How to Care for Peperomia Plant 2023

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Peperomia
Peperomia


Peperomia forms a large genus of about 1,000 species, mainly from tropical and subtropical America. These plants have a close relation with succulents. the Some are epiphytes that grow on trees. Other species of this plant are from tropical rain forests. Most of the species of the Peperomia are annuals. But most are evergreen perennials.

Some of the most popular ones used as houseplants are listed below. But you may sometimes find others that are equally pleasing in the home. Most of those that you are likely to find are easy to growand care for.

Variation in coloring, leaf-shape, and size make them interesting to collect. Small poker-like, creamy-white flower spikes are sometimes produced. But mostly people grow peperomia as a foliage plant.


Varieties of Peperomia

Peperomia

1) Peperomia Argyreia

This plant has shield-shaped leaves. It has dark green and silver blades and red stalks. This plant forms a neat, bushy clump. You can also find this plant by the name Sandersii.

2) P. Caperata

Heart-shaped leaves about 2.5cm long, deeply grooved between the veins. This plants are bushy and have a clump-forming growth. Varieties of this plants have variations in leaf shapes and coloring.

3) Peperomia Clusiifolia

This variety has Leathery leaves about 7.5 cm long. Theedge of the leaves are purple-red.

4) P. ‘Variegata’

This plant variety has cream and red margins. This variety has an upright growth of about 20 cm.

5) Peperomia Fraseri

Circular to heart-shaped leaves, usual-ly arranged in whorls on upright stems. The flower spikes are white and fragrant.

6) Peperomia glabella

Trailing stems with broadly oval, glossy, bright green leaves.

7) Peperomia Griseoargentea

Heart-shaped to almost circular leaves on long pinkish stalks. Deep corrugations between the veins create a quilted look. The under surface is pale green.

8) P. Obtusifolia

This variety has thick, fleshy leaves about 5-10 cm long on short stalks. The plain green form is not often grown as there are several variegated varieties with yellow or cream markings. This plants grow up-right but have a sprawling growth to about 25 cm.

9) Peperomia Pereskiifolia

This variety has whorls of dull green leaves tinged dull red. They grow up to height of 30cm.

10) Peperomia Rotundifolia

It is a trailing species with round, bright green leaves, spanning about 1cm across. This variety is also known as P. Nummulariifolia.

11) Peperomia Verticillata

This plant has distinctive upright growth to about 30cm. The leaves are 2.5cm long found in whorls of four to six along the stems. Foliage is often covered with fine hairs.


Let us see a few things you should know to keep your peperomia alive and healthy.

Light

Peperomia grows well in light to moderate light. Filtered and morning light are just fine. Keep your plant near an east or north-facing window.

These plants also respond well to artificial lightening such as fluorescent lights. Therefore they become an excellent choice for offices.

Temperature

Peperomia plants are best suitable for USDA Growing Zone 10. It means that if the temperature falls below 30 F, these plants are likely to die. Pepromia is a plant of the tropical and therefore they love warm and steamy environment.

Still, peperomia grow well in the relatively cool environment of most homes. The only thing that they hate is dry air. Try maintaining a temperature ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity

Mist the leaves occasionally in warm weather. You can also place the pot in tray filled with water and pebbles to Increase relattive humidity. Avoid doing this in winter.

Watering and feeding

Water these plants regulary during summer. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. For winter, water only when the soil is dry upto a depth of 2 inches. Over watering during winter may lead to root rot and fungus gnat.

Repotting

Most peperomias have only a small root system and annual re-potting is unnecessary. When necessary, move to a slightly larger pot in spring. A peat-based (peat moss) compost (potting mixture) is preferable to one based on loam.

Pruning

Peperomia does not require often pruning. Prune the plant if it reaches 16 inches in height. Use a pair of scissors or knife for pruning. Pruning is necessary to regulate the growth and size of the plant. Go for dead leaves and stems that are very large. Excess of pruning may damage the plant and can lead to stunted growth.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your peperomia plants twice a week during the spring season. Use a liquid fertilizer diluted half to its strength. You can also use slow-release fertilizers. Avoid fertilizing the plant during winter.

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