Peperomia plant comes under the category of semi-succulents and it is so beautiful with it's thick bushy leaves. This is considered as one of the famous indoor plant which grows with minimal care. Peperomia plant leaves can be thick, plump, rippled, quilted, corrugated, smooth, hairy, or shiny, and can be various shades of green, red, gray, and cream. The pattern on the leaves may be marbled, striped, or a solid color. Most of the thicker-leaved varieties can be treated like succulents as they retain water in their waxy leaves.
Botanical name: Peperomia obtusifolia
Common names: Peperomia, baby rubber plant, radiator plant
How to propagate Peperomia
Peperomia plants are easy to propagate in water and soil though stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. Make sure to choose mature plants for propagation. First, you will need to select a branch to cut. Pick branches that are a bit longer.
Now, identify the nodes of the plant. Nodes are the bumps that leaves grow out of. This is also where roots will grow out of. Use sharp scissors to cut just below a node. Remove the leaves that will fall in the water. Wet the stem and dip it in rooting hormone for faster root formation.
Place the stem in water and keep it in shade. You should have roots on your peperomia cutting sufficient to plant in soil in about a month.
Growing Peperomia
Soil type : Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably one containing coco fiber and perlite to keep the soil loose and aerated.
Light : For the best leaf color, grow under bright, indirect light such as window side. Can also be grown under fluorescent lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
Pot requirements : As with most houseplants, be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil and root rot.
Peperomia plant care
Light requirements
Peperomia needs medium to bright light. If the leaves are looking sad and dull, it might not be getting enough light. Make sure to keep the plant in an open indirect light area.
Watering
Because of its succulent-like qualities, peperomia stores water in its thick leaves and stems and doesn’t require frequent watering. Aim for giving it a drink every seven to ten days, or when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure that the pot has good drainage, otherwise it can lead to root rot.
Re-potting:
Because of its slow growth rate, peperomia can be re-potted once in an year. When you do re pot, move your plant to a container that is only slightly larger.
Fertilizing:
Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once every month or so from early spring through late summer. Do not fertilize in winter.
Pruning
Peperomia plants can be pruned anywhere along the stem. New growth develops from the nodes just below the cut in the stem.
FAQ
Why Is My Peperomia having yellow Leaves?
Does Peperomia need sunlight?
Yes, this is not a low light plant. Medium to high light is needed to keep the leaves happy.Is peperomia a succulent?
Though they do have thick leaves, peperomias are considered as semi-succulents.Can I propagate peperomia from a leaf cutting?
Yes, cut off a leaf with a little bit of stem. Dip in rooting hormone and place in a tiny shallow water dish, just like the stem cuttings!What are the peperomia varieties?
- 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)