![]() To protect your plant from mealybugs and other pests, you can use a preventative spray like horticultural oil or something like this Leaf Wellness Spray (my personal favorite). Peperomias are fairly pest resistant, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs. Owl Eye Peperomia ( Peperomia polybotrya) is one of the larger peperomia, with large, tear drop-shaped leaves that grow on upright stems.Peperomia Frost ( Peperomia caperata ‘Frost’) is a mounding peperomia with deeply ridged or rippled silvery leaves.String of Turtles ( Peperomia prostrata) is a trailing peperomia with small round leaves that are patterned like turtle shells.Peperomia Rosso ( Peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’) has lance-shaped green leaves with deep ridges and bright red undersides.Baby rubber plant ( Peperomia obtusifolia) is another upright peperomia, with oval leaves that may be green or variegated.Watermelon peperomia ( Peperomia argyreia) is known for its dark green leaves with lighter parallel stripes and red stems.There are over a thousand peperomia species, and we couldn’t possibly cover them all here! But here are some of the classics and some of our favorites, which should give you an idea of the wide world of peperomias! In general, your watering frequency will be higher if your peperomia is in brighter light or has thinner leaves. Stick your finger in the soil-the top two inches should be dry before you give your plant more water. If they are feeling floppy or soft, your plant needs more moisture. Your peperomia’s leaves should feel firm. Rather than relying on a set schedule for watering your peperomia, your best bet is to watch your plant for visual cues that it is ready for another drink: How do you know if peperomia needs water? Just be sure to bring them back inside before the overnight temperatures hit the 50s. They can! Peperomias will do best in shade to dappled sun outdoors in the warmer months-avoid direct sunlight. ![]() However, peperomia are fairly forgiving plants, and yours may do just fine in drier air. If you live in an arid climate, you can use a humidifier or pebble tray to boost the humidity level. Humidity: In their native tropical environment, peperomia get plenty of humidity, so for the healthiest plant, you’ll want to replicate that at home. A balanced houseplant fertilizer will do the trick, but if you can get your hands on one that is a little richer in nitrogen, that’s even better. Try an orchid bark mix, or amend your regular potting mix with one of these blends.įertilizer: In the summer, feed your peperomia every few weeks, though you can drop this down to about once a month or a little less in the winter. Potting Mix: Because peperomia are prone to root rot, you’ll want to use a light, well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Allow the water to drain thoroughly and not sit in the saucer for too long. Then water slowly and thoroughly, until you see water streaming out of the drainage holes. This will aerate the soil and allow the water to reach all parts of the roots. When it is time to water your peperomia, use a chopstick to gently poke holes into the soil, being careful not to stab the roots. Peperomia varieties with thicker, waxier leaves are more succulent like and can go longer between watering sessions. Let the soil dry out between watering-if the leaves and stems still feel firm and the potting soil still feels moist, you can wait a bit to water. So if you are occasionally a forgetful plant parent, peperomia may be the plant for you-they can forgive a missed watering session here and there ( zz plants are another good option if this is you!) Peperomias are succulent-like plants, and their thick leaves allow them to retain water and go a bit longer between waterings. These plants are especially susceptible to root rot, and that is hard to come back from-so no excessive watering! With peperomias, it is better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering. If you take your plants outside in the summer, avoid direct sunlight for your peperomia. Be aware that growth will be much slower under a lower light situation, and the plant will need less water, so be sure not to overwater if that is the case! ![]() However, many can handle low light or even fluorescent light. Peperomia plants will do best in medium to bright indirect light, and thrive in east- or west-facing windows. Various peperomias can trail, mound, stay compact, or grow upright, so there is sure to be one that fits the space you are looking to fill! How do you take care of a peperomia plant? Peperomia care: light requirements This makes them an excellent choice for small spaces where you just need to add a bit of life. With a few exceptions, most species of peperomia stay fairly small.
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