Peperomia care
Peperomia (also called Radiator plant) is the genera of the family Piperaceae. Peperomias which have about 1600 species are highly decorative houseplants.
They come in several varieties, distinguishable by their leaf variations.
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How to grow Peperomia plant?
Peperomia is one of the easiest houseplants to grow especially for beginners.
Let us delve into its cultural requirements like water, light, humidity, soil, nutrients, etc.
what kind of soil does peperomia need?
Peperomia plants are native to tropical rainforests, where they grow in the epiphytic layer, meaning they grow on top of other plants. This is why peperomias prefer a well-draining soil mix. A good potting mix for peperomia should contain a mix of organic matter and inorganic materials, such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. You can also add some orchid bark or charcoal to the mix to improve drainage.
Here is a simple recipe for a peperomia potting mix:
- 1 part peat moss
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part vermiculite
- 1/2 part orchid bark
- 1/2 part charcoal
You can also purchase a pre-made potting mix for peperomia at most garden centers. Just be sure to choose a mix that is well-draining and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
How much water do Peperomia plants need?
Peperomia plants are highly susceptible to stem and root rot.
We should not let the soil get too wet.
Drench the soil and see the pot drains excess water.
Water the plants when the soil is quite dry.
These plants are much happier when the soil is too dry than too wet.
If we observe wilting, we should check the moisture of the soil. Wilting can happen in case of excess water or in case of less water.
Moisture meter is a handy tool to check the soil moisture.
Click here for more information on moisture meter.
How much light do Peperomia plants need?
Pepormias prefer bright light. Though they can tolerate poor light, the growth of the plant will be affected and their leaves turn lighter in color.
The cause of burnt leaves, curled leaves, or discoloration of leaves could be due to too much light.
What temperature do Peperomia plants prefer?
Peperomias come from humid rain forests. They prefer humid conditions. These plants do well in average to warm temperatures.
The ideal temperature is between 55 to 80 degrees.
We can use a humidifier if the room is too dry. We can also place a layer of pebbles in the saucer, add little water to it and place the plant on top of it.
Does the pest attack the Peperomia plant?
The only pest that may attack the Perperomia is the mealybug. Simply wipe these off with a damp cloth, or dab it with cotton drenched rubbing alcohol.
Peperomia propagation
Watermelon Peperomia plants can be propagated by Leaf Cuttings or by Stem Cuttings.
Leaf Cutting:
- Cut the Watermelon leaf from the mother plant.
- Cut the leaf into halves (horizontally) and place the leaf-cuttings into a pot.
- After a few weeks, if you try to pull the leaf with little pressure and if the leaf is showing some resistance, then we can conclude that the roots are growing.
Stem Cutting:
- Cut the Watermelon leaf with a stalk.
- Place the stalk into a small jar or bottle.
- Once we find new tiny roots, we can shift the baby plant into a new pot.
- This is the easiest method.
What fertilizer should I use for a Peperomia plant?
The soil should not be overly fertile. Too much fertility can injure roots, or cause excessive growth.
Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it once a month in summer or when plants are growing and about every three to four months otherwise.
Is Peperomia toxic to cats?
Peperomia plants are completely non-toxic to pets.
Peperomia obtusifolia
The baby rubberplant (peperomia obtusifolia) is another popular cultivates species that has glossy, thick, and rounded leaves with a waxy surface.
They are also called as blunt-leaved peperomia.
It lies close to the soil and has reddish stems. The leaves of this plant are very small and are held close to the stems.
There so many variegated versions of babyrubber plant.
- Variegata – irregular creamy areas
- Green Gold – golden areas on leaves
- Golden Gate – creamy-white edges
- Tricolor – cream variegation and pink leaf edges
- Sensation – purple stems and gold areas on leaves
- Albo-marginata – creamy margins on pale green leaves
- Gold Tip – marbled with gold toward leaf tips
- Minima – small, dark green leaves.
Reference: https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/peperomia.html
What are the most common varieties of Peperomia plant?
- Variegated Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)
- Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
- Red-edge Rainbow Peperomia (Peperomia clusiifolia)
- Metallic Peperomia (Peperomia rosso)
- Pink Lady Peperomia (Peperomia griseoargentea)
- Silverleaf Peperomia (Peperomia griseoargentea)
