Overview
Piper chaba is a climbing herbaceous perennial in the genus Piper, part of the Piperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Piper chaba grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include indoor ornamental.
About
Piper chaba, commonly known as piper chilli, is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae native to South and Southeast Asia. P. chaba is called chui jhal or choi jhal in the Khulna Division of Bangladesh, and the states of Tripura and West Bengal in India. P. chaba is found throughout India, and other warmer regions of Asia including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. It is a creeper plant that spreads on the ground. Grow it in full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs subtropical warmth and glass protection in the UK (RHS H1b). It works well for indoor ornamental. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Provide support.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Piper chaba
About the genus
Piper, the pepper plants or pepper vines, is an economically and ecologically important genus in the family Piperaceae. The genus contains about 1,000–2,000 species of shrubs, herbs, and lianas, many of which are dominant species in their native habitat. The diversification of this taxon is of interest to understanding the evolution of plants.
Wikipedia contributors, "Piper (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Piper (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Piper
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Piper chaba size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Indoor ornamental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Piper chaba
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to root rot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Piper chaba?
Piper chaba prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Piper chaba need?
Piper chaba grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Piper chaba hardy in the UK?
Piper chaba has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Piper chaba?
Stem cuttings.