Peperomia - How to Grow Care Guide - Emerald Ripple

Peperomia Plant – caperata

Peperomia caperata

Emerald Ripple Peperomia

There are over 1000 varieties of Peperomia Plants that are mainly native to Central and South America. All Peperomia Plants, which belong to the Pepper Family, are semi- succulentLearn the definition of a succulent plant and why they are called a "fat plant."s with very similar care requirements. The leaves of Peperomia Plants are thick and plump and can be rippled or smooth and shiny. The colors of the leaves of Peperomia Plants come in various shades of green, red, gray, & cream, displayed in solid, marbled and striped patterns. The flowers of a Peperomia Plants are tiny & inconsequential, growing in clusters on upright conical spikes. When small, Peperomia Plants can be used in dish gardens and terrariums. Compact Peperomias are ideal for tables and some varieties make excellent hanging plants. Most Peperomia Plants never grow taller than 12”-18.” The most popular Peperomia plants, used as houseplants, are the caperata and the obtusifolia.

Peperomia

Light

Peperomia plants grow best in bright indirect lightVery few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants. These plants need to be placed directly in front of an east-facing window, within 1-3 feet of a west-facing window, and within 5 ft. of a south facing window. A high light area has over 300 ft. candles of light. provided by a west or east facing, window. They also do well under florescent lights. Insufficient light causes this slow growing plant to stop growing all together. Direct sunlight burns the leaves.

Water

Allow the top 50% of the soil in a peperomia plant to dry out before watering. Over-watering, causing yellow leaves and soggy stems, is the main cause of serious peperomia problems. Root-rot, which causes the plant to die, is the direct result of over–watering. Peperomia plants do well when watered from the bottom. This technique keeps water off of the leaves and helps prevent plant diseases. The thick leaves of a peperomia hold water and allow it to withstand long periods without moisture.

Fertilizer

Fertilize a monthly in the spring and summer with a basic houseplant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. It’s not necessary to feed a peperomia in the fall and winter.

Temperature

Warm temperatures between 60°-80°F (15.5°-26.7°C) are best. Temperatures below 50°-55°F (10°-12.8°C) and cold drafts from windows and doors damage the leaves.

Humidity

Peperomia plants are from the rain forests of Brazil and like a humid environment.

Flowering

Peperomia flowers are small and inconsequential, growing at the top of tall stalks; it's the leaves of a Peperomia plant that are more interesting.

Pests

House Plant PestLearn how to identify and treat the plant pest called Whitefly at https://www.houseplant411.com/glossary/whitefly-plant-pestss such as Mealy BugsLearn how to identify and treat Mealy Bugs, a houseplant pest that leaves sticky, white, cottony residue on houseplants. and AphidsSee a picture, learn to identify, and read about Aphid houseplant pests in the Glossary of Houseplant411.com. can be a problem.

Diseases

Ringspot, a virus that marks the leaves of peperomia plants, and other houseplants, with unsightly round marks, may develop because of the high humidity this plant likes. Since there is no good treatment for ring spot disease, damaged leaves and even the entire infected plant may have to be thrown out. Keep the leaves of a peperomia plant dry and provide good air circulation to prevent ring spot disease. Over watering causes root rot.

Soil

Use a well-aerated potting soil that drains quickly. Peperomia plants are semi- succulentLearn the definition of a succulent plant and why they are called a "fat plant."s and do not like wet feet.

Pot Size

Repot only when the roots of the plant have out-grown the existing pot. Always move a peperomia plant to the next size pot only and be sure the pot has good drainage. Putting a peperomia in a pot that is too large allows the soil to stay wet too long and causes root rot.

Pruning

A peperomia can be pruned at any point along the stem. New growth on the develops from the nodes just below the cut in the stem.

Propagation

Peperomia plants are easily propagated from leaf cuttings, stem tip cuttings, and plant divisionLearn how to propagate plants by plant division at https://www.houseplant411.com/glossary. Be sure to allow the cut ends of the leaves or stems being used for propagationLearn how to propagate plants by plant division at https://www.houseplant411.com/glossary to dry out before planting them.

Poisonous Plant Info

Peperomia plants are non- poisonousPlants are a great addition to homes and offices, but it’s important to know whether your plants are dangerous to children, pets, or even adults. Some plants contain chemicals such as oxalates, solanine, glycosides, or alkaloid lycorine that may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling and redness of the mouth, throat, and lips, and trouble breathing. Touching parts of certain plants, especially the sap, may cause various skin irritations. The weight and age of the human or pet involved, and the part and amount of plant eaten determine how severe the reaction to the toxins will be. Although plants may be listed as non-toxic, they can still cause individual allergic reactions. If there is any question after a houseplant has been ingested or touched immediately call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 The Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants [Paperback]is an excellent reference to keep around if you have young children and pets. plants