Peperomia Nivalis Breakdown
Botanical name: Peperomia Nivalis
Light: Medium to bright indirect light
Watering: Moderate
Soil: Loose well draining soil with perlite
Humidity: Medium to high
Temperature: Warm
Propagation: Root division or from a cutting
Peperomia Nivalis are a funky little plant that belong to the Peperomia family. Species of Peperomia range from fine leaved all the way to succuelent with their fantastic variety making them such a popular houseplant to collect. The Peperomia Nivalis falls into the succulent category making it a relatively easy houseplant to take care of that doesn’t need a lot from you, but just to get you started off, here is our Peperomia Nivalis care guide.
Watering
Like many other species of Peperomia plant, the Nivalis does not like to be overwatered. Instead allow the soil to dry out partially and then water your plant evenly. If you do overwater your Nivalis it can cause it to wilt which people often mistake for underwatering and water the plant further making the issue worse. These plants can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. A watering schedule of once a week will probably work for a Peperomia Nivalis but check the soil of your plant. You will also find that you need to water it less during the winter months if your home is cooler.
Temperature
Peperomia Nivalis like things to be on the warmer side. It’s important that they are kept away from cold air, droughts and heating systems. The temperature of the inside of a house should be enough for this plant but if you notice it dipping in winter you may want to consider where you keep your plant. They will also benefit from a relatively consistent temperature year round.
Light
These plants will do well in medium to bright indirect light. They can tolerate some direct light but may not do so well if placed in a south or west facing window with access to the strong afternoon sun. They can also tolerate lower lighting conditions but aren’t known as a low light houseplant so instead opt for a medium to brightly lit area.
Propagation
Peperomia can either be propagated via root division or from a cutting. If you are going to propagate via root division then wait until new shoots that aren’t attached to the parent plant appear from the soil. Once you have a few of these take the plant from the pot and gently knead the roots apart being careful to keep in tact as many as possible. Once you have the new segment separated from the original plant you can repot them.
Alternatively you can propagate from a cutting, take a stem cutting with leaves intact and either place it in water or plant it straight into soil. If you choose the water method then you can watch the roots grow through the glass and once they are approximately two inches long you can pot them in soil.
Soil
These plants need loose well draining soil with lots of oxygen, this is especially important as thick heavy soil can trap water which the Peperomia Nivalis definitely doesn’t like. Try using a regular potting mix and adding perlite for aeration. You can also add soil or fine gravel to the mix to keep it light and stop it from compacting.
Fertiliser
Fertilise your Peperomia Nivalis during the growing seasons with a regular strength fertiliser approximately once a month. You don’t need to fertilise your plant during the winter months and you shouldnt need to do it that often during the growing season.
Pest Problems
Peperomia Nivalis can be susceptible to mealy bugs so this is something you will need to look out for.
Peperomia Nivalis FAQ
Now you’ve read our Peperomia Nivalis care guide why not have a look at some of the most frequently asked questions on how to care for this quirky little plant.
Are Peperomia Nivalis easy to care for?
Yes, Peperomia Nivalis are easy to care for. Coming from the succulent variety of Peperomia plants they require very little in terms of care from you. If you find them a nice bright spot with indirect light and water them when they’re thirsty then they should be just fine.
Is Peperomia Nivalis appropriate for a beginner?
Yes a Peperomia Nivalis is more than appropriate for a beginner, it is an easy plant to take care of that does not require a lot of effort to look after.
Do Peperomia Nivalis flower?
Yes this plant puts out small green tendril like flowers. They bloom relatively easily and when kept indoors as a houseplant can stay in bloom pretty much year round.
Can I put Peperomia Nivalis on a radiator?
You should not put your Peperomia Nivalis on a windowsill even though Peperomia often go by the name radiator plant. Doing so can cause the soil to dry out too quickly and can also dry out the air around your plant.
Can I put my Peperomia Nivalis on a windowsill?
There is no clear yes or no answer to this question. Although these plants like bright light they shouldn’t be exposed to strong direct sunlight day long. A north or east facing windowsill may be suitable for your plant as the morning light isn’t as strong but a south or west facing windowsill may not be appropriate (for those in the northern hemisphere).
Will a Peperomia Nivalis grow large?
No, although this plant grows quickly it will not grow to be very large and if it becomes bushy it can be pruned back and propagated. Its small size makes it a perfect desk plant or even great to snuggle onto a shelf and fill up those small spaces that need brightening up with a bit of greenery.
To sum up in order to look after this plant you will need:
- Medium to bright indirect light
- Light well draining soil
- Warm temperatures
- Medium to high humidity
- Consistent temperatures
- Moderate watering
If you have any other questions regarding its care then let us know in the comments below.
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