Question

Mystery plant  
Mystery plant 2   QUESTION: I have a houseplant, have had it for at least 14 years, that I have never been able to identify. I thought at first it was a Hoya species, but it doesn't quite fit the characteristics. It has whorled leaves, parallel veins, no flower to speak of, but once or twice a year it sets one or two little tiny catkin-like spikes, with very teensy seeds, almost microscopic. It is a viny, climber kind of plant, with a milky sap when cut. It grows slowly, but is hardy and needs very little attention. I am attaching images, to help with this identification. I know plants very well, and have utilized the internet resources I can find to no avail. I cannot seem to find a picture or accurate identification. Maybe you can help? (Yes, that is a croton in the background)

ANSWER: Allison,

It looks like a wandering jew or something in the pepperomia family which does have the catkinn like spike but they do not have the milky sap when cut. Where do you live in Alaska? I have a son just north of Anchorage in Eagle River. I am very busy right now because of a bonsai club picnic at my house this Saturday.  I will do my best to figure this out for you next week and get back with you. I am surprised that you can grow all thos plants in Alaska with the lower temps and less light in winter. Do you have a greenhouse or do you use lights indoors? Just curious? I will be up next May for my Grandaughter's high school graduation. I will figure this out for you.

Darlene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Darlene,
Thanks so much for answering. Since I have never used this site before, I asked my question of 2 of the experts (you and Will) and Will identified it. Yes, it's a Peperomia blanda langsdorfii! Your intuition was leading you in the right direction.

I am in Anchorage, just 10 miles or so from Eagle River. We have so many daylight hours in summer, and apparently sufficient in winter for houseplants to do well. If they can be in or near a window, or have full spectrum lighting, they remain green and healthy year round. We have many plant enthusiasts here (winter can be gloomy, so the green is nice) and a number of large, commercial greenhouses and a very large, busy indoor landscaping company.

I love bonsai plants, I only have one, but my time is very limited, so I haven't investigated the practice. I also have on orchid (a dendrobium sp)  for the same reason. I rescued it from the trash at work in January, and it is actually doing well.

Anyway, when you are up in May, if you have time, I would be happy to show you some of the greenhouses. Our small botanical gardens may be open then, too.... I am not certain about their operating schedule.

Thank you for your answer!
Alison

Answer
Alison,

I am glad Will was able to help you. My son's houseplants do well but he has huge windows that all face south in his living room so even in the winter they get pretty good light. I have been to the green house right down the road from my son's house just off Eagle River Road. I loved that. I would love to go on a tour with you if you have time. When we come up we try to stay for 2 weeks to have time for sight seeing. It is so expensive to come up that we can't do it very often so we want to stay awhile. Our son, Cory is in the Air Force, he will be retiring in about 2 years but plans to stay in Alaska.

What kind of bonsai tree do you have? I would be happy to give you a quick lesson while I am there. If you want to e-mail me a picture of you bonsai e-mail it to me at [email protected]
I will look forward meeting you next May!

Darlene