Peperomia is a tropical, evergreen semi-shrub. An exquisite member of the Piperaceae family. This perennial is most commonly found in the tropical forests of South America, but also grows in Asia and Africa. It likes to settle on tree trunks, loose peaty soils or rocks. There are over 1,000 species, all with different features and characteristics, but their care is virtually the same. Grows up to 40-50 cm in height. Appreciated for its decorative, leathery leaves, which are brightly coloured in gold or metallic, having white, sometimes lemon-yellow streaks. It blooms in tail-like long white inflorescences that rise above the foliage and then produce very small, dry berries that easily fall off after touching them.
What are Peperomia plants good for?
The leaves of the peperomia are very varied from one species to the other. There are some quite memorable leathery, wrinkled and shiny leaves as well as small and slender ones. The colouring can be light or dark green, brown, golden, silvery-striped, with white or yellow spots or streaks. The plant blooms in spring and summer, with numerous flower stalks rising above its leaves with spike-like inflorescences, which occur in different species in a very variable manner. As the fruit becomes ripe, small, dried berries appear on the surface of the inflorescence, which are easily removable on touch. The plant varies in height from 15 to 50 cm. Self-pollination is common, with wind and insects such as murrelet flies acting as a cross- pollinating agent.
How to care for the peperomia plant?
Due to its decorative beauty and relative unpretentiousness, it has captured the hearts of many florists. The plant can be grown in the flat, office or conservatory, with the right conditions. The creeping or drooping species are grown as an ampel plant, placed in a hanging cache. The miniature species can be combined with other epiphytes. Flower compositions with periomyces look bright and attractive. It can be grown using a hydroponic system and does very well without soil. The refined and ornamental creature will decorate the modern interior with its presence, bringing freshness and harmony into the interior. The most important thing in care of the tropical guest is to shelter it from direct sunlight, watering and temperature regime.
How often do peperomia need to be watered?
How often should you water Peperomia? What is the best way to water Peperomia? How do you know if Peperomia needs water? Water the peperomia houseplant abundantly during its vegetation period with soft water, a couple of degrees above the room temperature and filtered water. In autumn and winter watering should be reduced according to the rule “better underwatering than overwatering”, as excessive moisture in the soil can lead to root rotting, which is always difficult to deal with. If the leaves wither and fall off, it is a sign of insufficient watering.
Peperomia flower care? You should fertilise every fortnight from early spring to late autumn and once a month during the winter. Comprehensive mineral fertilisers designed for indoor plants are suitable. The shoots can be pruned so that the peperomia can branch better.
Does peperomia tolerate low light?
How often should you water a peperomia in winter? How often should you water a peperomia? How do you water peperomia in the winter? What is the best way to water peperomia? The indoor peperomia needs a bright light, but direct sunlight must not be allowed to reach the leaves. If it is growing on the south side, either place the plant in the back of the room or diffuse the light with paper. No shading is required if it is grown on the west or east side. On a northern window sill, there may not be enough light and artificial light will have to be resorted to. The peperomia forms with green leaves are shade-tolerant, while the variegated ones need more bright light. In winter, the lighting should also be bright.
How do you prepare soil for Peperomia?
What type of soil is best for Peperomia? What pots do Peperomia like? What type of soil is used for Peperomia obtusifolia? Pepperomia prefer loose and light soils which do not retain water and are air permeable. You can use ready-made mixes for succulents or ficuses, the most undemanding peperomias (e.g. blunt-leaved peperomia and wrinkled peperomia) can also be planted in universal potting soil, supplemented with vermiculite. Good drainage is important for peperomias – for this purpose, it is best to use expanded clay pebbles, which should take up at least 1/3 of the pot’s volume.
Does Peperomia like moist soil?
The peperomia is generally tolerant of air humidity, although under natural conditions it exists at around 60% humidity. For most of the year, a room humidity level is quite sufficient for them, but in winter and late autumn it is advisable to spray the plants daily, as central heating dries the air very much. If there is a humidifier in the room, spraying is not necessary. Succulent species of the peperomia (Graveolens, Chiseled, Columnar) tolerate the winter dryness in flats more easily and can be sprayed more sparingly.
What temperature can peperomia tolerate?
Can peperomia survive cold? Do Peperomias like heat? The temperature should be medium throughout the year. In summer and spring, the peperomia is usually best at around 22 °C at home. During the winter, the temperature can be reduced by a couple of degrees, even if it falls below 16 °C, which may be the reason that the plants become diseased. Only certain types of domestic peperomia can be taken outside and it is best to avoid any risk as draughts are fatal for the plant. Why are my Peperomia leaves getting brown spots?
How to propagate peperomia flower?
Propagation is done by several methods: bush division, cuttings and leaves. The easiest and most affordable method is to divide the shrub during replanting. A densely growing bush can be divided into 2 or 3 smaller plants. Be careful not to damage the roots of the plant during dividing. When propagating by cuttings, select an apical or stem cuttings with one or two nodes and plant them in a prepared mixture of peat, sand and leaf soil mixed in equal proportions. It is advisable to cover the container with a glass jar and maintain a temperature of 25 °C. After a month, the cuttings will take root and can be planted in the prepared pots and cared in the same way as an adult plant. You can also obtain cuttings with roots by simply placing them in a container of water.
What are peperomia flower pests?
What is eating my Peperomia? What is eating my Peperomia? What does it mean when your Peperomia flowers? Do Peperomia get spider mites? If not cared for properly, the peperomia can be attacked by parasites such as thrips, scales and spider mites, which can be treated with special insecticides. At the initial stage, wiping the leaves with soapy water will be sufficient. Rotting of the root system can occur due to fungal infections. This occurs if the soil is too wet, so replanting in new soil and reducing watering will be necessary. Leave enough time between watering so that the soil can dry out. Paleness of the leaves indicates too much sunlight; try to find a more shady location for the flower. Leaf drop indicates that the room air is too cold or there is a lack of moisture in the soil. Why does my Peperomia have holes in the leaves?
How often do peperomia need to be watered?