ Product Details: If a listing includes a specific plant ('Get What You See'), it will be clearly stated in the size section.


No Individual Photos: We do not provide photos of individual plants unless explicitly mentioned in the size section.

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Piper ornatum

Piper ornatum – Exotic Climber with Striking Veined Leaves

Piper ornatum is a rare, climbing plant from the humid tropical forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its heart-shaped leaves are its standout feature — dark green with silver or pinkish veining depending on maturity and growing conditions. The contrasting venation gives it a painted, ornamental appearance, earning it a place among the most sought-after Piper species in botanical collections. This is not a beginner plant — it's a slow grower that thrives with warmth, humidity, and careful observation. But for those up for the challenge, it’s one of the most visually unique tropical vines you can grow indoors.

Key features and ornamental traits of Piper ornatum

  • Unique foliage: Dark green leaves with silvery-white or reddish veins, slightly textured surface
  • Climbing habit: Supports itself by twining and produces long vines when given structure
  • Rare in cultivation: Native to Sulawesi and not commonly found in commercial collections

Origin and growth context of Piper ornatum

This species is native to Sulawesi, Indonesia, where it grows as a liana in tropical lowland forests with high humidity and consistent warmth year-round. Temperatures in its natural habitat range between 22–30 °C with daily rainfall and filtered light beneath the forest canopy. Indoors, Piper ornatum typically grows up to 1 m tall if given support. It climbs slowly, focusing energy on leaf development. All parts of the plant are considered mildly toxic if ingested, and its sap may irritate skin, so it’s best kept out of reach of pets and children.

Piper ornatum indoor care guide

  • Placement: Keep in a warm, humid spot with climbing support such as a moss pole or trellis
  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; too much sun can bleach the leaves
  • Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; avoid letting it dry out completely
  • Humidity: Needs 70%+ humidity; best kept in a terrarium, greenhouse, or cabinet setup
  • Temperature: Stable temperatures between 20–28 °C; sensitive to cold and drafts
  • Soil: Loose, airy mix such as orchid bark, coco coir, perlite, and leaf compost
  • Repotting: Every 1–2 years; prefers to be slightly root-bound
  • Fertilizing: Feed every 2–3 weeks during growth with a diluted, foliage-supporting liquid fertilizer
  • Propagation: Stem cuttings can be rooted in water or moist moss under high humidity
  • Hydroponics: Possible in semi-hydro with high humidity and warmth
  • Pruning: Pinch tips to encourage bushiness or redirect vining; always wear gloves

Typical problems and how to solve them

  • Leaf curling: Often caused by low humidity or cold air Fix: Increase humidity and ensure temperature stability
  • Leaf spotting: May appear if overwatered or placed in stagnant air Fix: Improve airflow and reduce watering slightly
  • Thrips or mealybugs: Can target stressed plants Fix: Wipe leaves with neem solution and isolate the plant

Additional notes for serious growers

Piper ornatum is not a fast grower — it rewards patience and consistency over time. Understanding its origins — tropical understory with high moisture and filtered light — gives a roadmap for how to care for it. Keep the root zone airy, the leaves mist-free, and avoid environmental shocks. When conditions are right, it develops vibrant foliage unlike any other Piper species. It's a plant for collectors who appreciate detail and subtlety.

Etymology of Piper ornatum

“Piper” is the Latin word for pepper, as the genus includes true pepper plants. The species name “ornatum” means “decorated” or “adorned” in Latin, referring to the striking leaf patterns. It was first formally described by botanist N. E. Brown in 1884.

FAQs about Piper ornatum

  • Can Piper ornatum be grown in a closed terrarium?Yes, it thrives in high humidity, but ensure enough airflow and space to climb.
  • Does it produce flowers?Yes, but they're small and insignificant compared to the leaves; rarely seen indoors.
  • Is Piper ornatum edible or medicinal?No, it is ornamental only and should not be consumed.

Ready to grow something rare and beautifully veined? Order Piper ornatum now and bring a touch of Sulawesi’s tropical canopy into your home.

Piper ornatum

€89.50Price
VAT Included
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  • Piper ornatum comes in following sizes:


    Baby Plant – is approximately 10–15 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 6 cm pot.


    M – is ca 30 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 9 cm pot

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