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Peperomia Breakdown
Latin Name: They belong to the Piperaceae family
Place of Origin: Central and South America
Watering Requirements: Prefers moist soil
Lighting Requirements: Low to bright indirect light
Humidity Requirements: Like it humid
Soil Type: Loose, well draining
Height: Approximately 12 inches
Peperomia Care Guide
The Peperomia is a fantastic little houseplant that is gaining popularity all the time. At around 12 inches full size it remains quite small so is easy to manage and can fit anywhere in your home.
Although the species vary in appearance, many of them have a shared feature which is often (though not always) small rounded leaves of varying patterns, making them quite a ‘cute’ addition to your collection.
Peperomia are also low light and non-toxic houseplants which means they’re safe for your furry companions and you don’t need to worry about finding a spot that receives direct sunlight. There are also variegated Peperomia for other gardeners who love that look.
Peperomia care is relatively easy but there are things you can do to help cultivate your Peperomia to the best of your abilities.
Peperomia Lighting Requirements
The Peperomia plant can grow well in low light to bright conditions but avoid placing your Peperomia in direct sunlight or it could cause fading on the marking of the leaves.
During the summer you may want to place your Peperomia on a North or East facing windowsill or just in a spot further back from a south or west facing window. Depending on where you live you may want to move it closer to a light spot during the winter months, but if you live somewhere with lots of sun this might not be necessary.
Peperomia Watering Requirements
You never want your Peperomia’s soil to be soaking wet but since it is a plant that traditionally grows in more tropical regions it prefers to be kept moist.
You may find that your Peperomia drinks its water more slowly than other houseplants so test the soil rather than just watering it at a set time each week and as its beginning to dry out water it thoroughly so that the soil is moist all over.
In the winter you may find that you need to water your Peperomia less to stop the soil from becoming too wet.
Peperomia Humidity Requirements
Peperomia houseplants don’t do well in dry air. If you live in a humid environment this should be enough for your plant but if you live somewhere the air is dried or you are using a heating system that takes the moisture from the air then you may need to invest in a humidifier or at least mist your plants a few times a week. Peperomia humidity is relatively important but as long as your air isn’t too dry your plants should be just fine.
Soil And Potting Requirements
The Peperomia plant likes to be root bound so you shouldn’t need to repot it too often. As for soil, a loose well draining soil will work best. A mix of peat moss and perlite along with a standard potting mix would be great for your Peperomia plant. You can also try using orchid mix as this has the kind of light texture that a Peperomia plant will like.
We would recommend the Espoma Organic Perlite that you can find on Amazon
Fertiliser Requirements
Fertilise your Peperomia during the growing seasons with a diluted fertiliser that releases slowly into the soil. You do not need to fertilise Peperomia during the winter months.
Peperomia Propagation
The plant Peperomia can be propagated in many different ways. The most common way is to take leaf cuttings with the stem attached. You can place these into water or directly into soil.
Another way is to take a leaf from your Peperomia, cut it in half, use root hormone and place it in soil. If you do it this way you will be able to see the pups growing directly from where you took the cutting on your leaf.
To ensure success take several cuttings as not all of your cuttings will take. Peperomia can also be propagated by root division if this is a technique that you would prefer to use.
Important! Although these plants are often known as Radiator Plants, it is better not to keep them on the radiator.
If you do this, the soil will dry out and your plant won’t be getting the moisture that it needs to produce new growth. If placed on top of a radiator, Peperomia plants can dry out quicker than you are able to water them and even if you are watering them often, their leaves will not be able to hold moisture as the air above a radiator is so dry and the plants will dry out and crisp.
Types Of Peperomia
These are some of the most common types of Peperomia and the ones that you’re most likely to have come across.
- Peperomia Serpens
- Peperomia Caperata
- Peperomia Napoli Nights
- Peperomia Orba
- Peperomia Clusiifolia
- Peperomia Incana
- Peperomia Rubella
- Peperomia Asperula
- Peperomia Glabella
- Peperomia Polybotrya Raindrop
- Peperomia Nivalis
- Peperomia Prostrata
- Peperomia Argyreia (watermelon peperomia)
- Peperomia Albovittata
- Peperomia Graveolens
- Peperomia Pepperspot
- Peperomia Paradoxa
- Peperomia Fagerlindii
- Peperomia Pellucida
- Peperomia Griseoargentea
- Peperomia Rosso
- Peperomia Clusiifolia
The most common type of Peperomia that you’ll have seen in people’s houses is the Watermelon Peperomia, named for the distinct markings on its leaves.
Peperomia Plant FAQ
Now you’ve read our Peperomia care guide take a look at our Peperomia FAQ to see if there is any other information you require for your cultivating needs.
Does Peperomia Need Sunlight?
Just like all houseplants the Peperomia needs sunlight however as we mentioned above Peperomias will do well in moderate light and shady conditions. You don’t need to put your Peperomia in direct view of the window.
Are Peperomia Toxic To Cats?
Peperomia are not toxic to cats. Of course this doesn’t mean that you want your cat eating your Peperomia but they are much safer to have in your home than other houseplants.
Is Peperomia Toxic To Humans?
As the Peperomia is not toxic to cats, it also isn’t toxic to humans. Don’t go eating your houseplants but if you do you won’t die if its a Peperomia you’re nibbling on.
Do Peperomia Flower?
Some types of Peperomia plants will put out flowers, their flowers tend to look like small tendrils that grow up from the plant towards light sources.
Why Is My Peperomia Dropping Leaves?
There are many reasons your Peperomia could be dropping leaves and the most important thing to do is to find out the cause.
Feel the soil in the your pot, is it bone dry? This might be the answer to your issue, give your plant a drink. Is the soil soaking wet? Let it dry out or you could risk your plant developing root rot and you will lose a lot of leaves.
Peperomia Plant Summary
Peperomia care isn’t too difficult, they are a relatively low maintenance houseplant, but it is still important to do sufficient research when you take one of these plants into your home in order for them to grow and thrive.
They may be low maintenance but this also doesn’t mean that they can be treated in the same way you would treat a cactus. Keep the soil moist, place them out of the way of direct sunlight, keep your room humid and you don’t need to worry about repotting too often because they prefer to be a bit root bound.
If you follow these rules then you should have success with your Peperomia. But remember to check the individual Peperomia care needs in case they are slightly different.
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