Peperomia
Tropical House Plants

Peperomia

By January 11, 2023 No Comments

Peperomia

Peperomia tolerate a range of growing conditions, have interesting foliage, and stay relatively small and compact. In general, they make for slow-growing and low-maintenance plants.  Many varieties are trailing and others grow upright.

Growth: Typically 6-12 inches wide and tall. Slow growing and low maintenance house plant.

Light:

Place peperomias where they can receive bright, indirect light from a window. They can tolerate low-light situations, though the foliage might not be as vibrant. They also do well growing under fluorescent lighting.

Soil:

A loose, well-draining soil is key for peperomia plants to prevent root rot. Pick a houseplant potting mix with peat moss, and it would be beneficial to also add some orchid bark into your soil mixture.

Water:

These plants like regular watering but not to the point that the soil gets soggy. Allow the soil to dry to the touch in between waterings. And slightly cut back on watering in the late fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Fertilizer:

Fertilize every other week during spring to fall with a diluted liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release fertilizer pellets at the beginning of the growing season. Do not fertilize in the winter.

Pruning:

*Pruning your peperomia plant isn’t technically necessary, but you might want to prune back the plant if it stretches taller than a foot. The goal of pruning is to maintain the size you desire,. Cut off dead or damaged growth as needed.*

Potting and Repotting:

Peperomia thrives when it’s slightly potbound, so choose a pot that just fits its root ball. Repot plants in the spring every two to three years, even if it’s just to refresh the soil. You can either replace them in their existing container if the roots still fit or go up to a slightly larger pot size.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Peperomia plants aren’t prone to developing any serious pest or disease problems.

Potential Concerns:

Wilting Leaves/Scabs on Leaves– most commonly a result of overwatering.

Peperomia like moderate soil moisture and high humidity, but they can be very sensitive to overwatering.

Leaves Dropping

Don’t be alarmed if your plant loses a few bottom leaves, as this is normal. But a massive leaf drop is usually due to a drastic temperature change or a fertilizer problem.

Peperomia are non toxic and pet friendly.

Common Varieties of Peperomia

  • Watermelon(Argyreia/Sandersii)
  • Hope
  • Clusifolia/Tricolour/Jelly/Ginny
  • Obtusifiolia/baby rubber plant
  • Orba/Teardrop
  • Ferreyrae/Happy Bean
  • Ruby Cascade
  • Graveolens/Ruby Glow
  • Caperata
  • Albovittata/Piccolo Banda/Peacock
  • Rubella
  • Prostata/String of Turtles
  • Frost