Growth and Yield of Peperomia pellucida on Watering Frequency and Different Types of Planting Media as an Eco-friendly Domestication Effort

¹ Department of Agribusiness Diploma, Faculty of Vocational School, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
² Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
³ Graduate of Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
⁴ Graduate of Agribusiness Diploma Study Program, Faculty of Vocational School, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: hardianningsih@staff.uns.ac.id

Abstract

Peperomia pellucida L., known as Chinese betel, is a tropical herb rich in vitamin C and has potential as an alternative food source. However, research on its optimal cultivation techniques remains limited. This study aimed to analyze the effect of watering frequency and planting medium on the growth and yield of P. pellucida as part of an eco-friendly domestication effort. The method used is experimental research with a completely randomized design with two factors. Factor 1 is watering frequency, with three levels; factor 2 is the planting medium, with three different types, and there are three replicates for each treatment combination. Based on the results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan's test. Results showed that watering once a day combined with compost medium produced the highest growth and yield, indicating its suitability for sustainable cultivation. The highest vitamin C content was found in P1M3 (watered every two days and using chopped fern media) at 78.86%. Other parameters such as water, carbohydrate, and antioxidant content did not show significant differences. This research is expected to provide important information for the efficient and sustainable optimization of P. pellucida to enhance its nutritional and economic potential.