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Peperomia Serpens Breakdown:
Light: Medium indirect light
Humidity: Moderate to high
Watering: Allow soil to dry out between waterings
Soil: Well draining
Propagation: Cutting
Peperomia Serpens Watering Requirements
The watering requirements for a Peperomia Serpens care are very similar to other Peperomia plants. As their leaves are quite thick and almost succulent you don’t want to be watering this plant too often. Instead allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Once the soil has dried out water the plant thoroughly, but make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom of your pot to allow excess water to run out. If you allow the plant to sit in water this can promote root rot which can kill the plant.
If you’re someone who struggles with knowing when to water your plants then try purchasing a moisture probe to help you gauge when the soil is thirsty and when the plant needs a drink. Also it’s important to remember that you may need to change your watering frequency in the summer months compared to in the winter months.
Serpens Lighting Requirements
Just like many other species of Peperomia, the Peperomia Serpens does not do well in bright light. As it is is so small, in its natural environment, this plant would grow under the canopy of other plants and would receive dappled light. To recreate this try placing your Serpens on an east facing windowsill, or use a sheer curtain to break up brighter light.
Your Serpens should do well in low to bright light, just try to keep it our of direct sunlight.
Humidity Requirements
Peperomia Serpens do better in high humidity but will also do well in medium humidity. They do not like dry and arid conditions but a moderate level of humidity should be fine for this plant. If you don’t have a humidifier and you don’t live in a humid area then try misting your plants for that added humidity.
Soil Type
As Peperomia Serpens doesn’t like to sit in water it’s important that they have a well draining aerated soil that allows water to pass through and exit via the drainage holes in the pot. We would recommend a well balanced potting mix with perlite added.
You can buy this Espome Organic Perlite on Amazon.
Propagation
Propagating this plant is relatively as it propagates in the same way as many other Peperomia plants. Simply take a cutting of the stem with leaves attached and either place in a jar of water so you can watch the roots grow or plant directly in soil. If you use the water technique then wait until the roots are approximately two inches long before potting it in soil.
Serpens Temperature
Repotting Your Peperomia Serpens
You will not have to repot this plant often as it doesn’t grow very large so does not have a network of very long roots. You may need to repot it once a year, if you do then repot it in the spring time right before the growing season. However, you may find that your plant doesn’t need repotting and you can wait until the year after or even after that.
So to summarise, our top tips for Peperomia Serpens care include:
- Medium indirect light
- Moderate to high humidity
- Allowing your plant to dry out between waterings
- Well draining water
- Warm temperatures
Peperomia Serpens FAQ
Be sure to check out some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Peperomia Serpens care to see if any of them apply to you and your queries.
Is Peperomia Serpens A Succulent?
Peperomia Serpens is not a succulent although it does have succulent like leaves. This means that you shouldn’t overwater the plant but it also shouldn’t be treated like a succulent.
Do Peperomia Serpens Grow Quickly
Yes they do. Although Peperomia Serpens do not grow very large, if grown under the right conditions they will put out new leaves very quickly and you will be able to see lots of growth throughout one growing season. This is why they are such great plants to propagate as you will see growth very quickly.
Do Peperomia Serpens like to be wet?
No this plant does not like to be wet, it especially does not want to sit in wet soil. It’s very important that you allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Although it does not like to sit in water, it does like higher levels of humidity. You don’t have to create a jungle in your home but try to avoid arid and drier conditions for this plant.
Is Peperomia Serpens Toxic To Pets?
Like many other species of Peperomia, the Serpens can be dangerous for pets if ingested. You might see irritation, vomiting or diarrhoea, so we would definitely recommend not purchasing this plant if you have pets especially if you are unable to keep it out of their reach.
We hope you’ve found this guide on Peperomia Serpens care useful. Although it is not a common houseplant currently we hope it grows in popularity and hopefully with this post we can encourage more people to buy one. If you have any other questions regarding this fantastic little plant then please leave them in the comments below.
Peperomia Serpens fun tip! As these plants are so easy to propagate try gifting cuttings to friends and family that also love houseplants so we can spread it and increase its popularity in houseplant enthusiasts.
is this plant lucky indoor?